International Student Advisor

International Student Advisor
Calgary, AB
Corporate Development, Applied Research & International – International Centre /
AUPE Temporary Salary /
Hybrid
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Studying abroad is an incredible — and sometimes daunting — experience. SAIT’s International Centre is focused on attracting international students to study at SAIT, assisting with their transition to the institute and life in Canada and supporting them while they study here. If you have a passion for guiding students to new opportunities, and have experience supporting and mentoring international, we want to meet you. 
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Manager, International Student Support in the International Centre (IC), the International Student Advisor (ISA) provides guidance, advocacy and support to student learning and development and leverage promoting long-term, transformational relationship building with students over transactional services.  The incumbent develops and delivers high-quality services and programs to support international student success and participation in all aspects of SAIT and Canadian life. The incumbent liaises with a wide range of student support colleagues, clubs, administrative and academic supports on campus to provide a full range of programs and services that support international student success. The International Student Advisor is responsible for strategies and programs that will improve international student experience. The ISA contributes to SAIT’s objectives by:
 
Coaching and advising international students.
Developing programming, in collaboration with campus service providers, to support students retention, participation, engagement and academic success.
The Role

• Student Programming/ Advising Support
• The International Student Advisor provides innovative, high quality advising and develop programs that support international learner success and participation in all aspects of SAIT and life in Canada
• Incorporate preparation, facilitation, documentation and assessment of advising interactions in guiding students to become successful, resilient and independent learners.
• Advise students concerning transition, retention, immigration, settlement, service, supports on and off campus and any question about
• Advise applicants, current students and other interested parties concerning SAIT policies and procedures pertaining to student life cycle from applicants to graduation
• Develop relationships with student support colleagues, clubs, administrative and academic supports on campus to provide a full range of programs and services that support international student engagement and success.
• Develops and/ or coordinates International Student Success workshops and events based on student need
• Develop, deliver and/ or coordinate a range of critical information session and workshops of practical assistance and interest of international students
• Deliver cultural advising/ workshops for staff and faculty in support of/ with Academic Services
• Maintain and promote ongoing programming and services, such as International Student Orientation (ISO), Welcome Dinner etc
• Immigration advising
• Provide guidance to individual learners and sometimes their families with regard to federal immigration policies and procedures, including assistance on individual cases and the resolution of problems related to immigration inquiries
• Advises students on possible outcomes of immigration issues based on interpretation of immigration legislation/regulations and assists students in making an informed decision
• Develop and maintains print and web resources to enable current students to complete immigration processes and requirements independently
• Stays current on changes related to immigration (IRCC) policies and procedures to current learners and recent graduates
• Plans and coordinates information sessions for frontline staff and faculty faced with immigration questions.
• Advises staff, faculty and employers regarding immigration regulations or inquiries pertaining to student coop/work practicum or post-graduation work permit requirements.
• Coordinate and prepare content for student communication related to immigration via email bulletins, the monthly newsletter and social media.
• May attend Academic Misconduct meetings at the request of students and/or Academic Chairs to provide immigration support and clarity for international students and/or faculty.
• Communication Coordination
• Act as a key contact for students, the schools and other student services.
• Ensure a culturally sensitive approach and appropriate communication style, demonstrating flexibility and understanding of diverse cultural needs in all programing.
• Coordinate internal and external communications and provide content for all student communications related but not limited to immigration, student success and programming opportunities via email, the International Student Newsletter, internal IC newsletter and communications and social media.
• Coordinate maintenance for the Current Student web page for international students with new programming and information.
• Student Progression, Timely Completion and Retention
• Refer students to recourses for funding, scholarships and financial assistance.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the retention strategy.
• Provide information and guide students regarding their post-graduate work permit application process.
• Research best practices and recommend new strategies for the purpose of retaining students
• Work closely with SAITSA, Academic Chairs, program Advisors, support staff, SDC, Lamb Learner Centre and Office of the Registrar to support and retain international students

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in studies related to Adult Education, International Relations, Human Services, Intercultural Communication and/or Event Coordination (or equivalent work experience and education).
• At least 3 years working in a cross-cultural environment preferably with international students.
• RCIC or RISIA in good standing or becoming certified within six-nine months of commencing the employment
• Demonstrated understanding of the international student experience and the issues faced by international students.
• Experience communicating to a diverse audience through various mediums, coupled with the ability to establish and maintain effective cross-cultural relationships.
• Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite of applications.
• Familiarity with the Banner Student Information System would be an asset.
• Diversity training/intercultural communications training will be preferred.


• Skills Required
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication Skills.
• Conflict resolution, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• The ability to handle confidential matters in a sensitive manner.
• The ability to collect and appropriately analyze statistical data and information.
• Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a team departmentally and institutionally.
• Ability to effectively handle shifting or changing priorities, including working additional hours with advanced notice.
• Ability to create a rapport with students to build an advising relationship

Job Classification: Student Services Advisor
Salary Range: $71,302.40
Hours per week: 40hrs
Posting End Date: Feb 16th, 2024
About SAIT
 
SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers , we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.
 
Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.
 
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT .
At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.
SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.   
 
BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS
 
SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.
 
Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.
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