Job Title

Student Recruitment & Financial Aid Officer Thunder Bay, ON Student Success Fulltime Mar 19, 2026 Yearly: $65000 Position Title Student Recruitment & Financial Aid Officer Hours of work Monday to Friday , Some weekends Location Centennial Square Reports to Student Success Manager Appointment FullTime Permanent WHO WE ARE OshkiWenjacks mission building and empowering First Nations futures. VISION STATEMENT OshkiWenjacks vision is to strengthen Nations through First Nations education POSITION SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Student Success Manager, the Recruitment Officer will provide accurate information, encouragement, and guidance to prospective students. The Recruitment Officer will participate in the development and implementation of recruitment strategies to achieve student enrollment targets for each program offered at OshkiWenjack. This role will also include responsibilities related to financial aid, such as providing information and guidance on funding options, scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships, and application processes to support prospective and current students in accessing financial resources. The position requires extensive travel by air and driving to remoteaccess communities to promote programs, build relationships, and support student recruitment and financial aid awareness. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Student Recruitment - Organize and schedule student recruitment events and travel in coordination with the programming staff. - Promptly contact student referrals. - Develop a community and potential champions contact list of OshkiWenjack. - Maintain an update recruitment calendar of events. - Liaise with program staff, and colleagues in partner institutions, to clarify program goals and requirements. - Conduct followup communication with prospective students. Marketing and Student Recruitment Strategy - Develop and implement a student recruitment strategy to support the achievement of student enrollment targets for each program of study offered at the OshkiWenjack Institute using tools such as social media platforms, print, web, and emarketing. - Facilitate career fairs, conferences, and recruitment campaigns. - Keep abreast of new marketing approaches and techniques that will support the achievement of student enrollment targets OshkiWenjack. - Select and distribute promotional material and maintain appropriate inventory levels. - Identify barriers and assist students in overcoming said barriers. Promotion of Programs - Distribute information such as brochures or flyers and other promotional tools to achieve student enrollment targets. - Provide information on course and program requirements, application processes, and eligibility criteria to potential students. - Distribute materials for preparation for Mature Student Assessment. - Refer ineligible students to alternative programs offered by OshkiWenjack. - Follow up with current program inquiries and deferred student applications. - Followup inquiries from potential students concerning the application process in a timely basis to ensure they meet the admissions, registration, and student funding deadlines. - Collaborate with Community Leaders to develop and deliver engaging oral or visual presentations that focus on the benefits of each program. - Create effective presentations for inperson, online or Hyflex delivery. - Plan and organize events such as open houses, school visits, and community Facebook live events. - Participate in events held by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities such as gatherings, community events and other. Dialogue, Engagement and Outreach - Develop and foster positive working relationships in Nishnawbe Aski Nation with community members, Education authorities and committees, Chief and Council through regular community visits for: Promote programs in the communities, Promote and raise awareness of OshkiWenjack as the Institute of first choice, Build and foster relationships with key groups (funders), Forge relationships with potential employers and develop employment opportunities for graduates. - Participate in Ministrysponsored financial assistance program training and maintain uptodate knowledge of Federal and Provincial financial aid regulations. - Administer OSAP in full compliance with Ministry guidelines, policies, and procedures. - Monitor the OSAP portal for updates, communicate changes to management, and assist with implementation of new requirements. - Conduct financial interviews with new students to explain available funding options and develop individualized financial plans. - Advise and assist new and current students with OSAP and other government funding applications, including interprovincial funding. - Provide accurate information regarding financial aid eligibility, programs, and loan obligations, and support students in managing their funding successfully. - Respond to student inquiries related to financial status, funding, and payment plans while delivering consistent, highquality customer service. - Track and monitor financial aid applications, student attendance, academic progress, and maintain complete and accurate financial files. - Prepare, review, and distribute OSAP packaging reports and ensure files are closed for graduated students in accordance with Ministry requirements. - Monitor daily receivables, maintain accurate student accounts, and ensure payment plans are current. - Set up tuition payment arrangements and follow up with students to collect outstanding balances. - Collect and process payments for tuition and ancillary fees (e.g., printing, parking, exams, remediation), issue receipts, and enter transactions into the system. - Prepare daily collection reports, submit payments to finance, and reconcile discrepancies. - Calculate and process refunds for students who withdraw or are suspended. - Prepare documentation for annual compliance audits and ensure timely and successful audit completion. - Perform other related duties as assigned. Other Duties - Support the implementation of the Student Success strategy to ensure enrollment target levels are achieved while also ensuring student retention and graduation. - Supports the Admission Officer in any aspect of the admissions process for student applicants. - Take personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness, and implementation of OshkiWenjacks cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and workrelated deliverables. - Access and utilize Elders and Knowledge holders for teachings and guidance as it relates to work deliverables. - Be prepared to work in conjunction with the philosophy and mandate of the Institute. - Adhere to the Policies and Procedures as set by the Institute. - Adhere to the Code of Ethics and positive relationship building. - Regular attendance and conduct at work according to the requirements of OshkiWenjacks Policies and Procedures. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED Specific Knowledge - Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and Indigenous communities. - Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Email) and internet. Skills and Attributes - Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment in handling sensitive information. - Excellent oral and written communication skills - Excellent sense of responsibility and ability to work with minimal supervision. - Ability to manage multiple tasks, organize priorities, and meet deadlines. - Excellent interpersonal skills for the development of strong relationships - Highly organized. Required Qualifications Education - A diploma in Marketing, Indigenous studies, or a related field of study from a recognized Canadian institution with accreditation or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Schedule - Monday to Friday Employment is subject to - Satisfactory vulnerable sector check. - Under OshkiWenjacks insurance policy, employees are required to be at least 25 years of age to rent a vehicle. As vehicle rental is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position, candidates must be eligible to rent a vehicle in their own name. - Sales experience is considered an asset. Additional Information - Paid personal days - Paid time off at Christmas in addition to vacation time - Professional Development - Employer paid matching RPP contributions Preference may be given to We are committed and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the demographics that we serve. In alignment with our Mission and Mandate and in accordance with Ontario Human Rights code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry. Candidates are encouraged to selfidentify as being of Indigenous ancestry (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit). #J-18808-Ljbffr