Study Abroad Coordinator

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU strives 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.

JOB OVERVIEW : STUDY ABROAD COORDINATOR

The Study Abroad Coordinator is responsible for coordinating global learning programs for students and faculty. This includes working closely with faculty, students, parents, international partner institutions, external vendors, and internal student service departments to ensure the successful promotion, development, and implementation of study abroad programs.

The incumbent will handle prospective outgoing and incoming student inquiries about studying abroad and engaging in KPU’s global learning opportunities.

Reporting to the Manager, Global Learning & Partnerships, the objective of the Study Abroad Coordinator is to serve as a key advisor to students and provide support to all the global opportunities for students to complete as part of their degree program through semester exchanges, field schools, work, internship, virtual global learning or volunteer programs.

the role will also support in managing external relations as they correlate with new and existing partnerships.

Working both autonomously and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, the Study Abroad Coordinator will take a lead role in the planning, implementation, and assessment of a variety of established and innovative activities to recruit students into global learning programs and engage students on campus.

The incumbent is required to follow all university policies and procedures as directed by the Registrar’s Office.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Education, Cross-Cultural Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, International Development, or other relevant fields.
• Minimum two (2-4) years of relevant experience in international related work (preferably in the area(s) of study abroad advising, faculty exchange and mobility, international education, partnership, crisis management and project management (or other relevant fields).
• Experience in student services and student program management. Preference will be given to related post-secondary work experience that demonstrate increasing levels of responsibility.
• Personal experience as a study abroad student or experience living abroad is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in supervising student leaders and assistants is an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated adaptability and multitasking skills to navigate the complexities of both virtual and in-person study abroad experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in order to deal effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, including all levels of KPU’s academic and service departments as well as external partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of Canadian and international educational systems as well as an understanding of international systems and cross-cultural topics.
• Demonstrated understanding of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements is preferred. Familiarity with foreign government immigration and visa regulations is essential (staying informed about student visa applications and utilizing counselor services appropriately).
• Demonstrated ability to speak and write fluently in English and at least one additional language within KPU’s target markets is preferred.
• Completion of the National Association of Foreign Student Adviser’s (NAFSA) Education Abroad Advising and Developing Short-Term Education Abroad Programs Courses and receiving a certificate of completion is considered an asset.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, where diversity of situations and people are routinely encountered.
• Proven ability to be flexible in adapting public speaking / presentation styles to people of different backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access or a similar database system.
• Demonstrated competency navigating in Banner or a similar complex records database is preferred.
• Ability to travel to and work on multiple campuses.
• Ability to multi-task, apply organizational skills to meet deadlines, use problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise a high level of initiative and responsibility, work independently and establish own priorities.
• Proven ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner in a demanding, high stress, fast paced environment over a sustained period of time.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor budgetary plans to ensure effective allocation of funds. Strong collaboration skills to work with higher management in proposing and implementing financially impactful study abroad initiatives.
• Demonstrated competence with budget monitoring and expenditure control showcasing expertise in overseeing budgets exceeding $200k for scholarships, events, peer mentorship programs, and workshops as a Study Abroad Coordinator .
• Knowledge of KPU’s programs and courses and a demonstrated ability to keep up-to-date with credit and non-credit offerings, university and program admission policies, tuition fees, and the ability to facilitate course approvals and transfer credit procedures for participating students.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally and domestically as needed.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is an asset.

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Salary Information

Annual salary increases are based on hours worked and anniversary dates

Please note : 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.