Unit/Project Description:
The Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University is a dynamic and research-intensive unit committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Our graduate program is recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, offering M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in three core areas:
- Integrative physiology
- Mechanics & control of movement
- Neuroscience and behaviour.
Our faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research with real-world applications in health, rehabilitation, and human performance. We foster a collegial and collaborative environment that supports student success through mentorship, funding opportunities, and global research exchanges.
Compensation & Benefits:
As a Unionized position, this role at McMaster offers robust, market-driven compensation, benefits, retirement savings plans/pensions, paid time-off, performance and service recognition, tuition assistance for employees, tuition bursary for dependents, and many other professional development and growth opportunities. To learn more about the total rewards available to the successful candidate, please access McMaster’s Total Rewards Overview for Unifor employees (https://hr.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2019/11/Unifor-Local-5555-Unit-1-Total-Rewards-Overview-Nov-2019-final-1.pdf) with a summary of the compensation, benefits, retirement income, paid time-off, and learning and development opportunities offered at McMaster. To further explore the extensive total rewards program, detailed information can be accessed through the links throughout the overview document.
Job Summary:
The Academic Program Advisor is responsible for providing academic advice at a program or department level which requires a thorough knowledge of program or department regulations as it pertains to course and program requirements. Also responsible for providing administrative support for a program or department.
Purpose and Key Functions:
- Identify and analyze problems with the program and prepare recommendations for review and approval.
- Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to the decision making process and develop recommendations for final approval and implementation.
- Advise registered and prospective students of program options and requirements.
- Ensure that students understand that all course and program selections adhere to established academic, prerequisite, and graduation requirements for the program.
- Assess student priority for limited registration in courses and provide suitable alternatives to meet degree requirements.
- Provide students with information regarding program policies and information about program requirements.
- Review, evaluate, and provide recommendations on applications to ensure students are eligible to transfer into, continue in, and graduate from the program.
- Investigate questions and resolve problems concerning program, curricula, and admissions.
- Act as a mediator between faculty and students when dealing with various issues such as special accommodations, scheduling conflicts, and grades.
- Gather and compile information required for a variety of documents and reports such as program accreditation, enrolment, and degree audits.
- Write a variety of documents such as correspondence, reports, and procedure manuals.
- Contribute to the development of student surveys and disseminate surveys to applicable groups.
- Review applications for a variety of scholarship competitions and ensure they contain the required information and meet the defined eligibility requirements.
- Notify applicants of the status of their application.
- Review applications and provide comments and recommendations to the selection committee for their consideration and approval.
- Monitor budgets and reconcile accounts. Complete financial forms including travel expense reports, electronic cheque requisitions, purchase orders and journal entries.
- Develop marketing and advertising brochures.
- Promote the program to visitors and representatives both internal and external to the University.
- Represent the program at various recruitment events.
- Create content for the program website.
- Plan and coordinate a variety of departmental events and activities.
- Prepare and work in consultation with faculty and staff to coordinate the program timetable.
- Update and maintain information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets.
Requirements:
- 3 year Community College diploma in Office Administration or related field.
- Requires 3 years of relevant experience.
Assets:
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the academic and administrative functions of our graduate program. This includes advising prospective and current students, coordinating admissions and scholarship processes, and supporting program planning and evaluation.
This position is also an integral part of the Kinesiology Administrative Team, contributing to broader departmental operations and administrative responsibilities beyond graduate studies. The role requires collaboration with faculty, staff, and other administrative units to ensure smooth and effective program delivery.
Assets that would be beneficial for this role include:
- Experience working in a university or academic setting, particularly with graduate programs.
- Familiarity with graduate admissions, funding agencies (e.g., Tri-Council, OGS), and scholarship processes.
- Experience with student advising, academic planning, and conflict resolution.
- Proficiency in using university systems and tools such as Mosaic, Avenue to Learn, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- A proactive and student-centered approach to problem-solving and service delivery.
Additional Information:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
