International Student Advisor, Scholarship Programs

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level C

Job Title
International Student Advisor, Scholarship Programs

Department
UBCO | Leadership | Okanagan | Recruitment | International Student Initiative

Compensation Range
$7,283.75 - $10,474.08 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
July 16, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

The International Student Advisor, Scholarship Programs works within the International Student Initiative (ISI), in support of the ISI’s enterprise-wide mandate to meet the faculties’ international enrolment targets in undergraduate programs as well as in select other programs that have been identified as strategic initiatives for the University.

Recruitment and retention of international student talent through an exceptional international awards program supports faculty enrolment targets. It also enables UBC to compete effectively for outstanding international students with university peers in Canada, the US and abroad, and ensures access to UBC for a number of international students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The International Student Initiative is responsible for designing and maintaining scholarship programs that enable the university to meet its international undergraduate enrolment and diversity goals.

The International Student Advisor, Scholarship Programs, within the ISI has responsibility for the development, delivery and evaluation of innovative, responsive and professional programs and advising services. Further, the position is responsible for supporting and retaining the growing numbers of international award recipients enrolled in degree programs at both campuses, UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, but with a particular focus on scholarship students at the Okanagan campus.

Additionally, the International Student Advisor, Scholarship Programs, provides recruiting and advising services to all prospective international students with the goal of encouraging well-qualified students to seek admission to the University's undergraduate degree programs at both the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses. However the primary recruitment portfolio will focus on international entrance awards; adjudicating student applications and selecting the incoming cohort of award recipients, providing recruiting and advising services for recipients of UBC's flagship programs, Outstanding International Scholars and International Major Entrance Scholarship, as well as for prospects for the International Scholars program and all other awards and financial assistance programs funded by the International Student Initiative.

The incumbent works within the ISI and collaboratively with the Global Engagement Office (GEO) (Okanagan) and International Student Development (ISD) (Vancouver). In addition, the incumbent will work directly with faculties, the UBCSUO, Enrolment Services, departments across the University as well as schools, organizations, and international educators in the local, domestic, and international community. The incumbent manages, executes and assesses the efficacy of a wide range of developmental and advising services in a variety of campus settings.

1. Through the design, delivery and evaluation of effective scholarship-specific recruitment and retention programs and services, creates a welcoming and supportive environment so that international scholarship students may be fully engaged members of the University community. Through exemplary best practices in the design and implementation of scholarship student support services, contributes to the    caliber and reputation of UBC’s scholarship programs for undergraduate international students.

2.Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for students under renewable scholarship offers within the International Scholars Program and the International Major Entrance Scholarship. This includes the flagship Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (KMILOT), the International Impact Award (IIA), the Donald Wehrung International Student Award (DWISA) and the Vantage One Excellence Award for international undergraduate students.

3. Conceptualizes, plans and directs the implementation of all programs and services relating to the International Scholars Program in the Okanagan, and other renewable awards managed by the ISI Awards Team. The incumbent will ensure programming and service offerings create a best practice model for international student need/merit scholarship programming, and will work to maintain the high caliber of these unique scholarship programs globally.

4. Provides leadership in coordinating resources, communications, support networks and participation in enriched learning opportunities for undergraduate international scholarship students with both on- and off-campus partners and stakeholders.

5. Oversees the advising and support model and services for international undergraduate student scholarship recipients of need and merit-based scholarships in the Okanagan, with a particular focus on UBC’s KMILOT award, UBC’s DWISA, the UBC’s IIA and UBC’s Vantage One Excellence Award (VOEA).

6. Oversees the implementation of programming that fosters student wellbeing, leadership capacity, professional development and engaged learning, and promotes a culture of academic excellence, community engagement and leadership among all renewable scholarship recipients.

7. Oversees the advisory function and advises current UBC international scholarship students on an individual and group basis, identifying issues impacting their academic and personal lives. Supports advisees’ access to academic, personal, and social supports on campus and beyond. Refers students to specialized resources and consults Manager regarding complex or consequential cases. Fosters awardees’ relationships with their faculties, the GEO Office, ISA Office, Enrolment Services, and health and wellness resources.

8. Develops metrics and assessment tools and reports on program goals and student outcomes to stakeholders across the university, including ISI, GEO, ISA, Enrolment Services, and the faculties. Leads the assessment and evaluation of current offerings, and provides recommendations on program and service evolution, redesign and enhancement.

