International Student Advisor

SAIT • Calgary, AB

2d • CA$71,203 - CA$76,523 • Onsite

About The Position

SAIT’s International Centre leads SAIT’s global strategy—building international partnerships, fostering international experiences, and attracting and supporting learners as they study and collaborate across borders. Join a team shaping SAIT’s global connections and empowering learners to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Reporting to the Team Lead, International Student Advising 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 and developing programming, in collaboration with campus service providers, to support students retention, participation, engagement and academic success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, International Relations, Human Services, Intercultural Communication, Event Coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• RCIC or RISIA designation in good standing
• Minimum three years’ experience working in a cross‑cultural environment, preferably supporting international students
• Strong understanding of the international student experience and the challenges faced by international students
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across multiple mediums and build strong cross‑cultural relationships
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential matters in a sensitive manner
• 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 advance notice
• Ability to create rapport with students to build an advising relationship

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the Banner Student Information System is considered an asset
• Diversity training/intercultural communications training is considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Provides innovative, high-quality advising and develops programs that support international learner success and participation in all aspects of SAIT and life in Canada.
• Incorporates preparation, facilitation, documentation and assessment of advising interactions in guiding students to become successful, resilient and independent learners.
• Advises students concerning transition, retention, immigration, settlement, service, supports on and off campus and any question about SAIT policies and procedures pertaining to student life cycle from applicants to graduation.
• Develops 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.
• Develops, delivers and/or coordinates a range of critical information sessions and workshops of practical assistance and interest of international students.
• Delivers cultural advising/ workshops for staff and faculty in support of/ with Academic Services.
• Maintains and promotes ongoing programming and services, such as International Student Orientation (ISO), Welcome Dinner etc.
• Provides 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.
• Develops 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.
• Coordinates and prepares 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.
• Acts as a key contact for students, the schools and other student services.
• Ensures a culturally sensitive approach and appropriate communication style, demonstrating flexibility and understanding of diverse cultural needs in all programming.
• Coordinates internal and external communications and provides 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.
• Coordinates maintenance for the Current Student web page for international students with new programming and information.
• Refers students to resources for funding, scholarships and financial assistance.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the retention strategy.
• Provides information and guides students regarding their post-graduate work permit application process.
• Researches best practices and recommends new strategies for the purpose of retaining students.
• Works closely with SAITSA, Academic Chairs, program Advisors, support staff, SDC, Lamb Learner Centre and Office of the Registrar to support and retain international students.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Student Support Strategy.
• Contributes to Annual International Student Support Report.
• Participates in student life and co-curricular activities to help students broaden their experience as well as their personal development and wellbeing.
• Encourages international student participation in programs, clubs and services across campus.
• Assists and participates in events organized by International Centre such as International Education Week, cultural celebration or SAIT wide events such as SAIT start.
• Leadership may assign other duties and/or responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing
• SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported
• Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate
• Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account
• Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses
• Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence
• Excellent dining options on campus
• Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level