International Student Support Specialist

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!

We are currently seeking an International Student Support Specialist to join our International team.

JOB OVERVIEW
The International Student Support Specialist (ISSS) is responsible for providing administrative support to the International Divisional Business Manager and the Office of International Strategic Management. The International Student Support Specialist’s primary duties are to assist in providing administrative support and advice regarding KPU’s services and programs for international students and to provide effective admissions and advising support to ensure optimal customer service. As a member of the International team, the ISSS will support current and prospective students with general inquiries in person, on the phone, and by email and will process various documentation as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Successful completion of an undergraduate Diploma
• A minimum of two years of employment in a comparable, international-related position
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Oral and written fluency in English and a secondary language in one of KPU's key regions is required, such as: Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Mandarin, or another language consistent with departmental priorities. The language requirements for the open role will be specified in the job posting.
• Experience working in a post-secondary institution, preferably in an International department.
• Demonstrated understanding of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements for study and work permits.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to communicate complex ideas and understand customer needs and expectations while providing excellent customer service to an ethnically diverse population. Excellent cross-cultural skills and a proven ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner in a demanding, high stress, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a confidential setting and demonstrated good judgment in dealing with sensitive and confidential information
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with colleagues, faculty, staff and students. Strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate initiative. Ability to multi-task, apply organizational skills to meet deadlines, use problem solving skills to provide meaningful solutions.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure and handle conflicting priorities in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Demonstrated knowledge of KPU programs and courses and demonstrated ability to keep up to date with credit, non-credit and continuing education offerings, admissions and registration policies, tuition fees, timetable changes, class cancellations, university policies, fees, immigration, registration, student medical insurance, etc.
• Proven aptitude for exacting and precise work with high levels of accuracy, including records management
• A solid understanding of international education systems and transcripts
• Proficiency with Student Banner or a similar student/client records-based system at an intermediate level. Demonstrated intermediate level of competency with Microsoft Office Suite(MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook), and SharePoint
• Ability to travel and/or work at various campuses.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Minimum of 40 wpm keyboarding skills with a high degree of accuracy.
• Able to lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.

SALARY INFORMATION
Salary and wage increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.