9. Carries out research and reports on competitor scholarship programs, development initiatives, award persistence and compliance best-practices within the international post-secondary scholarship landscape.

10. Prepares and delivers effective presentations to groups, proficiently using multi- media materials and other collateral to support public presentations. Plans and delivers effective group advising sessions in a variety of settings, focusing on services and supports available to international students in general and award recipients in particular at UBC. Participates in the planning and delivery of on-campus activities targeted at international awards students and their families.

11. Applies in-depth knowledge and understanding of complex requirements and admissions policies, as well as knowledge of Canadian and foreign credentials, international documentation and different countries' educational systems, in responding appropriately to inquiries. Advises prospective students, school counsellors, and others on current academic program opportunities at the University, on admission requirements, prerequisite studies required for certain programs, English language proficiency requirements, and international student tuition fees. Provides information on housing and other student services available to international students at UBC. Advising takes place on campus and through telephone, electronic mail and web-based correspondence with students, their families, and counsellors. Conducts recruitment and advising services in a professional manner; understands limits to knowledge; observes confidentiality in relation to UBC data, market intelligence, and other knowledge and information about the University.

12. Participates in and collaboratively develops interactive e-recruitment presentations, live-chat advising initiatives, and other types of virtual and in-person meetings with prospective students, applicants and newly admitted students to encourage their interest in UBC. Seeks out and advises the Manager and Director on cross- campus synergies and opportunities with key stakeholders at both campuses to ensure seamless program delivery and best practices in student recruitment and retention initiatives.

13. Designs, plans, organizes and conducts special events such as Welcome Dinners, Experiential Learning networking initiatives, group advising sessions for merit-based awards students, special topic events, development and networking events for former and current Scholars as required.

14. Participates in the planning and provision of on-arrival and transition-in support services for newly admitted international scholarship students. Liaises with the faculties and with other advisors within the Global Engagement Office (GEO), the student Experience Office (SEO) and International Student Development (ISD) in providing this transitional support. Fosters a sense of connectedness amongst the diverse award student communities prior to campus arrival. Extends these supports to incoming externally funded international students as needed.

15. Works proficiently with the Student Information System, the Client Relationship Management system and other data management systems to obtain information on the status of a student’s inquiry for advising purposes. Works proficiently within SISC and UBC’s Online Advising Management System to monitor student progress and well-being.

16. Participates in the hiring of staff and leads the hiring, training and supervision of student team members.

17. Undertakes other advising and program development activities as required, in keeping with the terms of the position. May represent the unit on cross-unit projects or on other University committees as assigned.

18. Adheres to UBC's policies, particularly UBC's Travel Policy, and policies on safeguarding security of data and electronic devices; adheres to Freedom of Information and Privacy policies with regard to student advising.  Exercises sound judgment and follows departmental protocols for travel safety and communication with the home office when abroad, and stewards the University's property and resources responsibly in carrying out recruitment and advising services when at home and on overseas assignments.

AS AN ISI TEAM MEMBER

• Models commitment, a valuing of diversity, respect for others and the work;

• Carries out all work duties in an exceedingly professional and ambassadorial manner;

• Contributes to a culture that supports innovation, and that identifies new programs and initiatives that will move the university forward towards achieving its international enrolment goals.

• Contributes to a team culture that supports integration and collaboration across all of ISI’s functional teams

• Contributes to a team environment that celebrates diversity, champions equity, builds on strengths found in differences and seeks to encourage growth in all members of the team.

This position is responsible for providing effective advising services and delivering accurate information  about services and supports available for international students, in particular scholarship recipients within the University’s undergraduate faculties. The dissemination of inaccurate information, exercise of poor judgment, without due tact and sensitivity, would result in the loss of confidence in UBC by the student, the student’s parents, and school counselors, and could jeopardize the student’s relationship with UBC. Poor performance in carrying out development and advising services would damage the University’s reputation abroad and at home. Providing inadequate or inappropriate support to students can have a devastating impact on UBC’s ability to recruit and retain students and severely damage UBC’s international reputation. Inadequate or inappropriate support given to students may result in significant distress for students and an inability for them to continue their studies. Inability to plan and carry out activities in a well-organized and professional manner could result in damaged relationships with internal and external stakeholders, lost opportunities and cost overruns. Poor performance would reflect negatively not only on the ISI, GEO and associated awards programs, but on the University as a whole. This would potentially deter international students from choosing UBC thus jeopardizing the University’s ability to meet its international student enrolment objectives.

