#Program Assistant

Employment Group

CUPE

Position Number

00890

Division

Faculty of Education

Department

Education Administration

Campus

Nanaimo campus *Successful candidates must be able to attend in person on campus as required.

Location

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Country

Canada

Appointment Type

regular full-time

FTE

1.00

Workload

35 hours per week

Pay Level

CUPE 8: $31.48 per hour

Appointment Start Date

11-May-2026

Applicant Documents

CV/Resume, Cover Letter, CUPE 600 hours declaration form, Qualifications , Name and contact information of recent supervisors willing to provide a reference

Posted Date

19-Mar-2026

Closing Date

01-Apr-2026

Job Reference

2897

Duties

The Program Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to assigned Education programs and to Faculty administration. Serving as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and the public, the incumbent responds to inquiries, offers guidance, and ensures timely and accurate information flow across the unit.

Working collaboratively with Program Chairs and the Dean’s Office, this role manages a wide range of operational activities. The position requires the ability to work independently, demonstrate sound judgement, take initiative, and apply effective problem‑solving skills to address routine, non‑routine, and emergent issues. Key responsibilities include complex timetabling and scheduling, coordination of HR processes, marketing and web content support, and a variety of financial and administrative tasks.

The Program Assistant must employ strong verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities, to manage frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and high-volume demands. The role builds and maintains productive working relationships across the university and with external partners, and requires broad and detailed knowledge of VIU policies, procedures, systems, and Education program operations.

Required Qualifications

• 1-year office administration certificate, or equivalent, from an appropriately accredited institution.
• 5-years previous experience in a post secondary environment in a front-line position working with students, faculty, and members of the public.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated strong service orientation working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work in a team and/or independently with initiative and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with office software, online platforms, and web editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of VIU policies and Faculty of Education programs.
• Post secondary experience.
• Event management experience.
• Graphic design and marketing experience.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.