Academic Liaison

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

Please Note: This is a temporary position ending on or before August 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Academic Liaison to support our Business Information Centre (BIC) team at NAIT and play a pivotal role in enhancing the student experience.

This senior-level position combines various responsibilities, including academic administration, project management, student advising, and mentorship. Key focuses include continuous process improvement, enhancing the student experience, navigating complex situations, and initiating change. A comprehensive understanding of academic programs, NAIT services, and policies, and providing student support is essential for success within the role. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong intercultural competence, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.

Academic Liaisons actively contribute to improving advising practices and business processes and collaborate with colleagues across NAIT, while maintaining a student-centered approach. The successful candidate will strongly desire to assist others, demonstrate confidence, composure, and problem-solving abilities, and possess in-depth knowledge to support colleagues (within the BIC, the assigned School, across NAIT) and advise students effectively.

While currently providing informal leadership within the BIC team, this role is anticipated to evolve into overseeing the day-to-day operations and supervision of the Program Specialist advising team for their assigned School in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a subject matter expert in the assigned School’s programming, coordinating with the Registrar's Office, School and Program Leadership, various NAIT services, and BIC Program Specialists to support various functions of the student life cycle, such as recruitment, admissions, matriculation, enrolment, student retention, and graduation.
• Project Leadership: Lead and implement projects aimed at reducing barriers, improving efficiency, enhancing communication, and streamlining processes. Apply project management methodologies, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.
• Communication & Collaboration: Work closely with partner areas to ensure consistent, transparent, and student-centered communication and service delivery.
• Complex Case Management: Lead the response to escalated or complex student situations requiring coordination and collaboration with School and Program Leadership, the Office of Student Conduct & Accountability, and NAIT’s Students’ Association (NAITSA). Provide advocacy and well-informed recommendations while collaborating with partners within the school and in key service areas across NAIT. Conduct research and synthesize information from multiple sources to support informed decision-making and policy interpretation.
• Leadership & Supervision (Future State): Provide coaching, mentorship, and (eventually) direct supervision to a team of Program Specialists delivering front-line advising services. Support team development and ensure high-quality, student-centered service delivery.
• Centre Operations (Future State): Oversee daily operations of the advising provision for the assigned School, including supervision of front-line Program Specialists. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Skills & Abilities:

• Professionalism: The position demands handling inquiries with respect, confidence, and tact to cultivate a positive and supportive atmosphere.
• Institutional Knowledge: A strong understanding of academic programming, student services, and relevant policies is crucial.
• Organizational Leadership: The role involves strong time management and organizational abilities to lead projects, foster collaboration, and meet tight deadlines.
• Research & Decision-Making: Strong research skills to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform decisions and recommendations.
• Leadership & Coaching: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support team members in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Project & Process Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives using structured project management methodologies, while identifying and implementing process improvements with a strong attention to detail and adaptability to change.
• Student Experience Focus: A champion for student success with a strong understanding of student need and developmental advising, and a commitment to delivering high-quality service in a post-secondary context.
• Complex Case Handling: Experience managing sensitive or escalated student matters with tact, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with students, staff, and institutional partners, fostering open dialogue and alignment across teams to support shared goals.

Qualifications:

• Related post-secondary diploma, a degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a mid-level role within post-secondary education including experience in:
• • Supervising teams
  • Assessing student records, student advising, and conflict resolution
• Experience leading projects and process improvement initiatives would be an asset
• Experience leading daily operations of a fast-paced, front-facing, customer-focused service centre would be an asset.
• Equivalencies may be considered.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration: $77,938.12 - $104,496.86 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification – Advisor/Specialist lll).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].

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