Sexual Violence Advisor

Date Posted: February 26, 2026

Posting Deadline: March 25, 2026

Department: Student Affairs & Services

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 6 ($69,429 - $89,468 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Sexual Violence Advisor to join our Student Affairs & Services team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director, Student Accessibility, Wellness, and Success, the Sexual Violence Advisor will:

• Work closely with students, faculty and staff on education and awareness initiatives related to sexual violence and sexual harassment through a gender-based and trauma-focused lens, understanding the intersectional nature of the work.
• Work with diverse student populations to ensure that initiatives are culturally appropriate and considerate of intersectionality considerations. and addresses various needs (student with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous students, Black students, and International students etc.).
• Collaborate with the Sexual Violence Prevention Education and Awareness Committee (SVPEAC) and other related stakeholder groups to educate the campus community around the policy and procedures.
• Develop, implement and supervise training programs offered for students, staff, and faculty.
• Assist with development and ongoing training on sexual violence prevention and consent education for various areas including but not limited to: Residence Assistants, PACK Leaders, Peer Coaches, Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, Varsity Athletes, Res Consent Project, SMUSA executive and clubs and societies.
• Oversee all disclosures and reports for students and employees around sexualized violence, coordinates an appropriate response in accordance with the Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy and other campus policies and protocols.
• Respond to cases by using the policy, best practices, and principles of procedural fairness.
• Manage cases individually to ensure processes are supportive and align with principles set out in the Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy.
• Understand their role and establish boundaries as outlined in the policy and ensures application of these actions in response to disclosures and reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, training and supervision of the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative student program, which includes peer-led Bystander Invention Training.
• Promote Bystander Training programming to engage students in training and conduct on-going assessment of session.
• Work closely with campus and community stakeholders on related training topics as well as working with provincial stakeholders responsible for on-going development of Bystander Training and development of on-line modules.
• Stay up-to-date with ever-evolving sexual violence research, issues and programming changes.
• Participate and engage in provincial, regional and national committees on sexual violence education and responses.
• Work on provincial initiatives related to policy development, training investigation and meting the provincial guidelines on sexual violence prevention and response.
• Collaborate with other post-secondary institutions, locally and nationally as well as faculty and staff members who are interested in completing research on sexual violence prevention and response.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

To be the successful Sexual Violence Advisor you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or equivalent degree is required. A master's degree in Counselling, Education, Counselling Psychology, Social Work is an asset.
• Counselling, non-violent crisis intervention, trauma training, crisis management certificate, respondent training, and investigation training would be considered an asset.
• Three (3) to five (5) directly related experience.
• A Knowledge base of relevant legal issues both provincially and federally.
• Strong understanding of privacy legislation and confidentiality requirements
• An ability to deal effectively with a broad client base, and the ability to remain unbiased, objective and work in confidence.
• An ability to be flexible and adaptable while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Organizational and time management skills: able to manage material, information, people, resources and multiple priorities
• An ability to manage complex files and deadlines
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) to effect positive change while building strong relationships.
• Collaborative, positive and professional approach to working with teams and colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrate intercultural awareness and a commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of post-secondary sector, academic and administrative structures.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].