Academic Advisor - Continuing Education

Reference: P-251151-67

Deadline to apply: October 06, 2026 11:59 PM EDT

IMPORTANT: Permanent, full-time Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm or other upon agreement with manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Centre for Continuing Education is seeking an Academic Advisor who is passionate about helping adult learners achieve their educational and career goals.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) process and the transferability of work and life experience into academic recognition, and strong understanding of Academic of College studies programs and credit courses, of Attestation of College Studies (AEC) programs offered to adult learners in Continuing Education.

REPORTING TO THE MANAGER OF OPERATIONS, CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, THE ACADEMIC ADVISOR PROVIDES ADVICE, GUIDANCE, SUPPORT, AND INFORMATION TO AEC STUDENTS AND RAC CANDIDATES REGARDING ACADEMIC PATHWAYS, PROGRESSION, RETENTION, AND GRADUATION.  THE INCUMBENT ALSO COLLABORATES CLOSELY WITH TEACHING STAFF, RAC CONTENT SPECIALISTS, THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE, AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC SUCESS AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists students and RAC candidates with admission validation and application process.
• Performs academic review for substitutions, equivalencies, waivers, and recognition of prior academic and experiential learning.
• Develops individualized academic pathways and RAC recommendations based on academic analyses, including preparation for validation interviews.
• Manages and tracks substitutions and equivalencies, and related academic decisions with the College.
• Compiles and analyzes complex or exceptional academic cases.
• Supports in-depth academic assessments and recommendations, to ensure students and RAC candidates meet the program’s learning objectives and educational requirements.
• Develops tools and resources to support academic analysis and pathway planning.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of academic advising and RAC processes.
• Issues “commandites" (authorization to take course(s) at another Cegep) and evaluate summer school and inter-session priority requests.
• Collaborates with the Registrar's Office regarding declarations of clientele, admissions, records management, registrations, and scheduling.
• Participates in the promotion of AEC programs, evening DEC credit courses and RAC services.
• Meets with newly admitted students and candidates individually or a group to provide academic information and guidance.
• Maintains communication with content specialists and other stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and flow of academic information.
• Assists with the development and implementation of RAC tools and advising procedures.
• Can be asked to participate in program committees, institutional committees, and special projects.
• Contributes to research, surveys, orientations, workshops, and the creation of materials for staff and candidates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as:

• Education
• Guidance Counselling

Specific Requirements:

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience
• Experience developing and implementing complex administrative procedures and processes.
• Strong knowledge of post-secondary education and the Quebec Cegep system.
• Understanding competency-based evaluation and RAC competencies.
• Knowledge of the realities and needs of adult learners in the workforce is important.
• Proficiency with digital tools and information systems.
• Knowledge of Office 365 – SharePoint – Team classroom
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership skills and the ability to motivate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations using diplomacy, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently in both virtual and on-site environments.
• Commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and student and candidate success.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.
• Availability to work flexible hours up to four (4) times per month, including evenings (1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and occasional Saturdays, to accommodate RAC candidates and content specialists.

Testing may be required to demonstrate knowledge of:

• English (intermediate oral, comprehension and written)
• French (intermediate oral, comprehension and intermediate written)
• Excel (intermediate)

In accordance with ministerial directives issued by the Secretariat du Conseil du trésor concerning a freeze on public service recruitment, effective November 1st 2024, applications from employees with regular employment status at the College and within the College network will be prioritized.

John Abbott College adheres to an Equal Access to Employment Program, and invites women, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities to submit their applications. 

We thank all candidates who submit their resumes for consideration.  However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  If your work experience has changed or if you have acquired additional education since your last visit, be sure to submit your updated resume so that we may review your full career path.