Senior Admissions Advisor

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.

Reporting to the Manager, Undergraduate Admissions and working in collaboration with OCAD University’s (OCAD U) Admissions & Recruitment team, the Senior Admissions Advisor plays a key role in supporting prospective and incoming undergraduate students through the admissions lifecycle. The Senior Admissions Advisor specializes in post-application communications and new student programming and initiatives that support applicant conversion and a smooth transition to OCAD U. This role also specializes in supporting transfer students and is responsible for evaluating upper year entry applications, issuing prior learning assessment decisions, and maintaining course equivalency records. This role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external partners, including postsecondary institutions, English language programs, academic upgrading, housing, scholarships and awards and other resources to support applicants as they prepare to begin their studies at OCAD U.

Summary of Responsibilities :

Communications and Conversion Responsibilities

- Develop, update and implement targeted communications for applicants who have received an offer of admission using the Client Relationship Management (CRM) system
- Lead the coordination and delivery of webinars and events focused on the steps to becoming an OCAD U student in collaboration with on and off-campus partners such as housing, financial aid, and international student support
- Identify and implement opportunities to enhance applicant conversion and engagement, and assess the effectiveness of communications, events, and related initiatives

Transfer Responsibilities

- Advise transfer students and process applications with an emphasis on upper year applications
- Review transfer credit inquiries and requests to determine appropriate assessment procedures
- Supervise the work of the Assistant, Upper Year Admissions, including assigning work, goal setting, performance management and day-to-day coaching and mentoring
- Work with the Manager to evaluate and communicate prior Learning Assessment/transfer credit decisions for new and returning students
- Collect student and course data to develop and maintain appropriate databases and research, preparing reports and statistics, as required
- Facilitate upper year portfolio assessments and communicate admission decisions to applicants.
- Organize and facilitate meetings with respective faculty members to reach consensus on transferability
- Work closely with the Recruitment team to raise awareness of transfer pathways through effective web communications and participation at key events

Applicant Support Responsibilities

- Work with the Manager and departmental staff, OCAD U students, and Faculty to ensure current knowledge of all student admissions programs, policies, procedures and admission requirements
- Assess academic requirements, including averages and course requirements
- Work closely with Admissions Advisors to assess and resolve complex or non-standard undergraduate admission files
- Assist with the research and assessment of international academic credentials against OCAD U admission standards
- Host individual and group advising sessions for applicants to provide guidance on admissions requirements, application status, transfer credit, and next steps
- Assess first year portfolios and supplemental applicant materials, participate in admission decisions for undergraduate applicants, and escalate issues (plagiarism, program suitability, etc.) as needed
- Update and maintain applicant records using the University’s Student Information System (SIS), audit applicant data for accuracy in accordance with OUAC, and maintain accurate applicant files, correspondence records, and record management systems
- Support the Admissions team and Office of the Registrar with new students’ registration assistance, as needed

General Responsibilities

- In collaboration with the Manager and other departmental staff, participate in overall strategic admissions and recruitment planning
- Represent Admissions and the University on various internal and external committees
- Work closely with departmental staff to provide high-quality service and response to telephone, email and in- person inquiries, and ensure that admissions activities are consistent with the established structures and policies, as well as standards of quality and customer service
- Work with Admissions & Recruitment team members, the OUAC and OCAD U IT/ERP staff to identify and resolve application and technical issues
- Represent OCAD U at on-campus and off-campus events, including portfolio review events, as required
- Contribute to the development of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies throughout all admissions programs, services, and communications
- Support the Admissions & Recruitment team in all duties contributing to the successful operation of the office

Qualifications:

- Post secondary degree, preferably in a fine art or design related field; Graduate degree in education an asset
- Five (5) years of progressive administrative experience in a postsecondary educational environment
- Strong knowledge of Ontario, Canadian and International secondary and postsecondary school systems, proven knowledge of admission requirements, admission protocols, and language and literacy concepts essential
- Demonstrated research and analytical skills, and demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy
- Demonstrated computer skills, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications with attention to spreadsheet, database and reporting applications
- Proven leadership in an academic environment, and ability to exercise tact, good judgement and diplomacy
- Experience providing guidance, coaching, or direction to others
- Experience working with Student Information Systems (Ellucian Colleague)
- Experience working with Customer Relationship Management systems (Slate)
- Demonstrated excellent organizational, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to prioritize competing demands, meet deadlines and participate collaboratively in a team environment
- Proven ability to work independently and as a team member in a busy and varied environment with multiple deadlines and changing priorities
- Possession of a valid Ontario driver’s license an asset, and availability to travel and/or work evenings and/or weekends on occasion as required
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation:     OPSEU Unit I, Appendix A, Grade A5; $66,925.74 to $87,958.44 per annum

Hours of Work:  Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week.

Mode of Work: This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements; however, a minimum of three days per week of on-campus work is required, with flexibility to adjust on-campus days and hours to meet department needs. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required, with shift premiums applied in accordance with the Collective Agreement. All flexibility and scheduling provisions are subject to the terms outlined in the Collective Agreement.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Interested internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter ( PDF ) by selecting “Apply Now” below, no later than Thursday September 24 th , 2026.

* Please upload your resume and cover letter  as one PDF . Please name your upload:  FirstName_LastName-Job Code

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCADU’s Accommodation in Employment Policy .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.