Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology is recruiting for an APO, Academic Advising and Support Services.
Faculty of Science and Technology
The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) is committed to fostering a meaningful and inclusive learning experience through excellence in teaching and scholarly activities. Our students, whether enrolled in programs or taking individual courses in science, computing science or architecture to fulfill other areas of study, are diverse in their demographic and geographical location.
In the realization of the themes of access, opportunity, and community, we aim to change lives and communities from local to global like no other university. In an increasingly complex world, our flexible model enables learners to obtain the necessary skills for future employment while developing their ability to be resilient, think creatively, and work collaboratively as global citizens.
Our faculty is home to emerging research, innovative courses, responsive student support, recognized programs, and community outreach. Please visit our website for more information: Faculty of Science and Technology.
The Position:
The Administrative Professional Officer (APO), Academic Advising and Support Services (AASS) is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and coordination of assigned FST academic services units. The position oversees daily operations, coordinates workload and staffing coverage, supports consistent application of established advising practices and procedures across FST programs, and provides direction and support to employees.
The APO works within established university policies, academic regulations, faculty procedures and service standards to support consistent and effective advising services. The position addresses day-to-day student service and operational matters within its area of responsibility and refers matters requiring policy interpretation, exception, significant employee relations intervention, or broader management authority to the Faculty Manager.
The APO fosters a respectful, collaborative, and professional team environment, proactively managing team dynamics and supporting positive working relationships that promote staff performance and engagement.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the unit's administrative systems and procedures, unit communications, coordination of timely resolution of complex student and operational matters, in-depth training and performance management of advising staff, assignment of staff workload and priorities and quality assurance within FST's Academic Advising and Support Services units.
The position works collaboratively with the Faculty Manager, FST Leadership and other university units to coordinate advising activities, support the implementation of approved initiatives and identify operational issues and trends affecting the services delivery.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
A four-year post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline is required, along with a minimum of three years of related experience in a post-secondary environment. Experience should include progressively responsible administrative and supervisory responsibilities, preferably in student services or academic advising.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Skills and abilities:
- Professionalism – Demonstrates high ethical standards and an honest, open, and consistent approach to working with peers, staff, and leadership. Conducts business respectfully and maintains confidentiality.
- Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrates the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and to understand and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Uses this awareness to communicate effectively, build respectful working relationships, and navigate challenging or sensitive situations within a diverse university community.
- Decision-making – Effectively prioritizes and adapts approaches in complex, changing, or uncertain environments. Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion in resolving problems and handling sensitive or confidential matters. Implements and act upon operational decisions.
- Relationship Management – Builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff, faculty, and service partners through clear communication, collaboration, and timely issue resolution, supporting strong service delivery and a positive working environment.
- Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively in written, verbal and presentation formats and practices active listening. Builds trust through demonstrated objectivity and consistency, gains commitment of staff and proactively shares information with leadership to ensure timely awareness, alignment and informed decision-making. Demonstrates strong analytical and written skills, particularly in relation to writing reports, policies, procedures, and communications to staff.
- Systems Knowledge – Demonstrates strong knowledge of relevant software for student information and related systems (i.e., GRADES, Banner, Office 365, Student Relationship Management System, Mobius, MuchLearning, IBM Notes, Alfresco, etc.) is required. Strong knowledge of student project server administration and technical support.
A detailed job description can be viewed at: APO, Academic Advising and Support Services.
Contact Information:
For more information regarding this role, please contact Joelle Jackson, Faculty Manager, FST, at jjackson@athabascau.ca.