JOB DESCRIPTION:

NVIT anticipates a requirement for one full-time, ongoing Academic and Financial Planner at our Merritt campus and invites applications from qualified individuals. This support staff position starts as soon as a suitable candidate is available.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Academic and Financial Planner (the “Planner”) is based at the Merritt campus and reports directly to the Associate Registrar. The Planner, regardless of campus, is responsible for providing high-quality, efficient, and consistent learner-centred services in the areas of academic and financial planning. The Planner also works closely with the Academic and Financial Planners at the Burnaby campus, the Team Lead – Admissions and Retention, the Student Success Centre, Faculty, Staff and Communities.
The Academic and Financial Planner will represent the staff, faculty, and the image of NVIT in an effective and positive manner, virtually and face-to-face, while providing information to prospective and current learners, education coordinators and support workers in both individual and group planning sessions regarding NVIT’s programs, courses, and transferability of previous course work. The Planner will focus on internal and external services that aid prospective and current learners in developing realistic, complete, and appropriate educational plans that meet individual educational and career goals.
The Planner will enter, maintain, and track the previous and current coursework in the Colleague system. As each student’s individualized plan may require readiness, prior learning assessments, and financial aid assistance, the Planner will coordinate these services and follow up as required throughout the planning process. As part of the Enrolment Services team (EST), the Planner will work collaboratively with others to ensure that prospective and current learners receive consistent, timely and accurate information. The Planner will participate in activities associated with the promotion of NVIT and with student recruitment as well as provide input regarding programming to improve student success and retention. The Planner administers government and institutional financial assistance and awards program funds. The Planner‘s role is to ensure that students requiring financial assistance have adequate and supportive access to NVIT programs and services. The Planner will also assist in NVIT’s efforts to recognize outstanding achievement by coordinating and disbursing the awards of excellence. This position requires extensive use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, Outlook email and calendar, Outlook Office online booking, computerized financial aid systems (SAIL, SFAS), web applications, Microsoft Teams, Retention Alert and the student systems, Colleague, and Informer.
Collectively, all Academic and Financial Planners have accountability for student planning and financial aid in the Enrolment Services areas, including but not limited to: reporting, transfer credit (BCCAT), program completion plans, Immediate Entry Bursary, constructing and maintaining strong relationships with external service providers (sponsors and coordinators), student recruitment, internal/external referrals for student supports, creating holistic educational plans, assisting with financial aid through federal, provincial, private and NVIT programs, communicate and maintain relationships with award sponsors and donors, maintaining and updating the institutional appendix and complying with government expenditure reporting requirements, assisting in the review, maintenance and development of financial aid policies, participating and providing support to the Recruitment, Admissions and Registration Officers (RAROs), as required, may be required to perform recruiting duties (at high schools, career fairs, community events and other promotional events).

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with a minimum of one-year experience working in the BC public post-secondary system in recruiting, admissions, or student services environment. Equivalent education and experience may be considered;
• Familiarity and experience with EducationPlannerBC, the Student Transcripts Service, and the BC Transfer Guide and the Post-Secondary sector.
• Event coordination, public speaking and group facilitation experience.
• Experience working with youth and familiarity with Indigenous community protocols.
• Extensive computer systems experience with proficiency in the following application software: Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Colleague, and Web Content Management Systems;
• Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel;
• Detail-oriented ability to analyze, process and disseminate information through diverse mediums;
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to quality service to students, the public, and the NVIT community;
• Ability to work and problem-solve both independently and in a team environment;
• Proven ability to multi-task, establish work priorities and work in a high-volume, detailed environment with attention to accuracy and timelines;
• Understanding of Canada’s colonial history and the devastating impacts on Indigenous peoples and Indigenous ways of being and knowing;
• Practice from a holistic, culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens;
• Knowledge of and appreciation for Indigenous languages and cultures, and Indigenous lived experiences;
• Proven ability to build collaborative working relationships to achieve outcomes in the best interest of students and NVIT;
• Consent to a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
• Familiarity with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience;
• An understanding of Canada’s history and the devastating impacts on Indigenous peoples and Indigenous ways of being and knowing;
• Promotion of holistic wellness and trauma-informed practice;
• Ability to adapt to a fluid work environment (ex. the response to COVID-19);
• Knowledge of and appreciation for Indigenous languages and cultures, and preferably Indigenous lived experiences;
• Advanced skills using the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Experience with Colleague ST, or ability and experience with learning unique data-keeping systems quickly and efficiently
• Experience with computerized financial aid systems (SAIL, SFAS) preferably in a BC public post-secondary financial aid office is preferred;
• Ability to communicate and provide services effectively using virtual platforms (Microsoft Teams etc.);
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, identify service and system improvements through a systems-based lens, to be logical and maintain confidentiality, and capacity to initiate action on matters relating to the Enrolment Services division;
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to consistent, high-quality, student-centred service;
• Superior critical thinking, time management, problem-solving and organizational skills;
• Proven ability to build collaborative working relationships in order to achieve outcomes in the best interest of students and NVIT;
• Proven ability to model professional, ethical and collaborative behaviours;
• Ability to work well independently and under pressure;
• Able/willing to travel to Merritt/Burnaby Campus and other locations for work purposes.