International Student Navigator

Job Responsibility: Position Information Position Title International Student Navigator Position Summary Do you have a passion for international student success and being part of a team that makes a difference? We welcome you to join our team as the full-time International Student Navigator. The International Student Navigator serves as the primary advisor and advocate for Red Deer Polytechnic international students and provides specialized advice and support through their lifecycle from newly admitted student to recent graduate. As a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA), the incumbent guides international students on matters related to study and work permit requirements, to ensure students makes appropriate immigration related decisions. The International Student Navigator reports to the Dean 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 RDP 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. Position Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide guidance and support to international students, in a professional manner, on areas such as cultural adjustment, integration into the Polytechnic and local community, language assistance, general program information, dealing with crisis situations, and medical insurance.
• Anticipate international student needs, proactively respond to student requests, provide recommendations extending beyond a student's initial request, navigate students towards appropriate student supports/services and provide guidance on how to access these supports/services, identify opportunities to enhance students' problem solving and self-direction abilities.
• 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 RDP student and as a member of the broader community.
• 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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of University in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent in any program area.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation through Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Experience in an intercultural environment either by working or living internationally, plus fluency in other languages (e.g. Tagalog, Hindi, French, Spanish, etc.) other than English is an asset
• Experience with a student information system such as Banner is an asset

Salary or Hourly? Salary Salary $62,965 to 73,660 annually Benefits and Compensation Information Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.

• Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.

About Red Deer Polytechnic Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and 3,400+ learners with Continuing Education programming. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, the Polytechnic provides applied research opportunities, leadership in the social, economic, and cultural development of Alberta, and myriad lifelong learning opportunities. Red Deer Polytechnic'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. Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community. Posting Detail Information Competition Number 2024-A-124 Employment Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 09/02/2024 Position End Date (if term-certain) FTE 1.0 FTE Hours of Work 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week Open Date 08/19/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Note to Applicant To fulfill Red Deer Polytechnic's mission to enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, people representing diverse perspectives and experiences are required. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, persons with any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact People & Culture. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Special Instructions to Applicants Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• References Names and Contact Information

Optional Documents