The International Student Navigator reports to the Director of International Education and works from The Gathering Place but will also work closely with other student-support focused divisions/departments such as the Student Connect Centre, Library and Student Supports, and the Office of the Registrar to promote a seamless student experience.
This role will act as an advisor for international students while navigating supports available to them at RDC and will provide specialized guidance to ensure that international students have the tools to successfully adjust to the Canadian post-secondary environment, integrate into the community, and thrive academically and personally. The International Student Navigator will identify and analyze the needs of international students to design relevant programs, tools, and services that support international student success, retention, and integration.
Job Duties
Specialized Support, Navigation, and Advocacy for International Students
Provide guidance and support to international students, in a professional manner, on areas such as cultural adjustment, integration into the College and local community, language assistance, dealing with crisis situations, and medical insurance.
Provide general program information to international students as required.
Deploy intervention and retention strategies, in conjunction with the Schools, when an international student is on academic probation.
Anticipate international student needs, proactively respond to student requests, provide recommendations extending beyond a student’s initial request, and identify opportunities to enhance students’ problem solving and self-direction abilities.
Navigate international students towards appropriate student supports/services and provide guidance on how to access these supports/services.
Coordinate communications with all current international students, including communicating with students prior to departure from country of origin.
Advocate on the behalf of international students, when necessary, and ensure international students are aware of their rights and responsibilities as an RDC student and as a member of the broader community.
Recognize and respond appropriately when a student is in crisis, even if the student is not forthcoming regarding the full nature of their situation.
Manage the International Division’s presence within The Gathering Place (i.e.: greeting students, managing appointments, displaying appropriate resources and information)
Compile and analyze statistics on international student trends, issues, and success and accurately record student information ensuring FOIPP standards are abided by.
Enter information into Banner and prepare reports as needed.
Provide general information related to the international application and admissions process.
Maintain strong connections and involvement with student-support focused divisions/departments such as the Student Connect Centre, Library and Student Supports, and the Office of the Registrar to promote a seamless student experience.
Respond to international student inquiries made in person, by phone, email or via chat app in a timely manner.
Create and maintain a system and process for international students to book appointments (with the International Student Navigator).
Immigration Advice to International Students
(within scope of RISIA designation)
Act as the key institutional contact for providing immigration advice in the area of Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas, and how Study Permits relate to other Canadian immigration programs (i.e.: post-graduate permits).
Develop and maintain essential immigration information for international students and ensure accurate and up-to-date immigration information for the website and student communications.
Refer any student needing representation or immigration forms to be filled out to a RCIC or other Authorized Representative and ensure follow-up with immigration authorities.
Workshops, Events, and Program Delivery for International Students
Develop, coordinate, promote, and implement workshops, events, and programs to support international students’ transition to the Canadian post-secondary environment, to support their academic success, cultural adjustment, and promote a sense of belonging.
Track and report on participation, outcomes, and success of all workshops, events, and programs.
Collaborate and consult with students, faculty, the Students’ Association, and other college committees, as appropriate, for the implementation of workshops, events, and programs.
Ensure workshops, events, and programs are administered within applicable guidelines, policies, and budgets.
Contributions to International Divisional Responsibilities
Contribute to the identification of divisional priorities and the creation of annual operational plans, with a focus on identifying international students support initiatives.
Contribute to the completion of annual reports and other ad-hoc reporting, as required.
Prepare and give presentations to internal and external audiences on topics relevant to the International Student Navigator role.
Participate in recruitment-focused initiatives as required.
Professional Development and Participation in International Education Sector
Establish an appropriate level of professionalism, developing partnerships both within and outside of the institution.
Participate in discussion and information sharing of the national Student Advisory network (SACE) and related Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) activities or related immigration external professional associations.
Engage in training and professional development activities as they become available and continually seek out relevant knowledge and skills.
Required Qualifications
Education
Incumbent must have a four (4) year undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant program area
Designation
Incumbent must have the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation
Experience & Skills
Minimum of two years related experience and direct experience working with international students at the post-secondary level preferred
Experience in designing and conducting effective educational workshops
Understanding of cultural adjustment and settlement challenges
Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with students, staff, and members of the general public
Understanding of the Canadian post-secondary education system and environment
Knowledge of policies and procedures governing international student advising within a post-secondary environment
Excellent public speaking/presentation abilities
Superior communication skills (both written and verbal)
Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills
Strong analysis and problem solving skills
Must be a team player and also able to work independently
Superior organization and planning skills
Expertise with Microsoft Office suite and a strong technical aptitude
Must be able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high volume work environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in an intercultural environment either by working or living internationally, plus fluency in other languages (Tagalog, Hindi) other than English is an asset
Experience with a student information system such as Banner is an asset
Salary or Hourly? Hourly Salary $33.66 per hour Benefits and Compensation Information
An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.
About Red Deer College
Red Deer College’s story began in 1964 when our first group of students attended classes. Building on our history, we proudly serve our learners and communities with diverse programs, as well as impressive learning spaces and facilities.
RDC offers more than 100 programs, including applied and collaborative degrees, skilled trades, certificates and diplomas and micro-credentials. The College continues to grow programs across a breadth of credentials as it transitions to become a polytechnic institution. Once this transition is complete, the institution will offer the same breadth of programs and credentials it offers students now, in addition to its own degrees.
Applied research and innovation are among the ways in which we provide opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate with businesses and entrepreneurs to find solutions to real-world problems.
The College estimates that 6,200 full-and part-time credit and apprenticeships students will enrol for the 2020/2021 academic year. RDC also provides lifelong learning opportunities to 34,000 youth and adult learners annually in the School of Continuing Education. Our core business, teaching and learning, are at the heart of our institution’s mandate, as well as our vision, mission and values.
RDC’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another. Our people – students, instructors, staff, and community members – make RDC a vibrant and welcoming post-secondary institution.
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