International Education Officer

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director of ISSAC, the position works in a fast-paced, collaborative environment to complete work as required and necessary to foster and promote student success. The International Education Officer is a key role, responsible for leading the promotion and administrative oversight of student related aspects of both inbound and outbound study abroad programs. Periodic evening or weekend work is required. Occasional overnight and international travel may be required. The position:

• Navigates competing deadlines and prioritizes tasks to complete work necessary to foster and promote student success with a primary focus on inbound exchange students.
• The International Education Officer works collaboratively with ISSAC colleagues, College Advisors, international partnerships and other student service units to encourage student success and retention in study abroad and study mobility programs.
• The work requires the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically to a diverse audience by a variety of methods and communication mediums.

 Accountabilities: Increase student engagement in study abroad programs through collaborative, integrated approaches to university-wide and student-led promotional and peer mentoring strategies.

• Uphold the due diligence, fairness and integrity of student mobility applications, selections and mobility processes with a particular focus on inbound exchange activity.
• Shared responsibility to ensure international students are received at the University of Saskatchewan in a welcoming and inclusive campus environment through collaborative development of engagement activities hosted by ISSAC and partners in the campus community.
• Ensure the print/online materials are effective in relation to pre-arrival, arrival, in-field and post completion of students’ exchange programs and other student mobility programs.
• Ensure student, staff, faculty and external stakeholders’ satisfaction with study abroad guidance through informed, cross-culturally sensitive, client-centered responses to inquiries.
• Be a resource to colleagues and units on campus relating to study abroad matters, sponsored and special programs, including but not limited to the Visiting Research Student, Mitacs and Emerging Leaders of the Americas programs
• Collaborate with ISSAC colleagues to support student mobility initiatives when required.
• Managing ISSAC communication mediums to ensure all information remains relevant and accurate.
• Ensure liability and risk are responsibly mitigated by remaining current with best practices in supporting students.
• Analyze how unique situations are accommodated and work with students to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure their needs are met.
• Identify emerging needs of our international students when they arrive, during their time at USask and post departure.
• Foster a student-centered philosophy by engaging in professional development, researching and developing best practices and services as a model of exemplary customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Implement effective customer service practices and make recommendations to the ISSAC team that relate to business process improvements, functions and timelines.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders in order to provide integrated student services consistent with student-centered service philosophies, policies and practices.
• Possess the willingness and capacity to be a knowledgeable resource for others on campus.
• Develop positive relationships with campus and external stakeholders and ensure programs and services integrate with College, university-wide and community-based programs and services for inbound students.
• Ensure programs and services are in compliance with university and divisional policies and procedures.
• Plan and implement programs and services that make effective use of financial resources,
  including realigning resources to allow for innovation and continuous improvements.
• Maintain event/activity statistics and evaluation data, and analyze, organize and draw conclusions for evaluation results.

Education: An undergraduate degree in a related field of study is required. A graduate degree is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Coursework and/or training in international education is an asset.

 Licenses: Certification as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) would be considered an asset.

 Experience: Two years of experience working in university student services or equivalent service-oriented field. Knowledge of the university environment and the departments/units involved in student exchange and study abroad programs would be an asset. Experience working in a diverse, inclusive and intercultural environment where clients may have a first language that is not English is required. Strong background in international education/study abroad programming involving youth and adults and/or considerable experience living, studying and/or working in another country and cultural/linguistic environment is preferred. Experience in writing communications materials and delivering presentations would be considered an asset.

Skills:

• Demonstrated intercultural competence: experience working with people from various cultures, identities and backgrounds and sensitivity to diversity and cross-cultural differences.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to build and foster relationships both internally and externally to the university.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in the MS Windows Suite and Zoom web conferencing.
• Empathy and active listening in one-on-one client interactions.
• Goal oriented and results driven with proven ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders to accomplish institutional goals.
• Demonstrate a high level of professional integrity and ethical behavior.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills: both written and oral including public speaking.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage a demanding workload.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking skills and independent judgement.
• Fluency in a language other than English would be desirable.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Charlene Brown at [email protected] .

Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.