Advisor, Global Pre-Arrival Support

Department: Student Experience

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
 SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The department of Student Experience is committed to supporting all students at the University of Guelph.  Student Experience houses many specialized supports for students identifying as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black, racialized, people of colour, members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, and members of different cultural, international, religious, and spiritual communities.  We encourage applications from members of these communities in order to accurately represent our student population and to contribute to the diversity of thought, approach, and practice in supporting students within the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Global Pre-arrival Support (GPS) and working closely with the GPS Coordinators, the primary role of the position is to act as a central point of contact and support for new incoming international students and their families.

The GPS Advisor will provide expert and individualized support to students in navigating the complex processes, steps, and requirements that they face as they move from admission, enrolment, arrival, and through semester one.   

As an accredited Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA), the GPS Advisor also provides personal and family advising, and group information sessions for incoming international students on immigration status and initial study permit and entry visa applications. 

The GPS Advisor is responsible for collaborating and liaising regularly with individuals, groups, faculty, staff, and departments across campus and off-campus organizations to develop a robust infrastructure to support incoming student support and retention.

The Advisor will formulate policy recommendations to address current and potential issues related to the immigration status of incoming international students. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of and demonstrated experience with customer relationship management practices, FIPPA regulations, and the policies and protocols that govern institutional student client recordkeeping.  

They will also bring experience in international education or student support services to the position and combine the business development skills of an effective recruiter with the personalized care and dedication to student success.   

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in international relations or development, education, business, marketing, communications, or related field coupled with a minimum of three or more years of progressive experience in international student services.
• Qualification as a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) is required, however applicants who have a willingness to obtain RISIA designation as a condition of employment will be considered. 
• Experience with interpreting, explaining, and advising on a broad range of policies, protocols, and systems that affect incoming international students in Canada.
• Excellent human relations and advising skills, especially the ability to empathize and communicate effectively in an intercultural setting.
• An understanding of the complexity of society structures, political dynamics, economics, cultural norms and customs, education experiences, intersecting identities, and religious environments of incoming international students and the impact they have on decision-making.
• Evidence of relationship building and collaboration amongst internal partners to facilitate communication, engagement, and coordinated approaches.
• Expertise and practical experience in supporting and advocating on behalf of individuals working through forms of oppression, institutional barriers, discrimination, and racism that is informed by both lived experience and practical experience working with international communities.
• Proven ability to respect and maintain confidentiality of student data and records.
• Experience or familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and student enrolment databases.
• Proven ability to assess needs and to research, design, implement, and evaluate programs and services.
• Proven ability to be innovative, creative and passionate about internationalization and improving the student experience.
• A strong aptitude in written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.
• Intermediate to advanced level Microsoft 365, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A thorough understanding of the University of Guelph’s academic programs and student support services is preferred, and a demonstrated knowledge of Canadian immigration policies, and how they pertain to incoming international students would be considered an asset.
• Familiarity with English language pathway programs and English language proficiency admission requirements considered an asset.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10912982 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  10/25/2024  
Closing Date:  11/08/2024