Program Advisor

Yorkville University • Vaughan • 1w ago

We are looking for the visionaries, the change-makers, and the self-starters who are seeking more from their career. Change begins with the small decisions we make, each day, to support each other, and strive to create inspiring, incredible educational experiences for all students, no matter where they are, or how they learn. In choosing a career with Yorkville University, you will have the opportunity to push boundaries, flex your creativity, and inspire positive change for so many people.

Our core values put the student experience at the center of what we do, reflecting who we are, and aspire to be. If you want to shine a light on academic excellence, be empowered to make an impact on the transformation of the Canadian post-secondary education landscape, and work collaboratively beyond levels, join us.

Who we need

Reporting to the Manager of Student Experience, the Program Advisor plays a key role in fostering student success, focusing on continuous progression and timely program completion of YU programs. Collaborating closely with the Manager, Student Experience, and the Senior Program Advisor, the Program Advisor ensures that students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey.

As part of the Student Experience team, the Program Advisor proactively connects students with various support mechanisms, including academic resources, financial services, IT support, tutoring, accommodations, mental health counselling, career services, etc. This position contributes to a positive campus environment that empowers all team members to excel, grow, and thrive in support of our mission to champion student success.

This is a full time role, currently following a hybrid model working both on-site at our Concord location and remotely.

What’s in it for you

Purpose. You will make a measurable difference in the lives of students—helping them navigate challenges, achieve their goals, and graduate with confidence. You will be part of a student-first culture where your work is valued and your impact is visible. You will have the chance to contribute ideas, shape initiatives, and influence how student services evolve to meet the changing needs of learners.

Career development. Yorkville University is a progressive, forward-thinking, innovative education centre. You will join an organization that inspires change, nurtures collaboration, supports faculty and students in their journey, and continuously innovates. You will expand your expertise in academic advising and build pathways to advance your career within higher education.

As our new Program Advisor, you will:

Be the first point of contact. You will work one-on-one with a caseload of students to identify their academic and personal goals, supporting them throughout their educational journey. You will provide professional and empathetic advising, proactively responding to student needs and guiding them toward self-direction.
Build relationships. You will provide excellent customer service and foster positive relationships with students, offering ongoing support. You will patiently seek to understand student needs and provide appropriate guidance with empathy, respect, and care.
Guide academic planning. You will provide personalized academic advice to students, assisting them in selecting appropriate courses based on their interests and goals. You will advise students on policies and procedures, ensuring they understand implications and required actions. You will assist students proactively with academic planning and meeting graduation requirements.
Support student success. You will monitor student progress, conduct weekly meetings with probation and at-risk students, and track progress on improvement plans. You will support students facing academic challenges, including appeals, dismissals, grades, or credit deficiencies. You will use data to inform advising decisions and maintain accurate student interactions and progress records.
Connect to resources. You will connect students with appropriate university services such as tutoring, accommodations, financial services, IT support, mental health counselling, and career services. You will collaborate with faculty and staff to develop programs and services that enhance the student experience and foster student success.
Promote engagement. You will facilitate educational sessions such as drop-ins, webinars, and orientation programs for incoming students, covering academic expectations, campus resources, and cultural adjustments. You will attend university events to build community with staff and students.
Support operations. You will respond to student inquiries in person, by email, and through tickets. You will participate in registration and other administrative activities contributing to smooth program delivery and a positive student experience.

What you bring:

The education and experience. You have a Bachelor’s degree and experience working with post-secondary students in an academic or support role. You understand student development theory and best practices in student advising and support.
The knowledge. You are familiar with university policies, academic calendars, and procedures, and you can communicate them clearly to students. You understand or are interested in learning about the education sector, including IRCC policies and their potential impact on students.
The interpersonal skills. You are a strong communicator who can build rapport and establish trust quickly with diverse student populations. You demonstrate empathy, patience, and professionalism in every interaction and can maintain appropriate boundaries.
The problem-solving ability. You have strong critical thinking skills and the capacity to support students in addressing academic or personal challenges. You can de-escalate sensitive situations, provide balanced guidance, and empower students to make informed decisions.
The organizational skills. You can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain accurate student records. You are detail-oriented and consistent in documenting student progress and follow-ups.
The commitment. You can maintain confidentiality, uphold professional standards, and contribute to a student-first culture. You bring energy, care, and resilience to the role, supporting students and collaborating with colleagues to champion student success.

Why work at Yorkville University?

An atmosphere that successfully blends an entrepreneurial culture with education. We value innovation and continuously look towards expanding our programming, working with the latest research, tools, and solutions. As a private school with government approval of our offerings, we have the opportunity to do more, stay current, and be future-forward.
The chance to accelerate your career and disrupt education by responding to the needs you see and purposefully challenging the status quo. Everything we do here is about delighting and engaging our employees and ultimately our students from mentorship to teaching, from creative outlets to analytical ones.
A place where all individuals feel welcomed in the academic and workplace environments, and can bring their authentic selves to the educational and work spheres. We celebrate the full range of human diversity, and we acknowledge that equal access to opportunities and services may require the removal of barriers that equity-seeking communities experience in trying to obtain this access.
The opportunity to grow with access to free courses, certifications and programs - right up to our Masters' offerings.
An appreciation for the insights and skills you bring to work with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a wide breadth of wellness services, and a work-life balance.

Join us

We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for, express your interest.

What you can expect from our hiring process:

A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
A virtual interview with the Hiring Manager, to share more about your experience as it relates to the role. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team, and the culture.
A in person interview with future teammates and collaborators.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are a critical component of life at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including women, persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community and other equity-seeking groups.

Yorkville University is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ('AODA'). If you require accommodation for disability, please notify Human Resources at 1-877-429-4029.