Program Liaison (Term-certain, Full time)

Red Deer Polytechnic; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% supplementary hourly rate in lieu

Job summary

Red Deer Polytechnic seeks a Program Liaison to deliver academic advising services, guide students through pathways to program completion, and support retention initiatives. You will collaborate with enrollment, student support, and work integrated learning teams to ensure accurate course planning and timely progress.

The role requires strong relational, analytical, and communication skills, with independent judgment and creativity to navigate complex student situations. 35 hours/week on-site.

Qualifications

• Four-year undergrad or equivalent required; specific program focus specified.
• Driver’s license with clean abstract required.
• Ability to present and communicate clearly to diverse student groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate program-specific academic advising and course planning.
• Track student progress and maintain up-to-date program planning information.
• Coordinate enrolment, scheduling, and transfer/credit processes with registrars and support units.
• Deliver registrations training and present workshops; liaison across schools and student services.
• Support retention initiatives and assist students with pathway changes and appeals.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation delivery

Relationship building

Data interpretation

Time management

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in business, Education, Arts and Science

Driver’s license with clean abstract

Tools

Banner

Degree Audit

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Program Liaison delivers academic advising services, implements strategic enrolment initiatives, represents assigned School and academic programs, and collaborates with departments responsible for enrollment, student support, and work integrated learning services. The Program Liaison advises and guides new, continuing, and off-track students through pathways to program completion. The role is highly specialized, varies by school, and requires strong relational, analytical, and communication skills. The Program Liaison must use independent judgement and creativity to navigate complex situations with students. In addition, the role requires flexibility, initiative, and collaboration to facilitate sharing of information with students, faculty, Chairpersons, Associate Deans, the Office of the Registrar including Admissions, Scheduling, Records, Funding and Awards.

Position Responsibilities

Academic Advising and Student Retention

• Provide accurate, program‑specific academic advising to current and returning students, including course planning, sequencing, and program navigation.
• Educate students and provide accurate academic program planning information based on the student’s identified pathway.
• Develop and update individualized completion plans as program requirements or student circumstances change.
• Track student progress throughout their program, ensuring alignment with program requirements and curriculum changes.
• Modify student schedules based on recommendations from Accessibility Services.
• Notify and connect with CEED for off‑track and International students when there are schedule changes or modifications made to student registration.
• Monitor student progress, including time limits for program completion where applicable.
• Maintain up‑to‑date academic program planning information accessible to staff and students.
• Provide accurate information and assist students with change of program, registration, transfer credit and prior learning assessment.
• Deliver student registration training.
• Communicate approved course substitutions to Office of the Registrar for accurate program completion.
• Ensure Grad Tracker accurately reflects program requirements and address any incorrect information with the Office of the Registrar.
• Audit student program completion using assigned software to ensure accuracy.
• Train students to use Grad Tracker to assist with registration decisions and monitoring program completion requirements.
• Provide students with alternate entry options including testing, GPA improvement, and substitutions.
• Disseminate accurate information to students, avoiding gaps or contradictory messaging.
• Communicate important dates and deadlines to students including but not limited to Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal, Tuition Deposit, Tuition Fee Payments and Registration.
• Identify cohorts, monitor for off‑track patterns, and proactively intervene with students when necessary.
• Support retention initiatives by monitoring academic standing and providing early alerts to appropriate stakeholders.
• Liaise with International and Indigenous Student Services when working on program pathways to completion.

Student and Program Support Services

• Respond to inquiries made in person, by phone, and email within established standards.
• Refer students to the Student Connect Centre for emergency bursaries, financial aid, scholarships, and awards.
• Advise students on the application process for Emergency Food Hampers or Student Financial Supports.
• Connect with students to proactively monitor progress and make referrals to resources and services such as counselling, accessibility, international, Indigenous, tutoring, etc.
• Support at risk students, including those on academic warning/probation, off track, part time, and returning students.
• Provide information on student, academic, and administrative policies and procedures relevant to academic advising.
• Collect and record student information ensuring compliance with POPA and CASL requirements using Banner, Grad Tracker, and client relationship information systems.
• Support events and initiatives including Campus tours, New Student Orientation, Open House, Program Information Sessions, and Convocation.
• Market and promote all programs/courses including work integrated learning and co‑curricular opportunities.
• Communicate advising updates and concerns to Associate Registrars, Associate Deans, and Chairpersons as the primary liaison for assigned programs.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and workshops.

Enrolment Management

• Monitor program enrolment including course registration reporting capacity, trends, and issues to Associate Dean and Associate Registrars.
• Attend school meetings when agenda topics relate to program advising or student progress.
• Provide guidance to Office of the Registrar on course sequencing for preset/block‑registered programs.
• Convey program updates, curriculum changes, and enrolment considerations between schools and Student Connect Centre.
• Collaborate with Associate Deans and Chairs regarding enrolment patterns, program shifts, and student needs.
• Provide feedback on enrolment management planning and targets upon request.

Required Qualifications

• Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of university in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent.
• Please specify which program is required for this role: Bachelor’s degree in business, Education, Arts and Science.
• License/Registration required: Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract

Preferred Qualifications

• Over Two up to Three Years of student advising experience
• Superior communication skills including the ability to deliver presentations (both written and verbal)
• Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Ability to source, compile, and interpret data for presentation to others
• Must be able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high‑volume work environment
• Must be willing to work independently and collaborate with others to achieve goals and objectives
• Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office, Banner, Degree Audit, and Client Relationship Management systems.

Benefits and Compensation Information

• An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.

Desired Start Date

Dec 7, 2026

End Date

July 30, 2027

Hours of work

From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community. To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression. Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Position is open until filled, however, the first review of applicants will be on Nov 10, 2026