International Student Retention Coordinator

International Student Retention Coordinator

Office of the Registrar - International

Regular, Full-time

Reporting to the Associate Registrar, International (ARI), the International Student Retention Coordinator (ISRC) plays a key role in strengthening international student success and retention at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). This position provides individualized support and advising to international students, while fostering collaboration with interest holders, including students, academic and administrative units, as well as external partners.

The ISRC is responsible for developing and implementing retention strategies, contributing to the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) plan, and ensuring international students have access to the resources and support needed to thrive throughout their academic journey.

The International Student Retention Coordinator must have the ability to work with autonomy and be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with UNBC students, partners, and interest holders. The ISRC will work closely with Student Recruitment, Office of the Registrar, Student Life, and other UNBC departments to develop streamlined processes and consistent messaging for support programs, and to ensure smooth programming that supports and enhances the international student experience through the student life cycle at UNBC.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Providing advice and support to all international students on topics from housing, budgeting, and immigration. Engaging with students via webinars, information sessions, and one-on-one meetings and connecting students with services and support on campus and in the community;
• Maintaining a strong understanding of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies and student immigration requirements. Appling this knowledge to assess how changes in academic progression or student status may affect immigration compliance and study permit conditions;
• Developing intervention programs, services, and supports to help identify and provide guidance to international students that are experiencing challenges;
• Developing pathway programs to ensure that international students are properly prepared to undertake a UNBC degree and acclimatize to life in Northern BC;
• Supervising and coordinating the work of International Student Ambassadors, ensuring that student initiatives are organized and budgeted appropriately and aligned with larger departmental goals and objectives (e.g., community-building, networking, academic support);
• Acting as the point of contact and support person for students for non-academic questions at UNBC. These issues range in topics such as finding housing to deal with credit card fraud.
• Providing training and support to the International Student Services Representatives (ISSR) who responds to many of these questions, while maintaining responsibility for more complex questions and situations;
• Representing the international student perspective in on-campus and off-campus student initiatives, such as student life events, orientation, cafeteria focus groups, etc. Liaising with other UNBC departments to work towards the internationalization of our campuses and building cultural competencies with staff and faculty;
• Promoting and supporting study abroad and exchange opportunities, including managing and running the study abroad fair, speaking with potential exchange students to advise on the exchange process, and liaising with global exchange partners to ensure exchange agreements and programs are up to date and viable for upcoming opportunities; and
• Building, drafting, and presenting annual retention reports to support retention efforts, such as checking in on non-registered students, finding student support, targeting retention communication for events, etc.; to analyze and report on the effectiveness of retention efforts; and to support the Agent Relations Coordinator in assessing effective and productive agent relationships.

This role requires a strong understanding Canadian immigration regulations and international student study permit conditions and requirements. The successful candidate will be expected to apply this knowledge to support international students effectively and ensure institutional compliance with IRCC regulations and policies.

The successful candidate will possess an undergraduate degree. Regulated International Student

Immigration Advisors (RISIA) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) designation is required and candidates without the credential will be considered but be expected to successfully complete the International Students and Immigration Education Program (ISIEP) and successfully pass the RISIA Entry to Practice Exam to acquire the designation.

A minimum of three years' related experience is required. Experience must be in student support service, such as international education, counselling, or academic support. This may include serving equity-seeking student populations, such as international, Indigenous learners, mature students, students with parental responsibilities, and students with disabilities. Familiarity with a post-secondary environment and knowledge of the life cycle of a student from recruitment to graduation is necessary to perform the job effectively.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Coursework or professional development in cross-cultural communication, Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), adult education, or counselling is an asset.

The successful candidate should have a solid background in administrative procedures and practices. Proficiencies in Microsoft Office suite including word processing, spreadsheets, database and email software are essential, as well as a working knowledge of Student Information Systems (e.g., Banner) and Client Relationship Management software (Salesforce, Target X). It is necessary to have the ability to work independently in a busy and challenging environment, but also as an active member of an integrated team with the ability to collaborate with various departments.

A passion for working with people and relationship building skills is key to this position. The candidate must be able to prioritize workload in an environment with multiple and changing deadlines, along with the flexibility to provide coverage for colleagues with little to no prior notice. Exceptional interpersonal, organizational and communication skills with an aptitude for customer service are crucial. Good listening skills to interpret situations, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills to develop solutions or alternatives.

A working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) should be demonstrated. Familiarity with BC Health Insurance and Canada Immigration process is an asset.

In the development of programs and initiatives the ISRC must have an understanding of global international student trends, immigration regulations, and common challenges faced by international students. An understanding of UNBC international admission information and requirements, institutional goals, and departments and programs at UNBC that offer services to students is also required.

This position has been classified at a Grade 11. The annual salary range for this position is $77,768.60 to $80,990.00 and the normal starting salary will be $77,768.60.

UNBC offers employee tuition waivers (includes spouse and dependents), excellent benefit and pension packages, employee training and development opportunities, as well as relocation assistance. For more details please see:

Normal hours of work will be 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC's motto 'En Cha Huná translates to "they also live" and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada's best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC's excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC's largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T'enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean's university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~80,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to and Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.

The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) as well as the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals with intersectional identities.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Internal applicants from CUPE Local 3799 will be given priority consideration.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30PM on December 8, 2025.