Why AUArts? Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda. The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026. Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and compels us to see the world differently.

The Opportunity

Competition #2627-JL-AT-21 Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Financial Aid and Student Awards Advisor to provide oversight and delivery of initiatives that support students’ financial literacy and funding options. This position coordinates and administers the University Award and Bursary Programs as well as government student financial aid programs for all AUArts undergraduate and graduate students. The Advisor works closely with other members of the Registrar’s Office, Student Affairs, and faculty to support students, actively promoting award, bursary and funding opportunities through appropriate communications channels. This is a full-time temporary position starting as soon as possible until on or before February 2027. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day. The deadline to apply is August 3, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Student Awards Programs Coordinate and administer the selection process of awards and scholarships and bursaries, in accordance with institutional policy, procedures and timelines; advise students in the completion and submission of applications. Develop and oversee student awards programs communication plan ensuring overall effectiveness in reaching target audiences, including online and print resources, and presentations to prospective and current students, and faculty. Maintain the awards application/adjudication system and related communication material, ensuring descriptions, requirements and access are up to date. Coordinate faculty and staff participation in adjudication panels, including providing training and advice. Advise Advancement on the establishment and terms of awards, with a focus on ensuring a match between donor intention, student barriers and University needs with a focus on maximizing student retention. Coordinate, in conjunction with Advancement, the recognition of award recipients. Liaise with the Advancement and Finance offices, ensuring payments to students are applied and issued within established timelines for payment in accordance with institutional policies. Prepare reports related to students’ financial needs and success attributed to awards; make recommendations for additional financial supports, including emergency bursary programs and other programs as needs emerge. Coordinate associated contracts, awards (Alberta Advanced Education Awards, Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, Jason Lang Scholarship, CLASS, ICA, AGES), and submit required reporting as required.

Student Financial Aid

Facilitate the delivery of government student aid programs for current and prospective students, in accordance with federal and provincial legislation and program regulations. Advise students in the completion of applications for student aid which may include collaboration with the funding agencies. Oversee enrollment process for each provincial & territorial government student aid program confirming student status with respect to their program, corresponding on inquiries. Support students applying for funding through private funding agencies (e.g. Sallie Mae), including the coordination of budget requests, monitoring and overseeing the payment to the University, and the refund of excess amount to the student. Liaise with the Manager, Accounts Receivable to follow up on issues related to student non-payment or refunds.

Administration & Student Financial Literacy

Provide general advising services to students regarding financial resources and opportunities to support success in their studies at AUArts. Coordinate programs and services to support students’ financial literacy, including workshops, print and electronic resources, in partnership with other departments. Present and share information with prospective students and caregivers at various events (Open House, University Preview) events on financial literacy and options for educational funding. Participate in provincial and national memberships, committees, organizations, and conferences related to financial wellness, awards, and student aid to inform and share best practices to support student retention. At the direction of the Registrar, plan, evaluate, and refine services and resources to support student retention and graduation.

Qualifications

The following qualifications have been determined to promote the likelihood of success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Finance, Management, Accounting)

2 years experience in a post-secondary or student services environment, preferably in student financial aid and awards Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of academic awards, financial aid and financial administration. Demonstrated experience in one-on-one advising, preferably in a post-secondary setting Demonstrated communication skills Advanced technical skills, (Office 365, SharePoint, Excel) Demonstrated experience in using student information systems (e.g. Banner) is an asset Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures is an asset Demonstrated experience in leading and facilitating workshops is an asset Competencies: AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization: Healthy Spaces Active Inclusion Creative Innovation Collaborative Practice Strategic Leadership What We Offer Annual vacation accrual starting at 15 days, Personal days, and other types of leave Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31 As a member of the AUPE bargaining unit (Local 071/006), this full-time temporary position falls under a classification 6 (Six) with the annual salary range established to be $62,784 - $69,627. Please note, as per 3.02 in the Agreement, temporary employees are not eligible for Employee Benefits under Article 30. As per 1.01h(i) in the Agreement, a temporary employee may remain in the temporary employment until such time as the regular employee returns or the regular employee’s position becomes vacant, which as a result, may affect the end date of any offer.

How to Apply

Applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is preferred that your application package be submitted as a single PDF document. Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Upload your single PDF to the “Resume” section of the application portal. If you are unable to combine your documents into one file, you may upload them separately under the “Additional Documents” section. If you are an active AUArts employee, please submit your application through your Dayforce account. From the menu, select Careers > Search Jobs to view open positions. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca. AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community. We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process. We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact hr@auarts.ca. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada. The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact hr@auarts.ca, or the University Secretary at access.privacy@auarts.ca or 403.284.7647.