Career Services Advisor

Position Job Title: Career Advisor

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Onsite)

Location: University of Niagara Falls Canada Campus in Niagara Falls, ON

Reports To: Associate Director, Student Experience

Under the direction of Associate Director, Student Experience, the Career Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting the overall student experience of UNF students. The Career Advisor will be responsible for developing, promoting, coordinating, and implementing career services at UNF. The Career Advisor designs and delivers customized career development events, workshops, and presentations in a variety of delivery modes, and markets Career Services to staff and students through regular personal contact. The Career Advisor provides students and recent graduates information about and assistance with career planning and development through individual and group advisement on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills. This role works collaboratively with a team of Student Experience staff, along with other colleagues at UNF, to collectively provide robust support for students, ensuring their smooth transition, holistic development, sense of belonging, well-being, and ultimate success at UNF.

Specific Responsibilities:

Career Advising

• Advise and coach students and recent alumni on the career planning process through individual coaching, drop-in sessions, workshops, resource development, and other services.
• Provides individual career coaching, which may include, but is not limited to:
• Educating students and alumni on the career development process and providing support in making decisions about careers, further education, and employment.
• Assisting students and alumni in acquiring relevant and current information about careers and the labour market.
• Administering and interpreting career assessment instruments, as required.
• Meet with students for resume/cover letter/LinkedIn critiques and interview preparation.

Workshop and Presentation Development

• Develop and facilitate small group workshops and seminars that focus on career and employment topics – may include workshops/seminars tailored to specific academic programs and/or career areas.
• Develop appropriate resources, exercises, and processes to support student career development.
• As a key contributor in New Student Orientation (NSO), collaborate with the Student Success Team to create and facilitate a successful onboarding experience for new students. Develop and deliver orientation sessions on topics showcasing career and professional development resources.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop an integrated approach to support at-risk students. Serve as a referral point for students in need.

Event Coordination

• Plan and excite all events run through the Career Services unit, including but not limited to career and experience expos, jobs fairs, volunteer fairs.

Administration & Other

• Facilitate the administration of the UNF student job board.
• Collaborate closely with Student Experience colleagues to provide integrated student services, supports, and resources to UNF students.
• Participate in a weekly rotation on the information desk, providing front-line student support, addressing queries and concerns, and making referrals as necessary.
• Conduct research on best practices, engage with professional associations, and connect with institutional and GUS Canada partners to stay well informed.
• Lead special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Student Experience Manager or other members of the UNF Leadership Team.
• Work collaboratively within a team to conceptualize and create space for new and innovative programming at UNF. Partner with campus colleagues to bring these visions to fruition.
• Be available for some evening and weekend work, such as during student orientation.
• Perform other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success of UNF.

Position Requirements:

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Demonstrates effective prioritization and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
• Capable of handling diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities.
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
• Maintains a professional manner with tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with colleagues and the public.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in handling inquiries and resolving issues.
• Displays excellent listening skills, gathering accurate information and evidence.
• Exercises diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs.
• Displays a strong student-centric orientation.
• Exhibits proficiency in facilitating training sessions, showcasing strong presentation skills.
• Maintains flexibility and willingness to work outside regular business hours to meet organizational needs.

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree and/or diploma in a related field.
• Additional education and training in public health, mental health first aid, ASIST, or related is considered an asset.
• Minimum three (3) years' experience in student and/or career services, preferably at the post-secondary level, including:
• Experience in areas related to student support and promoting student success.
• Experience in career counselling and career development theory.
• Experience supporting international communities and communicating effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Experience working with people in an advisory or customer service role in a busy and multifaceted team, providing confidential, responsive, helpful, and friendly service.
• Experience supporting operations in a college/university environment, event planning and event coordination.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.

We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.