Senior Advisor, Academic Advising Initiatives
About The Position
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs. We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world. The Office of the Faculty Registrar works closely with departments and colleges at the University of Toronto, concerning virtually all matters relating to Arts and Science students. Our department members are dedicated to aid all students to the greatest extent, to make their university experience as smooth and seamless as possible. We coordinate recruitment, admission, financial counselling, academic counselling, registration and enrolment, student records, transfer credit, petitions and appeals, final examinations, and graduation. Reporting to the Associate Faculty Registrar and Director, StudentAffairs, the Senior Advisor, Academic Advising Initiatives will lead the development and implementation of strategic projects and programming that strengthen academic advising across the Faculty of Arts & Science, with the goal of enhancing the student experience.The role collaborates with stakeholders across colleges, academic units, and central A&S student services to advance Faculty-wide advising frameworks, promote alignment of advising practices and systems, and support the ongoing review and refinement of advising-related policies and procedures. This includes translating Faculty priorities into actionable initiatives, guiding implementation across a decentralized environment, and using data, assessment, and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement. The Senior Advisor also leads Faculty-wide professional development initiatives, including the A&S Advising Conference, and contributes to the A&S Advisor Network to foster shared practice, build community, and strengthen collaborations across the Faculty.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
- Six to seven years of recent and related experience in developing, reviewing and implementing policies and business practices in higher education, ideally in a student affairs or registrarial context
- Experience in academic advising (including models, theories, and approaches)
- Extensive experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including leading, organizing, and tracking outcomes, preferably in a university setting
- Experience working with diverse student communities and an understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Experience in developing and making recommendations for policy, procedures, and best practices for the unit
- Experiencing leading reviews of policy and/or business practices in a decentralized environment
- Experience advising senior leadership and driving change. Experience evaluating effectiveness of process and policy changes.
- Experience in developing and delivering effective and engaging learning sessions, programs and presentations, both in person and remotely
- Experience with the U of T Student Advising Service
- Knowledge of competency modeling, training, and organizational development
- Ability to work with diverse groups, including the ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess risks and develop strategies
- Strong communications skills, including experience delivering presentations, facilitating workshops and focus groups, and implementing an integrated communications strategy
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact
- Ability to work with senior administrators in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building
- Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines
Nice To Haves
- Goal oriented
- Multi-tasker
- Problem solver
- Procedural
- Resourceful
- Self-directed
Responsibilities
- Leading the development and making recommendations for policy, procedures and best practices for the unit
- Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance
- Advising on best practices and strategies for effective change management
- Researching and analyzing existing business processes, programs and services
- Providing consultation and advice on the application of University policies and procedures
- Planning and overseeing the implementation of new and/or revised business processes
- Developing components of programs and initiatives that advance strategic objectives. Delivering presentations to promote programs, opportunities and/or initiatives
- Developing program and service materials. Coordinating training and/or learning opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
