International Education Officer

**International Education Officer**:
**Nature of Work**:

- Reporting to the Director, International Student Study Abroad Centre, this key role is responsible for leading programming for international students, student advising and other initiatives promoting student success.
- The International Education Officer works collaboratively with ISSAC colleagues and other student service units to encourage international student success and retention.
- The work requires the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically to a diverse audience by a variety of methods and communication mediums.
- Role may involve occasional weekend and evening work.
- Occasional overnight and international travel may be required.

**Typical Duties or Accountabilities**:

- Shared responsibility to provide support to USask international students and promote success in all areas of their well-being.
- Delivering up-to-date information on Canadian immigration regulations in one-on-one, group or digital mediums.
- Provide students with timely and accurate information on a variety of functions, policies, procedures and deadlines related to Canadian immigration regulations and USask practices under the guidance of the Immigration and Settlement Coordinator.
- Assist international students during their arrival and transition to USask.
- Shared responsibility to ensure student inquiries are triaged accurately and effectively.
- Ensure student, staff, faculty and external stakeholders’ satisfaction with international student guidance through informed, cross-culturally sensitive, client-centered responses to inquiries.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant information vital to international student settlement and success.
- Lead programming and activities to enhance the experience of international students at USask.
- Collaborate with off-campus stakeholders in the Saskatoon community to support and advocate for international students.
- Take a leading role in aiding students in settlement in Saskatoon, including but not limited to help with finding suitable housing, knowledge on where to get access to culturally relevant foods and general help for students facing food insecurity or financial challenges by connecting students to relevant on and off campus community resources.
- Be a resource to colleagues and units on campus relating to international student matters.
- Collaborate with ISSAC colleagues to support student mobility initiatives when required.
- Managing ISSAC communication mediums including but not limited to the ISSAC website, social media accounts, and Global Connections Newsletter, to ensure all information is up-to-date, timely, relevant and accurate.
- Ensure liability and risk are responsibly mitigated by remaining current with best practices in international student support.
- Analyze how unique situations are accommodated and work with students to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure their needs are met.
- 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.
- Support professional development of student staff and volunteers through coaching and mentoring.
- Other responsibilities or duties as assigned.

**Education**: An undergraduate degree in a related field of study. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

**Licenses**: RISIA or RCIC designation would be considered an asset but is not required to be considered for this position.

**Experience**: A minimum of two to four years working in post-secondary student services. Knowledge of the university environment and the departments/units involved in student success and support would be an asset. Experience working in a diverse, inclusive and intercultural environment is required. Previous experience working directly within a newcomer settlement environment would be an asset.

**Skills**:

- Intercultural competence: experience working with people from various cultures, identities and backgrounds and sensitivity to diversity and cross-cultural differences.
- Fluency in a second language would be considered an asset.
- Excellent knowledge of Canadian immigration law, regulations and policies related to international students would be an asset.
- Excellent leadership skills, with the proven ability to build and foster relationships.
- Knowledge of on and off campus supports vital to international students in Saskatchewan.
- 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.
- Demonstrated high level of professional integrity and ethical behavior.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects.
- Excellent