Indigenous Career and Academic Advisor

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is the largest college in the Calgary area, with over 15,000 students. We open doors to in-demand jobs across Canada. Our graduates contribute to the economy and community through careers in business, entertainment arts, technology, health care, social services, and more. We are proud to be named one of Alberta’s Top 80 employers and one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges. Our innovative applied research, focused on health and health technology, educational technology, and social innovation, is helping shape the future of college education. Learn more about the opportunities we create for students, employees, and our province at bowvalleycollege.ca. 

About the Iniikokaan Centre

The Iniikokaan Centre provides a welcoming, culturally grounded space that supports Indigenous learners in achieving academic, personal, and career success. Guided by the values of respect, inclusion, and relationship, the Centre connects students with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners to foster belonging and empowerment through education.

Position Summary

The Academic Advisor & Career Coach plays a key role in supporting Indigenous learners throughout their academic and career journeys at Bow Valley College. This position provides holistic, culturally responsive advising and career development support through the Iniikokaan Centre.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong ties to Indigenous communities, an understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and a commitment to fostering learner success, engagement, and retention. This position will be reporting to Manager, Career and Academic, International Advising.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Provide individualized and group advising on course selection, program mapping, and long-term education planning.
• Assist learners with registration, prerequisites, scheduling, academic standing, and graduation requirements.
• Collaborate with Program Chairs, faculty, and student service departments to coordinate learner support and resolve academic issues.
• Liaise with Enrolment Services, Testing, Registration, and Admissions to interpret assessments and ensure appropriate placement.
• Develop and monitor individualized plans for students on probation or at risk, referring to supports as needed.
• Identify students in crisis, assess support needs, and connect them with internal or community resources.
• Advise on transfer credit, articulation, and pathways for continued education.
• Approve academic exceptions such as prerequisite waivers or course overloads, in consultation with Program Chairs.
• Promote self-advocacy by helping learners understand their roles and responsibilities in academic success.
• Create and maintain culturally appropriate intake and outreach processes for Indigenous learners.
• Maintain accurate, confidential advising records and data to ensure service consistency.

Career Coaching

• Deliver individualized and group career coaching to assist learners in identifying and achieving employment goals.
• Support students in resume and cover letter development, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
• Develop measurable career action plans tailored to each learner’s goals and timelines.
• Facilitate engaging career workshops (online, in-person, and hybrid) and contribute to career-related materials and resources.
• Help students identify and leverage their skills, experiences, and education for career success.
• Use appropriate career assessment tools to explore learner strengths and career options.
• Support learners in overcoming barriers to employment and in developing job retention strategies.
• Organize and support networking and career-related events to build community and employer connections.
• Stay current with occupational requirements, labor market trends, and employment opportunities.
• Promote BVC Career Services and initiatives through community and employer partnerships.

Presentations, Outreach, and Events

• Build strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous community partners to support learner success.
• Facilitate group advising sessions, registration tutorials, and presentations for new and continuing students.
• Represent Bow Valley College and the Iniikokaan Centre at events such as Open House, Orientation, and community gatherings.
• Collaborate with employers, organizations, and service providers to host guest speakers and information sessions.
• Engage in community outreach and events to enhance student recruitment, awareness, and connection.

Communication and Information Management

• Proactively contact students at key academic points to provide timely information about registration, deadlines, and available supports.
• Follow up with students who are off-track academically or not registered as expected.
• Collaborate with schools and departments to maintain up-to-date knowledge of programs, courses, and learner services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in the student information system.
• Track and analyze advising and coaching activity to support program planning and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

• Support Iniikokaan Centre programming, communications, and tours.
• Assist with maintaining job boards and promoting employment opportunities.
• Contribute to onboarding and mentoring of new team members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager, Associate Director, or Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma in Career Development, Social Science, Business, Education, or Human Services.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a post-secondary environment.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in career coaching or advising services.
• Demonstrated connection and active relationship with an Indigenous community and/or Indigenous networks.
• Experience working with or supporting Indigenous learners.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Career Development, Social Science, Business, Education, or Human Services.
• Four (4) years of related experience in post-secondary, advising, or student services roles.
• Experience using student information systems and career development tools.
• Strong communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills with a diverse clientele.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and stress management skills.
• Experience conducting needs assessments, developing action plans, and facilitating group sessions.
• Knowledge of labor market trends and employment strategies.
• Computer proficiency (Windows, MS Office, Internet tools).

This opening is a continuous (AUPE) position. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check. 

Closing Date: Oct 22, 2025 

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.