Academic Liaison, Energy & Natural Resources

Ready to start your next chapter with NAIT?

At NAIT, we’re passionate about building a team of talented, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Your skills and experience can shape the future of education and make a real impact in our community.

If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a brighter future – together.

Important Application Deadline Notice

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm MST on the day before the posting end date shown above, as Workday automatically closes postings at that time.

Internal NAIT Employees

Current NAIT employees are welcome to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, please submit your application through the NAIT Jobs Hub rather than the external career site.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Academic Liaison as part of our advising team supporting the School of Energy and Natural Resources (SENR) at NAIT, who will play a pivotal role in enhancing the student experience.

This senior-level position combines various responsibilities, including academic administration, project management, student advising, and mentorship. Key focuses include continuous process improvement, enhancing the student experience, navigating complex situations, and initiating change. A comprehensive understanding of diploma and apprenticeship programs, NAIT services, and policies, and providing student support across all four NAIT campuses is essential for success within the role. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong intercultural competence, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success.

Academic Liaisons actively contribute to improving advising practices and business processes and collaborate with colleagues across NAIT, while maintaining a student-centered approach. The successful candidate will strongly desire to assist others, demonstrate confidence, composure, and problem-solving abilities, and possess in-depth knowledge to support colleagues (within the advising team, the School of Energy and Natural Resources, across NAIT, and with Apprenticeship and Industry Training) and advise students effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a subject matter expert in the School of Energy and Natural Resources diploma and apprenticeship programming, coordinating with the Registrar's Office, School and Program Leadership, various NAIT services, Apprenticeship and Industry Training, and Program Specialists to support various functions of the student life-cycle, such as recruitment, admissions, matriculation, enrolment, student retention, and graduation.

• Project Leadership: Lead and implement projects aimed at reducing barriers, improving efficiency, enhancing communication, and streamlining processes. Apply project management methodologies, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.

• Communication & Collaboration: Work closely with partner areas to ensure consistent, transparent, and student-centered communication and service delivery.

• Complex Case Management: Lead the response to escalated or complex student situations requiring coordination and collaboration with School and Program Leadership, the Office of Student Conduct & Accountability, NAIT’s Students’ Association (NAITSA), the Office of Apprenticeship, and/or with Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Provide advocacy and well-informed recommendations while collaborating with partners within the School of Energy and Natural Resources and in key service areas across NAIT. Conduct research and synthesize information from multiple sources to support informed decision-making and policy interpretation.

• Leadership & Supervision: Provide coaching, mentorship, and direct supervision to a team of Program Specialists delivering front-line advising services. Support team development and ensure high-quality, student-centered service delivery.

• Centre Operations: Oversee daily operations of the advising provision for the School of Manufacturing & Automation, including supervision of front-line Program Specialists. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Skills & Abilities:

• Professionalism: The position demands handling inquiries with respect, confidence, and tact to cultivate a positive and supportive atmosphere.

• Institutional Knowledge: A strong understanding of academic and apprenticeship programming, student services, and relevant policies is crucial.

• Organizational Leadership: The role requires strong time management and organizational abilities to lead projects, foster collaboration, and meet tight deadlines.

• Research & Decision-Making: Strong research skills to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform decisions and recommendations.

• Leadership & Coaching: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support team members in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

• Project & Process Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives using structured project management methodologies, while identifying and implementing process improvements with a strong attention to detail and adaptability to change.

• Student Experience Focus: A champion for student success with a strong understanding of student need and developmental advising, and a commitment to delivering high-quality service in a post-secondary context.

• Complex Case Handling: Experience managing sensitive or escalated student matters with tact, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with students, staff, and institutional partners, fostering open dialogue and alignment across teams to support shared goals.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma in a related field. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in a mid-level role within post-secondary education including experience in: Supervising teams & Assessing student records, student advising, and conflict resolution
• Experience leading projects and process improvement initiatives would be an asset

• Experience leading daily operations of a fast-paced, front-facing, customer-focused service centre would be an asset.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Classification – Advisor/Specialist III

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Remuneration Refer to salary range noted on this posting, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

The compensation range for this job posting is : $85,165.22 - $114,186.44

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by a recognized agency in Canada - Foreign Credential Validation against Canadian Standards - Canada.ca.

NAIT is committed to a transparent, fair, and human-centered hiring experience. All candidates are assessed directly by our recruitment and hiring teams.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are known as one of Alberta’s top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. For eligible positions, we offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, eligible employees receive paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB). We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any assistance or accommodations please connect with us at [email protected].