Position Title: International Student Advisor
Department: Human Rights and Equity
Position Type: Permanent
Classification: MPE Band E
Salary Range: $65,782-80,369
Repost Date: December 18, 2024
Closing Date: January 3, 2025

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Human Rights and Equity, the International Student Advisor leads efforts to support international and exchange students at StFX as they transition, adapt, and flourish in a new living and learning environment in Canada. The International Student Advisor will provide information, guidance, and support services to students throughout the StFX experience: pre-arrival, during their time as students, and upon graduation. The International Student Advisor is responsible for providing immigration advising, and developing and delivering programming and services to international students that are vital to their retention and success. This is a collaborative role in which the incumbent will work closely with colleagues throughout the StFX campus and Antigonish community. The incumbent is required to be a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to international students and their families on immigration issues that relate to their studies and legal status in Canada within their designated scope of practice. This can include initial study permits, extending study permits, temporary resident visas, co-op work permits, and post-graduation work permits.
• Provide support for new international students arriving at StFX including organizing transportation from the airport, support for settling into on-campus residence, off campus housing information, other arrival services/supports.
• Work collaboratively with departments across campus, the International Student Advisor will advise international student on their immigration requirements, academic pursuits, employment goals, health and wellness, transition and adaptation process.
• Develop and implement programming to support the retention and engagement of international students at StFX and with all students, the StFX campus, and Antigonish community.
• The International Student Advisor will be the campus community expert resource on information on study-related immigration matters and provide feedback on the intersection with institutional policies and processes.
• Provide crisis intervention and support to students which includes liaising with internal and external stakeholders where required to provide services, support, and referrals

Qualifications/Skills:

• The incumbent is required to be a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant area and a minimum of 5-7 years of related experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills (including but not limited to written and verbal communication skills, judgment, relationship building, ability to be empathetic, and ability to set personal boundaries), a high degree of commitment to the students, the ability to challenge the status quo in a polite but effective manner, and excellent time management skills.
• The ability to work effectively and professionally with students, faculty and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Personal experience living and working in an international setting is preferred.
• Skills in all MS Office components (Word, Excel, Mes Amis, Outlook, Power Point) are necessary.

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.