Undergraduate Advisor

Union/Affiliation: Administrative and Professional Staff (APSA) Pay range: $41,461 to $49,452 annually SFU Department Descr: Geography Position Grade: 7 # of openings: 1 Biweekly Hours: 43.2 Who We Are Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do. Geography is a core environmental discipline at SFU, focusing on the spatial dimensions of human societies (Human Geography), the earth's biogeophysical environments (Earth System Dynamics), and the ever more complex interactions that exist among the human and natural environments (Spatial Information Science). Our department is one of the strongest Geography departments in North America. Faculty and staff work side-by-side to deliver excellence in research, teaching and service. We are committed to a student-centered approach. About The Role The Undergraduate Advisor plays an central role in the retention and successful program completion of students as well as in recruitment. They thrive in a complex environment that requires a deep understanding of 5 majors, 1 joint major, 4 minors and 2 certificates. They are active listeners and guide students towards graduation with the students' individual goals and career interests in mind. They view the advisor role as a positive resource for students and create a welcoming environment that empowers students and emphasizes the value of course planning. They connect students with other resources as appropriate. The role also allows the advisor to tap into their creativity to raise the department's profile for recruitment and retention. The ideal candidate is a highly organized team player who can manage confidential information with discretion. They show empathy and demonstrate strong communication skills. They understand the value of building relationships within and across departments as well as with external partners. The successful candidate is detail-oriented with sound judgment, the ability to take initiative and good knowledge of social medial channels. Experience in academic advising or communications is an asset. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Geography, Communications or a related discipline, and three years of experience in post-secondary program advising and registration services or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Excellent knowledge of curriculum requirements of undergraduate program-related regulations and procedures and the ability to interpret and apply policies. Ability to exercise mature judgment, initiative and tact. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication (oral, written, and presentation) skills. Excellent knowledge of SIMS, Tableau, AdvisorLink, SETC, and Tracs, as well as standard office applications. Knowledge of AEM, Campaigner, social media management platforms, and event management platforms are required. What We Offer At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA): An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay Employer paid extended health & dental plans Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year) Hybrid-work program for eligible positions Additional Information The assignment end date is August 30, 2027. Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment. SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. We are committed to facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [email protected].

The Undergraduate Advisor manages student retention, recruitment, and program completion across various majors and certificates. They provide guidance on course planning and connect students with university resources to ensure successful graduation.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Geography, Communications, or a related field with three years of post-secondary advising experience. Candidates must be proficient in SIMS, Tableau, and various social media and event management platforms.

• Pay in lieu of benefits • Vacation pay • Extended health plan • Dental plan • Professional development funds • Hybrid-work program

• Problem solvingPreferred
• OrganizationPreferred
• CommunicationPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Academic Advising
• Student Recruitment
• Course Planning
• Communication
• Organization
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal Skills
• Social Media Management
• Confidentiality
• Relationship Building
• Curriculum Interpretation
• Event Management

• Education
• Administrative
• Customer Service & Support

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 23, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

22 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level