Senior Policy Advisor & Research Lead

Description:

About us:

In collaboration with divisions/campuses, the Admissions team of University Admissions and Outreach in the Division of the Vice-Provost for Strategic Enrolment Management is responsible for planning and managing undergraduate admissions for all direct entry undergraduate programs at the University. Admissions maintains expertise in current research and best practices in admissions policy and processes. It is responsible for providing information and advice to the tri-campus undergraduate community concerning admissions policy and process, and further acts a resource to divisional/campus admissions committees.

Your opportunity:

Under the direction of the Director, University Admissions, the incumbent oversees the work of one of the three core teams in University Admissions – the Policy Team. The Policy team is responsible for conducting research, analysis, and synthesizing findings to advise the tri-campus university in all aspects of undergraduate university admissions – including being the primary advisors on determining equivalencies for the Ontario Secondary School curriculum. The incumbent will gather and assess data (both quantitative and qualitative) toward the development of admissions policies, guidelines, best practices, processes, and professional development/training materials to further the strategic enrolment management priorities of the University. The ultimate goal is to support the tri-campus in enrolling diverse and dynamic undergraduate populations to meet divisional and institutional targets, and to manage an admissions process that aligns with the highest levels of student-centric and inclusive service, embedded in the University’s mission.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the day to day work of the Policy Team. Serving as an expert resource to a group of professionals in the specialty.
• Conducting detailed data analysis and/or literature reviews to inform management decision making and strategy. Producing complex statistical reports.
• Providing guidance and communicating information & updates on new admissions policies and processes.
• Leading the development and making recommendation for program admission and enrolment policies. Conducting detailed analysis on existing admission policies & processes, including determination of equivalencies to the Ontario Secondary School curriculum, and providing information to support policy updates & development.
• Providing consultation and advice on the application of laws, rules, policies and procedures (e.g., federal, provincial, university).
• Planning and implementing components of research projects.
• Consulting with the tri-campus undergraduate university admissions community to understand their strategic enrolment priorities and business requirements; Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance to advance and refine policy priorities.
• Keeping well-informed on industry best practices and trends.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience working in a University environment, preferably within a high-volume university or college admissions office.
• Experience advising prospective students and assessing applications for admission.
• Experience interpreting and applying university policies.
• Experience in preparing reports which support policy and guidelines development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of educational systems and international credential assessment.
• Strong computer skills including making use of external information systems and web-based applications; Advanced software skills to include: Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.
• Broad-ranging numerical skills, analytical/statistical skills, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interpret, summarize and present information.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Able to exercise tact, discretion and exercise good judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders comfortably and professionally with a customer-service orientation and maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines and manage competing priorities and processes, while maintaining high level of quality.
• Capacity to react to adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently in a collaborative manner.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Knowledge of University and University Admissions and Outreach policies, procedures and business processes is an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Cooperative
• Organized
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Resourceful

NOTE: This is a term position ending September 2027. 

Closing Date: 08/19/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type : Budget - Term; This is a term position ending September 2027.
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $97,348. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $124,491. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Fiona Chan

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.