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Team Lead, Academic Advising

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1687
CLOSING DATE: May 7, 2026 @11:59 PM MDT

 

Enrolment & Communications

Reporting to the Associate Registrar of Academic Advising and Registrarial Policy, the Team Lead, Academic Advising is responsible for the effective management, organization, direction and development of a strong, vibrant and trusted Academic Advising team and the day-to-day operations facilitating the achievements of NorQuest College’s strategic goals with a focus on improving student progression and striving for high student success and satisfaction.  
They are responsible for leading the Academic Advising team to provide academic guidance, resources to promote academic progress, and options to help students make informed decisions about their educational journey from matriculation to graduation and transfer. While the Team Lead reports into the Office of the Registrar, they must work in collaboration with and lead their team in collaboration with Faculty to ensure students receive accurate, program-specific information while aligning their practices with institutional standards.  Success in the team lead role requires strong, trust-based relationships with Faculty leadership. The team lead also maintains operational, registrarial expertise from enrolment to graduation, including course planning and auditing plus gathering updates from program areas to ensure our systems are up to date.
Working within a Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) framework, the Team Lead translates enrolment strategies into deliverable outreach plans, monitors performance against persistence targets, and ensures advising practices are equitable, data-informed, and aligned with institutional priorities and faculty goals. 
The Team Lead ensures consistent, high-quality engagement with new and current students, faculties, and student services. The Team Lead develops, grows and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders and promotes leading retention and advising practices. Responsibilities also include acting as internal and external liaison with and for the College on operational matters that relate to student progression, transfer credit, program development and implementation to ensure the programs and services provided are of high quality and meet the changing needs of students, staff and faculty.  They provide ad hoc training to internal stakeholders as required. 
They lead the coaching and development of the academic advisors in their work which includes setting and communicating appropriate expectations for performance and behaviour and managing those expectations within the team to meet operational objectives. Acting as a key internal liaison, collaborator and negotiator with and for the College on retention related matters, they inform process development and implementation, and high-quality student retention decisions that meet the changing needs of students as well as NorQuest strategic enrolment goals, policies and procedure.  

 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Lead, coach, and develop the Academic Advising team, including hiring, performance management, training, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing and inclusive culture.
  • Plan, prioritize, and allocate team workloads to ensure effective advising coverage, especially during peak periods, while maintaining high-quality, student-centered service.
  • Develop and implement advising strategies and retention initiatives aligned with Strategic Enrolment Management goals to support student persistence, success, and new program launches.
  • Build strong relationships across faculties, registrarial services, student services, and external partners to ensure consistent communication, seamless student transitions, and accurate program information.
  • Oversee outreach, early alerts, and proactive student engagement to identify and remove barriers, connecting learners to appropriate supports and improving retention and completion rates.
  • Monitor advising effectiveness through data analysis, reporting, and feedback, and continuously adapt practices to meet evolving student and institutional needs.
  • Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including process enhancements, workflow optimization, and implementation of new technologies and systems.
  • Resolve complex student and staff issues with professionalism, ensuring compliance with policies and legislation while modelling ethical advising practices and accountability.

 

WHAT YOU BRING

  • A Bachelor’s degree (Education, Arts, or Social Sciences preferred; graduate studies an asset) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ years of related experience, ideally in a post-secondary environment, including demonstrated leadership and the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams to achieve key performance indicators.
  • Knowledge of Strategic Enrolment Management principles and the Alberta post-secondary system, with experience supporting equity-focused and student success initiatives.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills, with cultural sensitivity and experience using systems such as PeopleSoft considered an asset.

 

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?
As a difference maker you bring experience in:

  • Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, and procedures to guide students, staff, and leadership, while contributing to policy and operational improvements.
  • Leading and supervising teams (15–20 staff), including recruitment, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and fostering a positive, supportive team culture.
  • Making informed decisions on resource allocation, staff management, and complex student concerns, with a high degree of independence and accountability.
  • Building strong relationships and collaborating across student services, registrarial teams, academic leadership, external institutions, and community partners.
  • Driving strategic initiatives and process improvements that enhance service delivery, student success, and operational effectiveness.
  • Supporting staff development and engagement, promoting morale, well-being, and a cohesive, high-performing team environment.
  • Managing change and guiding teams through evolving priorities, while contributing insights to shape operational and strategic plans.

 

AUPE Band Level 10 | Team Lead III | $76,814 - $99,745 reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full time, permanent position with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE). For more information regarding the AUPE Collective Agreement, please check out this link. 

 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

 

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

 

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

 

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.

Apply now »