Black Student Advisor (Designated Position)

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

A unit of the Division of Student Affairs, the Black Student Advising Centre is a gathering place, offering a supportive environment for students to access academic supports and other services, engage with peers, and participate in cultural programming. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost, Student Engagement and Success, the Black Student Advisor serves as a key support for students of African descent at Dalhousie (including the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of King’s College), extending a high level of advocacy on behalf of, and alongside, students. The incumbent works collaboratively with other Advisors and units within Student Affairs, as well as partners across the University and external community. This position complements an existing position in the Centre.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC), in collaboration with professional BSAC staff, including the oversight of the drop-in components of the Centre.
• Support Black students in both 1-1 and group activities to build skills related to engagement and leadership, wellbeing and belonging, and academic success. Advocate with, and/or for, students.
• Develop and deliver orientation and transition programming for new-to-Dalhousie Black students that help navigate their entry into and throughout their university experience.
• Develop, deliver and assess educational, wellbeing and social programs responsive to the needs of Dalhousie’s diverse Black student population with a particular focus on African Nova Scotian students. Ensure that the programming is based on current research, data and student learning and development theories.
• Make informed referrals to appropriate on- and off-campus support services e.g., Bissett Student Success Centre (academic and career advising), Health and Wellness, Human Rights and Equity Services, etc.
• Actively represent the BSAC on relevant committees included but not limited to scholarship selection, equitable admissions.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

• Undergraduate degree, plus three to five years’ advising or mentoring students of African descent (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Program development, implementation and assessment experience.
• Ability to demonstrate sufficient understanding of history, values, culture and contemporary contexts with a focus on African Nova Scotians.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to students at varying degrees of the academic lifecycle is vital to this role.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various partners and an ability to build a network of contacts.

• Masters degree in a relevant field.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

- Integrity
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In keeping with the principles of Dalhousie’s Employment Equity Plan, the position is designated to candidates who self-identify as persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians).

Note: To be eligible for this position, you must self-identify as a person of Black/African descent and/or as African Nova Scotian. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.