Position Details
Under the direction of the Faculty of Fine Arts Assistant Dean, the Program Specialistplays a central role in designing, coordinating, and improving systems that support the undergraduate and graduate student experience in the Faculty of Fine Arts and assistance with undergraduate advising functions. Equally, the role serves as a key point of contact for students, ensuring a responsive, supportive, and high-quality service experience that contributes to student success. The role provides high-level program management, student advising, financial oversight, and strategic support to ensure an excellent student experience from initial start to graduation.The role manages complex academic processes and systems across the full student lifecycle, from recruitment and admissions through to graduation, and ensures compliance with institutional and external regulations, data integrity, and consistency of academic records while supporting curriculum governance (tracking curriculum changes, coordinating approvals, and managing calendar and program updates), student advising, and financial operations with a strong emphasis on clear communication, timely support, and student-centered service delivery to ensure an excellent student experience.In addition, the Program Specialist is responsible for:
- Developing and maintaining systems for tracking graduate student progression, milestones, and program data.
- Supporting and coordinating graduate student initiatives and events (e.g., orientations, professional development, showcases, and milestone-based programming) that enhance student engagement, belonging, and overall experience.
- Designing workflows and tools to improve efficiency, communication, and student support.
- Ensuring data integrity and consistency across systems related to admissions, advising, and academic records.
The role requires a high degree of initiative and systems thinking. The Program Specialist is expected not only to administer processes, but to identify gaps, implement improvements, and build sustainable administrative and student support structures, while delivering a high standard of student service and acting as a trusted, approachable resource for both undergraduate and graduate students. Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in higher education administration, graduate program management, or student advising.
- Demonstrated experience developing or managing systems for tracking information (e.g., student data, projects, workflows, or events).
- Strong knowledge of university policies, graduate studies processes, and external accreditation requirements.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite. Advanced proficiency in Excel, including the ability to organize, analyze, and report on data, is strongly preferred.
- Experience coordinating events, programs, or initiatives, ideally in support of students or academic programs.
- Proven ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously and improve workflows.
- Experience in project management or process improvement, including building new tools, templates, or systems, is an asset.
- Excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage confidential information.
- Strong technical skills with CRM systems, admissions software (Admit) and Ability to analyze complex data, manage budgets, and prepare reports.
Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $4,691.00 - $5,246.00 monthly Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $4,691.00 - $5,799.00 monthly (AUPE - Grade 10)