International Student Advisor

Position Job Title : International Student Advisor

Employment Type : Full-Time, Permanent (Onsite)

Reports To : Student Experience Manager

Primary Purpose

Under the direction of Student Experience Manager, the International Student Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting international UNF students. This position will provide essential support, guidance, and advocacy for international students that will include financial, personal, and social matters. The International Student Advisor is key to the success of international students by supporting their transition to life at UNF and Canada. This will include introducing students to Canadian culture, heritage, customs and laws, and supporting their success through university life. This role works collaboratively with a team of Student Experience staff, along with other colleagues at UNF, to collectively provide robust support for international students, ensuring their smooth transition, holistic development, sense of belonging, well-being, and ultimate success at UNF.

Specific Responsibilities

International Student Advising & Support

• Provide pre-departure and settlement support, guiding international students and their dependent family members on travel logistics, health and well-being, and cultural adjustment.
• Advise students on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, including entry to Canada, study permits, taxation for foreign nationals, and work permits.
• Guide students in understanding financial obligations, budgeting, and accessing financial resources.
• Assist students in navigating academic policies, procedures, and campus resources.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop an integrated approach to support at-risk students. Serve as a referral point for students in need.
• Programming & New Student Orientation
• Design and implement educational programs, including workshops and presentations, to educate students about Canadian culture, immigration issues, etc.
• Collaborate with campus resources and student organizations to organize culturally enriching events and celebrations, workshops, social activities, etc.
• Develop and deliver workshops on cross-cultural communication, diversity, and inclusion for both international and domestic student audiences.
• As a key contributor in New Student Orientation (NSO), collaborate with the Student Experience Team to create and facilitate a successful onboarding experience for new students. Develop and deliver orientation sessions on topics addressing the unique needs of international students.

Communication and Outreach

• Liaise with a variety of agencies such as Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), health care insurance companies, hospitals, police, religious institutions, etc. to enable international students to study and work legally and successfully.
• Conduct ongoing research to monitor changes implemented by federal and provincial departments that may impact international students, ensuring proactive adaptation to evolving regulations.
• Develop and distribute informational resources for incoming and current students, as well as UNF staff.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community resources dedicated to supporting international students and newcomers to Canada, contributing to a network of assistance and guidance.

Administration & Other

• Collaborate closely with Student Experience colleagues to provide integrated student services, supports, and resources to UNF students.
• Participate in a weekly rotation on the reception desk as a member of the Student Experience Team. Provide front-line student support, address queries and concerns, and make referrals as necessary.
• Conduct research on best practices, actively participate in professional associations and organizations, and engage with institutional and GUS Canada partners to stay informed and connected in the field.
• Take the lead on special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Student Experience Manager or other members of the UNF Leadership Team.
• Work collaboratively within a team to conceptualize and create space for new and innovative programming at UNF. Partner with campus colleagues to bring these visions to fruition.
• Be available for some evening and weekend work, such as during student orientation.
• Perform other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success of UNF.

Position Requirements

Competencies:

• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Demonstrates effective prioritization and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
• Capable of handling diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities.
• Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
• Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
• Maintains a professional manner with tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with colleagues and the public.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in handling inquiries and resolving issues.
• Displays excellent listening skills, gathering accurate information and evidence.
• Exercises diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs.
• Displays a strong student-centric orientation.
• Exhibits proficiency in facilitating training sessions, showcasing strong presentation skills.
• Maintains flexibility and willingness to work outside regular business hours to meet organizational needs.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum two year diploma in a related field.
• Certification as an Immigration Professional (Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Registered International Student Advisor (RISIA).
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in student services, preferably at the post-secondary level, including:

o Experience in areas related to student support and promoting student success.

o Experience supporting international communities and communicating effectively with a variety of audiences.

o Highly knowledgeable about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Regulations and policies and procedures relating to international students.

• Experience working with people in an advisory or customer service role in a busy and multifaceted team, providing confidential, responsive, helpful, and friendly service.
• Experience supporting operations in a college/university environment, event planning and event coordination.
• Fluency in a language other than English is a strong asset

Diversity and Inclusivity Statement

University of Niagara Falls, Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. University of Niagara Falls, Canada recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact