Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide,
the Faculty of Engineering
is on a mission to empower agile and globally conscious leaders in engineering who collaborate to create a brighter future.
The Faculty is at the forefront of transforming engineering education, transitioning from traditional lecture methods to a project-based, hands-on learning approach. Our graduates emerge as resilient professionals, armed with invaluable skills and experiences from Ontario's second-largest co-op program, unparalleled research opportunities--the most extensive offered by any Canadian engineering program--and a multitude of clubs, teams, and projects. Student success is central to all we do, and we are meaningfully reshaping an engineering field into one that reflects a diverse and inclusive society.
About the Position
The Outreach unit in the Faculty of Engineering is central to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and representative engineering community. Aligned with the Faculty's vision of Engineering a Brighter Future, the team supports students from equity-deserving groups throughout their academic and career journeys.
The
Black Student Recruitment & Career Advisor
advances inclusive excellence by supporting the recruitment, engagement, and career development of self-identifying Black students--both domestic and international--at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Jointly reporting to the Managers of Student Recruitment and Co-Curricular & Student Engagement, the Advisor leads culturally responsive outreach, builds strategic partnerships with student clubs, alumni, and community organizations, and offers one-on-one advising to attract and support Black students in Engineering.
The Advisor represents the faculty at outreach events, delivers targeted recruitment initiatives, and provides personalized application guidance. On campus, they support Black students' career development through tailored mentorship, individualized coaching, and experiential learning opportunities that connect academics to career and graduate pathways.
This is a unique opportunity for a student-centered professional passionate about equity in STEM to help future engineers find community and thrive at McMaster.
Job Summary
Provide recruitment, mentorship and career supports for equity-deserving undergraduate students to achieve engagement and retention goals and deliver on student success metrics. This will include personalized support throughout the application cycle and career and professional skills development upon enrolment. The incumbent will collaborate closely with units across campus. Additionally, this role will create pathways for students to pursue graduate studies (Masters/PhD). This position will support the Faculty's commitment to inclusive excellence and recruiting top students from equity-deserving groups including Black, women and Indigenous students. Working in coordination with multiple departments, the role will deliver services, resources and programming to engage and support student success from both an academic and career perspective.
Representative Duties & Responsibilities
Plan and coordinate various University recruitment events and campus-wide activities
Develop and implement market research strategies to establish and remain current with market trends
Develop, implement and coordinate a marketing plan for annual recruitment activities ensuring the image and reputation of the University is maintained
Develop and implement a competitive and comprehensive campus visit program for prospective equity-deserving students
Facilitate focus groups to determine the effectiveness of current publications and to identify areas for improvement
Coach and provide guidance to equity-deserving students on different career paths and options using applicable career theories and pedagogies
Provide 1:1 coaching and guidance to students in developing self-marketing and branding tools including, but not limited to, job search strategies, resume critiques, preparation of cover letters and personal statements, interview skills, networking, portfolio development, and negotiation skills
Develop resources to support the career development and job search needs of equity-deserving students and contribute to the development of a career curriculum framework
Develop resources and provide 1:1 coaching to equity-deserving students to support reflective practice and strategic integration of career learning in high-impact co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences
Develop and deliver a mentorship program for equity-deserving students, working in collaboration with units across campus
Add personalized support throughout the application cycle
Create, monitor and update website and electronic request forms
Write and modify queries to extract data from databases
Support equity-deserving undergraduate researchers with funding and finding suitable positions, creating a pathway for equity-deserving students interested in pursuing a Masters/PhD
Design career and skill development materials and develop interview tools
Engage in weekly communications/engagements with equity deserving job seeking students in support of their career success
Document and provide feedback to senior staff regarding the target audience's perception of the University
Meet with and respond to inquiries from prospective equity deserving students
Attend and represent the University at recruitment events
Remain current with frequent changes in all academic areas, programs, admission policies and procedures, electronic media and social networking
Write a variety of documents including, but not limited to, career and skill development materials, workshop plans, and general correspondence and reports
Maintain accurate student records in the database and create reports as necessary to monitor and evaluate students' use of services from year to year.
Understand and remain current on employment legislation and government mandates
Support event programming by providing guidance on relevant topics and formats and promoting events to equity-deserving students using direct marketing and communication strategies including newsletters, social media channels and email
Write and edit a variety of documents including, but not limited to, marketing materials, reports, correspondence and email
Ensure the confidentiality and safeguarding of student files; maintain filing systems, both electronic and hard copy
Attend conferences and workshops and be versed in best practices for recruitment, retention and career success of equity deserving students
Collaborate closely with units across campus
Support committees and groups
Update, maintain and verify information in a variety of databases and spreadsheets
Supervision
Has ongoing responsibility for supervising up to 9 casual employees at any one time
Qualifications
University Degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience
3 years of relevant experience
Assets
Familiarity with MacEng programs, services, and student experience
Experience working in a post-secondary environment, particularly in a career advising capacity
Experience in recruiting for post-secondary programs across international markets, including regions such as the Caribbean and Africa.
Additional Information
This position will support the faculty's commitment to inclusive excellence and recruiting top students from equity-deserving groups including Black, women and Indigenous students. Working in coordination with multiple departments, the role will deliver services, resources and programming to engage and support student success from both an academic and career perspective
The successful candidate must have / demonstrate:
A deep understanding of the systemic barriers and inequities that impact Black students in STEM education and experience supporting diverse student populations
Strong organization and project management skills, including event coordination
Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at work
Proven success at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to meet tight project deadlines and competing timelines
Ability to respond creatively to resolve issues and maintain workflow
A high degree of professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information
The successful candidate must also have experience in the following areas:
Designing and delivering equity-focused student programming or outreach, such as workshops, information sessions, etc.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat
Additional requirements include:
A valid Ontario 'G' Driver's License is required. Access to a personal vehicle is not necessary, as a rental or fleet vehicle will be provided for work-related travel
Ability to safely lift and carry items weighing up to 25 kg
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including internationally
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak recruitment periods (typically October-November and February-May) to meet the demands of the position
This position is funded through McMaster University's Strategic Excellence and Equity in Recruitment and Retention (STEER/R) Fund and is intended to enhance outreach and engagement with Black students, while addressing the underrepresentation of Black students in STEM disciplines.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who self-identify as Black and who bring lived experience within the Canadian post-secondary education system. This perspective is recognized as vital to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black students within the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University
NOTE
: Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
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, Metis 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.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience
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 talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
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