Preference will be given to qualified employees, as defined in the Full-Time Support Staff Collective Agreement. Should a suitable candidate not be found, external candidates will be considered.
Reporting to the Manager, Student Transitions and Community Connections, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program Specialist functions to design, implement and continuously improve Sheridan’s pan-institutional first-year experience strategy. The role leads college-wide programming that cultivates student belonging, connection, capability, resourcefulness and culture across diverse student populations; partners with Academic Faculties and service departments to align efforts with the Academic and Strategic Plans; and applies evidence-based methodologies and an equity, diversity and inclusion lens to enhance engagement, persistence, success and retention. The incumbent is recognized as a college-wide subject-matter expert on transition into post-secondary education, oversees FYE staff and student teams, and coordinates comprehensive data collection, analysis and reporting to inform institutional decision-making.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing multiple project plans for FYE programming (pre-arrival and new student orientation) which includes Sheridan-wide programing and tailored programs for specific and distinct student populations (international), through an equity, diversity and inclusion lens;
- Securing the continuous involvement and commitment of each Faculty and service unit and maintaining a collaborative partnership ongoing and in each phase of project planning, implementation, delivery and review;
- Delivering a variety of student workshops, seminars and training modules to targeted student groups based on identified needs related to transitional issues and presenting to large groups of students (1,000+) at Sheridan-wide events (e.g. Orientation);
- Providing guidance and support to the Student Leaders team;
- Developing and delivering training and information sessions for staff, faculty and student leaders to provide updated information; to reinforce and ensure understanding of current FYE programming and support and to ensure staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the delivery of programming;
- Conducting internal and external research and analysis to determine appropriate program content, methodologies of delivery, and presenting recommendations to partners across the campus community;
- Through in-person individual and group meetings, case conferences, presentations, online platforms, and ongoing touch points, ensuring an ongoing exchange related to: the development of joint and tailored programming and delivery; enlisting of College staff and faculty to support and participate in FYE related efforts, setting up research plans and sharing of new research findings in relation to student performance and persistence, diverse student experiences, identifying, addressing and resolving student issues across the student lifecycle and in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion; evaluating impact of FYE efforts and future planning;
- Identifying budget requirements and obtaining quotes for goods and services;
- Creating and executing the internal and external communication strategies and promotional plans to ensure awareness and participation of all stakeholders;
- Participating in Sheridan-wide committees and working groups to communicate regarding retention issues, best practices and trends and to provide information on FYE programming;
- Performing other related duties as assigned.
About You
You are commitment to the principles of empowerment, integration and inclusion are a student/client centered individual with a passion for facilitating student success and enhancing the student experience.
You enjoy working with diverse populations and are committed to centring equity, diversity and inclusion in all programming.
Your collaborative spirit is balanced with your ability to take initiative and act independently to advance initiatives and projects.
You are an agile individual with an ability to respond to change, adapt and seek improvements while applying principles of analytical and creative problem solving and utilizing judgment and discretion to most appropriately and effectively support each student’s unique needs.
Your facilitation, presentation and outreach skills enable you to effectively deliver sessions to a variety of audiences in various formats, including in-person and virtually.
The successful candidate will also meet the following qualifications:
- 3-year degree in Business, Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related field.
- 5 years of progressive experience in an educational environment (or a combination of educational and social services environment) where responsibilities included: Creating and delivering training programs that are theoretically informed and evidenced-based; preparing and presenting topics to groups for developmental purposes; drawing on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to assess student needs to provide developmental advising; collecting, recording, analysing, reporting and presenting data and research findings.
- Experience in the development and coordination of FYE programs, student success initiatives aimed at retention and academic success.
Who We Are
Every member of the Sheridan community is passionate about the transformational role we play in people’s lives. Our strategic plan, Sheridan 2027: Forging the Future (https://www.sheridancollege.ca/sheridan2027), charts a path towards a new ground-breaking model of higher education that reshapes post-secondary education and better prepares students for the future. We are committed to demonstrably advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Diversity is our strength and fuels our commitment to excellence. Across our campuses, we’re making meaningful strides towards developing an equitable and inclusive community.
- For more information, visit: Why Work at Sheridan
Other Details
Department: Student Affairs
Primary Work/Campus Location: Davis (may be assigned activities at any Sheridan campus)
Work Categorization: Hybrid Position | On-site at least 3 days/week
Reference #: J0126-0915
Employee Group: Support Staff
Type of Vacancy: This is a replacement position
Payband: J
Hourly Range: $43.61 - $50.39
Hours: 35
Hours/Week: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory.
Over two centuries ago, the Mississauga people welcomed settlers to this territory, providing sustenance and engaging in trade and commerce. Between 1781 to 1820, eight treaties were signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who opened their territory to settlement. Today, Sheridan campuses are located on Treaty 14, also known as the Head of the Lake Purchase of 1806 and Treaty 22 and 23 of 1820.
Treaty history is foundational, and it is our collective responsibility to honour the land, as we honour and respect those who have gone before us, those who are here and those who have yet to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to be learning, working and thriving on this land, and we commit to learn the truth and be active in the process of reconciliation.
Sheridan values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. Sheridan regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. Sheridan seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Sheridan will provide job applicants with accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
You may be asked to provide copies of your educational credentials at the time of interview. Upon hire, we require official confirmation of educational credentials and Canadian equivalency assessments, if applicable.
