Future Student Advisor

DUTIES

The Future Student Advisor (FSA) works as a member of the Future Students team under the direction of the Manager, Student Recruitment. Future Student Advisors connect with prospective students and key influencers (family members, school counsellors, community members etc.) to promote TRU through high school visits, on-campus events, and career and education fairs across British Columbia and Canada. This position will also provide information and guidance regarding program offerings, admission requirements, and registration information to prospective students and applicants. In collaboration with the Future Student Coordinators, FSA’s also assist with planning and implementation of a variety of campus recruitment events such as open houses, group tours, calling campaigns, mailings and electronic communications with prospective students, applicants, new admits, families and school counsellors.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. In consultation with the Manager, plans, organizes and conducts visits to Canadian secondary schools.
2. Develops an annual plan to meet yearly domestic recruitment and conversion goals that align with the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) plan.
3. Prepares and analyzes reports on application, admission and conversion numbers for assigned recruitment portfolio and will determine where recruitment resources are best allocated.
4. Prepares and delivers effective recruitment presentations in schools, career and education fairs and other related recruitment events regarding study options at TRU. This includes scheduling and confirming visits, making travel arrangements, shipping materials and collecting and recording prospect information.
5. Conducts appropriate follow-up with contacts made with prospective students and counsellors during off campus visits. Evaluates the outcomes of various recruiting activities, prepares post-trip reports in a timely manner, compiles and reports on statistical information, and makes recommendations for changes or improvements to the Manager. Reports to the Manager on such matters as observations of market trends, and competitors’ activities.
6. Advises prospective TRU students, school counselors, and others on academic offerings, admission requirements, and/or required prerequisite studies. Provides information on housing, scholarships, and other services available to TRU students. Advising takes place at secondary schools, at career/education fairs, as well as with individual students and their families visiting TRU. Advising also takes place through telephone, electronic mail and web-based correspondence.
7. Provides educational plans and first year planning prior to admission.
8. Builds and maintains relationships with relevant on-campus and off-campus community networks.
9. Works collaboratively with other post-secondary institutions to improve domestic student recruitment activities (Post Secondary Institutions of BC planner).
10. In collaboration with the Future Students Coordinators, plans and conducts on campus recruitment and conversion events, including campus tours, enrolment workshops, interactive on-line chats and other types of virtual meetings with prospective students, applicants and newly admitted students.
11. Assists with updating recruitment materials and publications, conducts research, writes communications, and develops presentations. This will involve working with various internal stakeholders (i.e. Admissions, Academic Advising, Marketing & Communications, Faculties, etc.).

REPORTS TO
Manager, Student Recruitment

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

• A four year baccalaureate degree

EXPERIENCE:

• One year of related experience in a post-secondary environment or similar educational environment
  • Experience with student support, educational program planning, advising or counselling, event planning, and public speaking and/or group facilitation required

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OR ABILITIES RELATED TO THE JOB

• Ability to communicate effectively to culturally diverse audiences, verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to conduct effective presentations
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with students, parents, campus partners and the general public
• Maintains and contributes to a positive and respectful workplace environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to use Word, Powerpoint, Excel and relational databases (i.e., Banner)
• Knowledge of University academic policies, admission requirements and program information
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media platforms
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability with event planning
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and work with minimal supervision and remain focused on objectives
• Ability to travel, independently, for extended periods of time, by road and air travel
• Ability to coordinate office workload, complete and coordinate necessary planning and communication tasks while travelling
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s license with no restrictions that would prevent incumbent from required travel

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extensive travel required within Canada. This position will spend a significant amount of time off-campus visiting schools and attending education/career fairs.
• Standing for long periods of time on concrete floors during education/career fair events
• Repetitive lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 kg (up and down school and event centre stairs, in and out of vehicles, through inclement weather, etc.)
• Set up of computer/audio visual equipment and tables and chairs at off-site locations on a frequent basis
• Flexibility in work hours; some evening and weekend work required