Academic Programs Assistant

Department: School of Fine Arts and Music
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) is a dynamic and growing department within the College of Arts, comprising full-time faculty, sessional lecturers, and dedicated staff. SOFAM offers undergraduate programs in Studio Art, Art History, Music, Creative Arts, Health & Wellness, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art. The department continues to innovate, with new undergraduate and graduate programs under development, such as Music Theatre, Dance, and Creative Arts, Health & Wellness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director and Associate Director, Finance and Operations, the Academic Programs Assistant (APA) plays a vital role in both the daily operations and long-term development of the school. The APA serves as the first point of contact and support for undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students, coordinating course outlines, classroom scheduling, grade submissions, and student enrollment records. The APA provides administrative support to faculty, collaborates with graduate and undergraduate coordinators, and ensures effective office operations. The role also maintains essential lines of communication between the Registrar, Graduate Services, the Dean’s Office, and students.

In addition to core administrative and program support duties, the APA contributes directly to the academic mission of SOFAM by managing registration and logistics for performance classes, supporting faculty and students in the planning and execution of juries, recitals, and special events.

Requirements

• Two-year Community College diploma (Business Administration preferred) and a minimum of one (1) year of previous experience providing administrative support, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; 
• Experience providing administrative support and academic program coordination in a University environment and within an arts and humanities discipline would be an asset;
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 required and experience with a wide variety of institutional software packages that support academic program management and student services is preferred;
• Proven ability to excel within a small working group and act as an effective team member of a large and diverse organization;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to interface with coworkers and University stakeholders in an equitable and accessible manner to contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect;
• Excellent personal judgment, organizational skills, and problem-solving ability in order to multitask and prioritize duties while dealing with interruptions and competing deadlines;
• Ability to take initiative to proactively identify potential problems or outstanding tasks, prepare required supporting information, and make recommendations so that tasks can be completed, or decisions can be made efficiently and effectively;
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures, preferably in a post-secondary environment, in a wide variety of functional areas such as: academic programs, human resources, financial services, research, and student awards.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10267047 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 4  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 02/25/2026  
Closing Date: 03/03/2026