Qelmucw (Indigenous) Future Student Advisor

Job Responsibility:

Overview The Qelmúcw (Indigenous) Future Student Advisor (QFSA)works as a member of the Future Students team under the direction of the Manager, Student Recruitment. Qelmúcw (Indigenous) Future Student Advisors connect with prospective Indigenous students and key influencers (family members, school counsellors and First Nation education offices, community members, band members, community Indigenous organizations, etc.) to build strong relationships and to promote transition to TRU. This position will also provide information and guidance regarding program offerings, admission requirements, post-secondary funding (including band/community funding structure and processes), and registration information to prospective Indigenous students and applicants. In collaboration with the Future Student Coordinators, QFSA's also assist with the planning and implementation of a variety of campus recruitment events, such as Indigenous transitions day, open houses, group tours, calling campaigns, mailings and electronic communications with prospective students, applicants, new admits, families, school counsellors and district Indigenous educators.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with the Manager; plans, organizes and conducts visits to Canadian elementary, secondary and band community schools, to meet with prospective Indigenous students, Indigenous education workers and school counselors.
• In consultation with the Manager, develops an annual plan to meet yearly Indigenous recruitment and conversion goals that align with the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan.
• Prepares and analyzes reports on Indigenous student application, admission and conversion numbers and determines where recruitment resources are best allocated.
• Prepares and delivers dynamic recruitment presentations in schools, career and education fairs and other related recruitment events regarding program options at TRU. This includes scheduling and confirming visits, making travel arrangements, shipping materials and collecting and recording prospect information.
• Conducts follow-up communications and pro-actively connects with prospective Indigenous students, school counsellors, band, community members.
• Evaluates the outcomes of various recruiting activities, prepares post-trip reports in a timely manner, compiles and reports on statistical information, and makes recommendations for changes or improvements to the Manager. Reports to the Manager on such matters as observations of market trends, and competitors' activities.
• With a primary focus on future Indigenous students, advises prospective students, school counselors, and others on academic offerings, admission requirements, and/or required prerequisite studies. Provides information on housing, scholarships, funding and other services available to TRU students. Advising takes place at secondary schools, at career/education fairs, as well as with individual students and their families visiting TRU. Advising also takes place through telephone, electronic mail and web-based correspondence.
• Provides educational plans and first-year planning prior to admission.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with relevant on an off campus community networks. These networks include, but are not limited to: (1) School districts contacts—district principals and Indigenous educators; (2) Band contacts—band education coordinators, education and program coordinators, chief and council, and administrators; (3) and community indigenous organizations.
• Supports TRU Indigenous Services mandate, goals and long-term vision by identifying and implementing strategies to support post-secondary transition.
• Works collaboratively with other post-secondary institutions to improve Qelmúcw (Indigenous) student recruitment activities.
• In collaboration with the Future Students Coordinators, plans and conducts on-campus recruitment and conversion events, Indigenous transitions events, campus tours, enrolment workshops, interactive on-line chat and other types of virtual meetings with prospective students, applicants and newly admitted students.
• Assists with updating recruitment materials and publications, conducts research, writes communications, and develops presentations. This will involve working with various internal stakeholders (i.e., Admissions, Academic Advising, Office of Indigenous Education, Indigenous Student Development, Marketing & Communications, faculties, etc.).

Reports to Manager, Student Recruitment

Education

• A four-year baccalaureate degree

Experience

• One year of related experience in a post-secondary environment or similar educational environment
• Experience to include student support, educational program planning, advising or counselling, event planning, public speaking and/or group facilitation
• Lived experience working with Indigenous students and communities required

Skills, Knowledge or Abilities Related to the Job

• Ability to communicate effectively to culturally diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to build and develop relationships with Indigenous students, communities and leaders
• Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of historical Indigenous perspectives, protocols, and culture
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Indigenous education funding and procedures
• Lived experience or knowledge the experience Indigenous students have when choosing and entering post-secondary education
• Lived knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities
• Demonstrated ability to conduct engaging presentations
• Ability to deal respectfully with students, parents, guardians, campus partners and the general public
• Ability to maintain and contribute to a positive and respectful workplace environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and relational databases. (i.e., Banner)
• Ability to analyze reports and understand admission trends
• Knowledge of university academic policies, admission requirements and program information
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media platforms
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability with event planning
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and work with minimal supervision and remain focused on departmental objectives
• Ability to travel—independently and for extended periods of time—by road and air travel
• Ability to coordinate office workload, complete and coordinate necessary planning and communication tasks while travelling
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's license with no restrictions that would prevent incumbent from required travel
• Ability to work as part of a team work proactively

Working Conditions

• Extensive travel required within Canada. This role will spend a significant amount of time off-campus visiting schools and attending education/career fairs.
• Standing for long periods of time on concrete floors during education/career fair events
• Repetitive lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 kg (up and down school and event center stairs, in and out of vehicles, through inclement weather, etc.)
• Setting up computer/audio visual equipment and tables and chairs at off-site locations on a frequent basis
• Flexibility in work hours; some evening and weekend work required

The salary for the above position is determined by the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 4879, as it presently exists.

Pay Band: $32.12 - $35.69 ( CUPE Grade 09 (90% - 100%)Salary rate

Please Note : This position may be subject to a 90% salary for the first 560 hours of employment.

How to Apply: Please apply directly on our website:

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment : Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought 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, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contractContract length: 12 months

Pay: $32.31-$35.69 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site childcare
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-03-31