STUDENT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – Unama’ki College

Cape Breton University; Sydney; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian university in Sydney, Nova Scotia is seeking a Student Development Officer to support students’ transition to university and enhance their experience. The role involves academic advising, coaching, and developing activities for student engagement. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and a commitment to improving the student experience for Indigenous populations. Applications are due by November 27, 2025.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant area, with additional credentials/experience in academic counselling.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships with constituents from various functional areas.
• Ability to relate to Indigenous students in a manner that engenders trust.

Responsibilities

• Support students’ transition to university and personal growth.
• Program activities to assist students in making critical transitions.
• Ensure entering students receive appropriate academic advice and establish productive relationships.

Skills

Baccalaureate degree in relevant area

Experience in academic counselling

Ability to relate to Indigenous students

Public speaking skills

Coaching and mentoring experience

Knowledge of Mi’kma’ki

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree (asset)

Job description

• Location: CBU
• Competition Number: 178
• Deadline: November 27, 2025 at 11:00 pm

Cape Breton University (CBU) invites applications for the full time continuing, Student Development Officer position at the Unama’ki College.

Unama’ki College, formerly Mi’kmaq College Institute, was established in 1999 to become the focal point for the advancement of Mi’kmaq scholarship, language, and programs at CBU. Unama’ki College is a primary vehicle for CBU to work in partnership with the Mi’kmaq Nation in Mi’kma’ki to achieve goals of mutual interest, specifically those related to the preservation and achievement of Mi’kmaq culture, heritage, and language within a post-secondary context.

It is the role of Student Development to support both Unama’ki College and CBU students’ transition to university, persistence toward graduation, and personal growth through an integrated system of professional and peer-supported services, and to connect our students to the schools.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Student Development Officer, Unama’ki College (SDO) – will participate in the continued integration of student supports related to academic advising, coaching, and career services. The incumbent will ensure that entering students receive appropriate academic advice and that they establish productive relationships with faculty, staff, and other students. The SDO will program activities designed to assist students in making critical transitions, developing their academic plans, connecting with other students, and engaging with learning communities.

Please note that some evening and weekend work will be required.

Some qualifications for this role (but not limited to) are:

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant area, with additional credentials/experience in academic counselling, such as Education, Psychology, Social Work. Graduate degree would be considered an asset.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships with constituents from a variety of institutional functional areas (students, student leaders, staff, faculty, and administration).
• Ability to relate to Indigenous students in a manner that engenders trust and confidence.
• Ability to speak in public and knowledge of a variety of training methods.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and mentoring of student leaders and staff.
• Commitment to improving and enhancing the student experience and enrollment for Indigenous students.
• Knowledge of Mi’kma’ki, community locations, organizations, and networks.
• Knowledge of Indigenous communities as it relates to funding and supports for post-secondary education.
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaw language is a valuable asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Applications for the successful candidate will include a:

• cover letter describing the expertise of the applicant
• complete resume
• list of at least three references.

Please upload all required documents to Additional Documents if no designated area is listed. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Click here to view more information and to apply.

Applications must be received by November 27, 2025

Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CBU is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and applicants are encouraged to self-identity if they are part of a marginalised community, or have experience working with Indigenous communities.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.