Education Advisor

Okanagan College • Kelowna, BC

2d • CA$63,827 - CA$72,927 • Onsite

About The Position

The Education Advisor plays a vital role in advancing Okanagan College’s mission to support learner access, success, and informed educational decision-making. Serving as a trusted source of guidance for prospective and current students, the Advisor is accountable for delivering accurate, current, and institutionally approved academic advising related to programs, pathways, admission requirements, policies, and registration processes. Through comprehensive academic advising and pathway support, including application, registration, and transition guidance, the role supports equitable access to education, reduces barriers to entry, and enables students to make informed decisions from first inquiry through enrolment and transition.
This position exists to safeguard the integrity, consistency, and reliability of academic advising across the institution. Education Advisors engage with secondary schools, community organizations, and mature learners within assigned territories; collaborate with Faculty, Admissions, Future Student Advisors, and other institutional partners; and utilize institutional data systems and CRM tools to support coordinated outreach, follow-up, and retention efforts. The role contributes directly to student retention and successful transition by identifying barriers, clarifying expectations, and connecting students to appropriate supports. Inaccurate or inconsistent advising may result in delayed admissions, misaligned program selection, registration errors, extended time to completion, or formal complaints, creating operational, compliance, and reputational risks for the College. As such, the role requires a high degree of professional judgment, diligence, and accountability and is essential to achieving enrolment objectives and reinforcing Okanagan College’s commitment to quality, equity, and student-centred service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, with a focus on Student Services, Counseling, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ related experience in academic advising, student services, recruitment or enrolment management.
• Experience working with high school students, mature learners, and diverse student populations.
• Knowledge of post-secondary education pathways, transfer agreements, and academic program structures.
• Familiarity with virtually based advising models, Indigenous student support, and career pathway development.
• Strong advising, mentorship, customer service, and student support skills.
• Knowledge of educational advising at the developmental and academic levels.
• Proficiency in student information systems, CRM platforms, Microsoft Office programs, internet Banner, BCCAT online, allocated software systems and data tracking tools.
• Ability to collaborate with recruitment, admissions, and faculty teams to enhance student pathways.
• Proficiency in student information systems, CRM platforms, Microsoft Office programs, internet Banner, BCCAT online, allocated software systems and data tracking tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of student services, admissions, and registration processes at Okanagan College is an asset.
• Knowledge of international exchange process, partner institutions, and the related visa and immigration requirements.
• Expertise with various provincial transfer systems and an understanding of the articulation process within the Canadian educational system.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group advising sessions for prospective and current students, ensuring they understand program and admission requirements, and career pathways.
• Guide students through the application, program selection, and course registration processes to facilitate a smooth transition through post-secondary education.
• Support prospective and current students in identifying pathway options, including transfer agreements, upgrading programs, and dual credit opportunities.
• Assist students in overcoming barriers to enrolment and academic success through personalized advising and referrals to student support services.
• Collaborate with Future Student Advisors (FSAs) and international team to coordinate high school engagement activities, including presentations, application preparation workshops, and career pathway planning in collaboration with OC’s Careers Hub.
• Support relationships with high school counselors, career advisors, and Indigenous education coordinators to support student transitions into OC.
• Develop and deliver high school advising presentations, career exploration workshops, and application support sessions as required.
• Support international-specific strategies for in country international student outreach, ensuring equitable access to Canadian post-secondary education.
• Partner with Admissions and Recruitment to ensure applicants receive ongoing advising and follow-ups to complete their enrolment.
• Identify and support applicants at risk of non-enrolment, providing early interventions and assistance with academic planning, student services, and emergency financial aid.
• Assist newly admitted students in their transition to college, ensuring they understand key milestones such as course selection, registration deadlines, and student support resources.
• Participate in orientation programs, first-year transition initiatives, and student success workshops or other events as identified.
• Utilize CRM tools and institutional research data to track student engagement, advising trends, and enrolment patterns.
• Work closely with the Academic Advising & Enrolment Manager and Data-Analytics Reporting team to assess the impact of advising efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Maintain accurate digital records of student advising interactions and outcomes to enhance advising effectiveness and support OC students’ experience.
• Contribute to coordination of regional advising efforts and recommend improvements and supports.
• Stay up to date with OC’s program offerings, admission requirements, articulation agreements, and academic policies.
• Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to understand program updates, industry trends, and student demand.
• Provide faculty with insights from high school outreach, advising sessions, and immigration considerations, ensuring alignment between student interests and academic program development.
• Assist in the development of advising materials and program guides for prospective and current students.
• Support mature learners by providing guidance on career transitions, professional development programs, and upgrading pathways.
• Work with Continuing Studies and Careers Hub to promote career-focused educational opportunities for adult learners.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives, including mature learner information sessions and Return to Learn workshops.
• Participate in enrolment events like: Experience OC, Open Houses, Dual Credit Collaborations, Parent & Guardian Nights, to support prospective students.
• Organize and plan High School Counselor Training Summits in collaboration with the FSA’s and OC Event planning team.
• Work closely with FSAs to ensure a cohesive student recruitment and advising experience.
• Attend Indigenous recruitment events, industry partnerships meetings, and community networking events to enhance advising visibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level