Student Engagement Specialist

Competition 2248

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta moulds the next generation of ground-breaking researchers, technicians, and academics by giving our undergraduate and graduate students an unparalleled education with world-class instructors, hybrid learning environments, hands-on lab and field experience, and internship opportunities.

Our Science Student Services team supports undergraduate students throughout their academic journey, from admission to graduation.  We offer a welcoming and supportive environment for students, staff and faculty- built on our belief in a culture of care that prioritizes empathy, respect, and kindness.

Position Summary

The Student Engagement Specialist is a specialized position responsible for the leadership and development of all undergraduate student engagement activities for the Faculty of Science to ultimately enhance the student experience, student success, and improve student retention. As the student experience evolves, this role must be proactive with initiatives. 

Duties 

• Develop programs, events and other engagement initiatives that promote student success, cultivate a strong sense of community and promote student involvement within Science, and the broader campus community. 
• Liaise and form strong partnerships with the Faculty’s Interdepartmental Science Student Society, the College-led Indigenous in STEM Student Association, and other Faculty of Science student groups or associations.
• Manage and grow the Science Student Mentor program to correspond with the needs of our changing student population. (Develop a strategy for program growth and enhancement).
  • Recruit a team of student volunteers annually to serve as Science Mentors.
  • Meet with mentors regularly and provide training, guidance and support (email etiquette, how to engage students etc.).
  • Develop professional development initiatives for Science mentors that provides them with opportunities for personal growth.
  • Source volunteer activities for the Science mentors including peer mentorship, support for recruitment activities, and orientation.
  • Match mentors with prospective undergraduate students (mentees) annually.
  • Maintain a database of mentors and activities.
  • Manage promotion of the program, web updates and related promotional material.
• Plan and lead faculty-driven orientation activities for incoming Science students (high school and internal/external transfer). Provide additional winter orientation and transitional support for students who begin their studies mid-year. 
• Working with the communications team, develop content for the bi-weekly e-newsletter and provide student story content that promotes student success and engagement initiatives within the Faculty of Science. Support other communication needs by managing SciTV content, email accounts and discord channels.
• Support faculty-wide outreach opportunities by developing a directory of opportunities offered by Faculty of Science departments and helping with promotions when needed. 
• Under the direction of the Manager, Undergraduate Programs use a data-driven approach to plan and implement undergraduate student retention activities and to identify retention issues and solutions. 
• Collaborate with colleagues from the Science Internship and the Student Innovation portfolios to support and promote workshops and events running out of those centres.  Encourage students to participate in these services and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong student service aptitude
• Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Exceptional interpersonal, consultation, and communication skills; experience with public speaking and understanding of cross-cultural communications (i.e. working with individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds) an asset. Strong cultural sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize large volumes of work in the face of strict deadlines and competing priorities
• Ability to work collaboratively within a large complex organization with a variety of stakeholders across many disciplines and maintain high levels of professionalism
• Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to three years’ experience in post-secondary student engagement/student services
• Knowledge of the U of A’s policies, procedures, collective agreements
• Computer proficiency in a Windows environment using MS Office applications, social media and Google applications; experience with website Content Management Systems (CMS) an asset