Lack of cross-cultural sensitivity, empathy, bias awareness, and utilization of best practices and behaviors that promote inclusion/belonging can also cause serious misunderstanding and/or hardship for students, faculty and staff. Poor management of staff or volunteers may lead to inefficiency, discontentment or grievances.

Works independently, in close consultation with the Manager, International Recruitment, Okanagan and the Manager, International Recruitment, Scholarship Programs, as well as a member of the ISI Awards team. Works closely and cooperatively with other staff in  the ISI, GEO and within the University to meet the goals and objectives of the International Student Initiative awards programs. Exercises initiative, diplomacy, tact, resourcefulness and sound judgment when representing the University. Must exercise cross-cultural sensitivity, an intersectional trauma-informed lens, and intercultural communication skills when advising students with diverse linguistic, social and cultural backgrounds. Must employ tact and diplomacy in  interactions with parents of prospective and current students, with counselors and institutional representatives, as well as with faculty and staff at UBC.

Position is subject to annual performance reviews.

Supervision Given
Supervises student staff and manages numerous volunteers on projects, oversees projects and initiatives. Responsible for hiring, supervision, evaluation and termination of student staff. Responsible for on-going mentoring and professional development of student leaders.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.

Minimum of four to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in university student administrative services, including the advising of international undergraduate students and experience with undergraduate recruitment, orientation and retention matters.

• A sound knowledge of University admission criteria, services  and resources for international students.

• Knowledge of major international secondary educational systems, including provinces in Canada, British patterned, US, IB, and other systems.

• Demonstrated experience developing communications and interaction using digital platforms and web technologies to engage students.

• Experience supporting and advising international students at the post-secondary level including initiating case management processes and identifying and referring resources for at-risk and vulnerable students.

• Experience managing or adjudicating for selective awards programs preferred. Demonstrated experience using  tact and judgement to solve problems and work collaboratively with key stakeholders on student/client cases.

• Experience with receiving and appropriately responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based harassment, assault and violence. Experience with promoting healthy, gender inclusive education, training and support for staff and students.

• Experience with trauma-informed advising theories and support services for those students with lived experiences as impoverished, displaced people and/or international refugees. Experience with promoting an open and inclusive student and staff environment; experience with making referrals to community organizations and institutional initiatives focused on decolonization and Truth and Reconciliation.

• Experience with and awareness of federal, provincial and institutional values related to equity and diversity; Experience exercising these values among staff teams and student cohorts;

• Knowledge of theories of intercultural communication, international development, social justice, cross-cultural counseling and student development preferred.

• Broad knowledge and experience with international student issues and concerns especially as related to students under scholarship and merit-based award funding.

• Understanding of award persistence best-practices and associated complexities associated with international students in a post-secondary environment.

• Experience in program development, delivery and assessment. Expertise in designing and delivering educational workshops and managing large events.

• Experience providing academic coaching or personal counselling preferred.

• Experience with UBC systems is strongly preferred.

• Exceptional communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with empathy, understanding and respect of diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviors.

• Nuanced appreciation of how historic forms of prejudice and oppression (racism, sexism, colonialism, etc.) shape the everyday experiences of people in workplaces and students in learning environments.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to navigate difficult and complex conversations with students, faculty, and staff.

• Ability to collaborate across difference and work through conflict.

• Actively seeks to understand the climate of reconciliation in Canada and at UBC and its relationship with UBC’s commitment to inclusion.

• Ability to respect and advocate for diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

• Experience engaging with recruitment and advising tools and client management systems to effectively engage prospective and current students.

• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills as well as demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a high-functioning team in a fast-paced and results-oriented office environment.

• Proven ability to manage multifaceted projects from inception to conclusion, to delegate effectively and to problem-solve.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve and collaboratively develop best practices with key stakeholders and student groups.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt and to work effectively in a multi-tasking environment under pressure with high volume of work and critical deadlines.

• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise resourcefulness.

• Proficiency in using Excel, Outlook, and other standard office software.

• Ability to undertake some domestic and international travel as needed. Ability to work flexibly on weekends or weeknights throughout the academic school year.

• Ability to speak a second language is an asset.

• International experience preferred. Experience working, studying or living abroad is desirable.

• Preference is for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of  Canada.

While this position is eligible for a hybrid-work schedule as per UBC’s hybrid work policy, on-campus, in-office work is required for this student-facing position. This position is located at UBC’s Okanagan campus.