MSc, Programs Advisor & Support

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director, Graduate Programs, this individual works closely with a diverse population and builds working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including prospective and current MSc students at Edwards School of Business, Grad Chairs, Edwards Research Committee, faculty and staff, College of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies, Student Enrollment Services Division, and other University and business communities. The position is a student-centered, customer service-oriented environment, subject to competing interests, multiple projects and continual deadlines. Duties are performed independently, with guidance from the supervisor in determining specific priorities, and appropriate actions for more complex issues. Work is deadline oriented, requiring a high degree of accuracy, and is subject to continuous changes, interruptions and shifting priorities.

Accountabilities:

• Provides guidance and assistance to the Director, Manager, and Grad Chairs regarding student progress, prospective student applications, and implementation of policies, procedures, guidelines and unique or exceptional circumstances to ensure consistency and quality within graduate program administration.
• Continually enhances understanding of international credentialing systems and the credibility of other universities to protect the integrity of the Edwards graduate programs through the students admitted.
• Provides program and admission information and individual assistance to prospective students (Canadian and International) and admitted students engaged in the admission/enrollment process, promoting interest in the programs, ensuring a timely and high level of service to promote a positive relationship and professionally represent the program.
• Supports the admission objectives of Edwards MSc program by managing admissions, including monitoring applications, reviewing credentials, evaluating transcripts, assessing eligibility, and making admission decisions.
• Ensure the needs of the applicants are being met, by effectively organizing workflow and identifying process improvements.
• Effectively liaising with the CGPS and Student Enrollment and Services Division to monitor changes in admission policies and procedures and to ensure the successful transition of applicants to registrants.
• Collaborate with Edwards graduate programs office including the Research Committee and provide proficient clerical and administrative support to ensure program and student needs are addressed.
• Assists with the administration of graduate programs’ scholarship and awards processes, the coordination of letters of offer, and work with Department Heads and Grad Chairs on assignments for Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships for graduate students, including managing their payroll.
• Work with the MSc Manager in managing day-to-day operations and program administration, including student registration, class build and class maintenance and operation logistics.
• Continuously monitors student progress and programs of study to ensure timely action is undertaken in consultation with the supervisor who prepares student progress documentation as required.
• Ensures the timely entry and reporting of final grades.
• Manage and administer all aspects of the thesis defense, leading up to making recommendations for convocation.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Education: A related certificate or diploma.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.  Knowledge, understanding, and acquired work experience in an office and higher-ed setting are assets.

Experience: 

• A minimum of three years directly related experience, preferably at a post-secondary institution. Demonstrated expertise in student recruitment, enrolment management, marketing and/or management is essential.
• Experience working collaboratively with various constituents, and knowledge and appreciation of academic administrative policies and procedures including the use of the University of Saskatchewan Student Information System, and About-US Payroll system.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal, including diplomacy and tact with enthusiastic professionalism in dealing with people; proven ability to work independently, collaboratively and as an effective team member and to build and maintain relationships with internal and external customers; proven ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to handle multiple projects and work assignments; ability to anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, pay keen attention to detail and meet deadlines; ability to initiate innovative change strategies that result in improvements to service quality, and the effectiveness of systems and processes; superior organization skills; superior working proficiency of common word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.