Academic Coordinator

About this position

Position Title: Academic Coordinator

Position Type: Full-time

Compensation: Starting Wage $46,500.00 (union grid)

Reports To: Manager, Equity & Advocacy

Unionized/ Non-unionized: OPSEU Local 557 

Position Overview:
Your primary role will be to support students with advocacy needs and academic appeals as their representative and or liaison to the college across multiple campuses. As a progressive-minded individual, you value diversity and are educated in issues of student rights and accessible education.

General Responsibilities:

• Must be familiar with and adhere to the Student Association (SA) and college policies and procedures
• Develop and implement the advocacy program across campuses
• Knowledge of relevant legislation with strong familiarity of educational policies and the human rights code
• Support students by answering questions, listening and advising the students with regards to the academic support needs and appeal processes in conjunction with George Brown College policies
• Assist students with the preparation of forms and supporting documentations for the appeals process
• Provided information sessions and or conduct relevant workshops to education and inform students of their rights
• Responsible to students to keep the appeals process impartial, ethical, and confidential
• Provide advice and referrals to students regarding the academic issues and appeals processes and intersecting issues that may assist student success
• Attend advocacy and appeals meetings as required
• Be responsible for the maintenance of advocacy and appeals files, data tracking, data analysis and reporting
• Provide feedback to the academic and student related committees pertaining to student experiences, policies and the colleges rules and regulations
• Liaise with George Brown College (GBC) departments and partner organizations, such as the Canadian Federation of Students, as required
• Provide recommendations into SA and GBC academic related policies and procedures
• Support the SA staff teams by providing information on GBC academic schedules and actions
• Supervise and support part time support staff, student placement and or student volunteers
• Provide relevant support to board members in planning and execution of academic related projects and appeals-related campaigns
• Support the development of the academic advocacy annual report

Performance Measurables:

• Maintain exceptional attendance and regular hours of work
• Establish and maintain a positive, professional and interactive working relationship with the SA staff, student executives, GBC staff and board members
• Encourage adherence of SA policies & procedures to students and volunteers
• Sound knowledge of GBC student policies and procedures
• Create strong working relations with the college administration and external community partners
• Identification of systemic issues that affect student academic success on campus
• Support the outreach and promotion of advocacy program across campuses
• Improve level of advocacy services and presentation for the students of George Brown College within the college
• Reduce the existing communication gaps between the SA and the college as it relates to institutional concerns over academic appeals
• Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are up to date and are being adhered to by all staff and students
• Be readily available and supportive to all relevant SA board of directors committees as an effective resource person (attends meetings, provides accurate & relevant data)
• Work closely with all coordinators and board members throughout the year
• Attend board and sub-committee meetings as required to present formal and informal reports, advise, answer questions and receive organizational direction
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience:

• Progressive experience as an administrator for advocacy or special interest groups
• A degree or diploma in a related field and/or relevant experience
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working directly with students using a case management approach
• Certificate in Conflict or alternative Dispute Resolution, considered an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of diversity and equity issue
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong problem solving and negotiation skills
• Strong computer program and data base skills
• An outgoing personality
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment
• The ability to take initiative and to work independently
• The ability to multitask
• Ability to work in multiple locations
• Criminal record check is necessary at the candidate’s expense and copy provided upon start of position, or provide a copy of recent reference check (no more than 1yr)