Position Information

Position Number

S00844

Position Title

International Student Engagement Coordinator

Division/Portfolio

Strategic Enrolment Management

Department/Program

International Student Settlement

Location

Kelowna

Other Flexible Work Options

Your Opportunity

Under the direction of the Manager, International Student Services, the International Education Student Liaison is responsible for developing and implementing services for International Education students. The emphasis of the job is on cultural adjustment ensuring quality of life, within the vision, values, goals and policies of Okanagan College (OC) and OC International Education through comprehensive orientation and transition programs, providing exceptional student-centered service on a consistent basis. The International Student Engagement Coordinator manages the department social media communication and works in close cooperation with other departments and program administrators to enhance and promote programs and services at OC and the community.

Functions and Duties

Events

• Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive orientation programs for incoming international students, utilizing pre-arrival, online, and in-person formats to support academic readiness, cultural adjustment, and early engagement with OC resources.
• Identify activities and plans for the academic year, including event calendars, communication strategies, and feedback-informed program improvements.
• Coordinate student participation in internal and external events including orientation, social gatherings, and volunteering opportunities
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver special events and activities that foster cultural awareness, wellness, and student leadership, including booking event space, arranging food & beverages and audio/visual equipment, ordering supplies, issuing service requests, and providing layout diagrams, in consultation with applicable OC departments
• Coordinate with Athletics, Recreation and Student Life department for recreational, cultural and social events for international students in addition to special events
• Promote and attend events such as information evenings, orientations, convocation receptions
• Assist with procedures to support the objectives of the department with special attention to minimizing risk to OC and follow the guidelines of the risk and crisis management procedures for all activities and events
• Prepares and monitors event and activity budgets, ensuring accurate coding, timely processing of expenses, and adherence to budgetary constraints

Student Settlement & Retention

• Organize and develop services for students to help them integrate into the Okanagan College environment and community by identifying barriers to student success and developing and delivering programs that foster social connection, academic confidence, and leadership development
• Provide support and proactive outreach to students in making the transition from their home communities to the college and the community, including cross-cultural transition and wellness-related challenges
• Design and manage peer networks, mentorship, and volunteer programs for students to support integration, leadership development, cross-cultural engagement, and retention, with a focus on fostering belonging and addressing barriers to student success
• Collaborate with internal departments—including Student Services, Counselling, Athletics, and Student Life—and external partners to support student well-being through timely, seamless referrals for academic, wellness, and crisis support services.
• Advocate for international students by addressing cultural, personal, and academic concerns, de-escalating issues, and coordinating appropriate support with internal services and community agencies
• Support international student adjustment and success through programming that promotes academic, cultural, and social integration, while advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (EDISJ) through community partnerships, inclusive communication, and a focus on wellness, leadership, and intercultural understanding.
• Work to increase international student retention through creation of structured retention strategies, comprehensive orientation programs and early engagement initiatives that support student transition, settlements, and long-term integration to support student life

Communication & Technology

• Coordinates multi-channel communication with current and prospective students, promoting OC programs, services, events, and community opportunities, including volunteer opportunities and cultural activities.
• Oversee student engagement platforms such as the iCent App by scheduling push notifications, updating content, and coordinating campaigns that support student connection and retention.
• Liaise with community organizations, multicultural societies, and government agencies to encourage student participation, support their transition, and ensure continued access to essential services and engagement opportunities throughout their studies
• Liaise and collaborate with student organizations and club members
• Assist with communications to international partners, including the formatting of monthly newsletters to agents, ensuring timely updates on programs, deadlines, student life initiatives, and policy changes
• Manage and curate the department’s social media channels with attention to content planning, audience engagement, and alignment with institutional branding and strategic goals
• Develop multimedia content such as promotional videos, student testimonials, and digital resources to support outreach, orientation, and student development initiatives

General

• Able to answer a broad range of inquiries from students, faculty, staff and the general public, including providing culturally responsive support and appropriate referrals and advocacy for international students

• Participate in scheduled meetings and activities of the International Recruitment Team to further the goals of the unit as a whole, including contributing to the planning of new engagement strategies

• Participate in the development of short- and long- term strategic planning for program activities and retention, offering insights into student engagement and programming outcomes

• Hire, supervise and evaluate students hired under the International Peer Mentorship Program

• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or graduation from a four-year university program in a related area

• Preference will be given to candidates who have completed education or training programs focused on international relations, conflict resolution, customer service, interpersonal skills and/or dealing with difficult people

• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience is required

• A combination of education and experience may be considered

• A valid class 5 driver’s license is preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of other cultures and languages preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven project management and organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and able to manage a high work volume, variable work hours and competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Superior customer service skills with the ability to work in a busy environment with complex and sensitive situations and is able to maintain strict confidentiality with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with an aptitude for working in a collegial and collaborative environment
• Creative problem solver
• Demonstrated event planning, marketing, promotional skills, and presentations skills
• Ability to plan and think strategically with motivational and mentorship skills
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency using MS Office, web-based & mobile applications and social media platforms, as well as the ability to generate and analyze reports
• Banner Student Record system knowledge would be advantageous
• Excellent research skills with ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations
• Must be physically capable of completing bending, lifting, carrying and reaching related to setting up for events and presentations
• Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of Okanagan College programs, familiarity with international education, and experience working or studying abroad.

Note: This position will require working some evenings and weekends, and occasional inter-campus and off-campus overnight travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Desired Start Date

08/14/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

Schedule

Typical hours of work are Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 or 8:30-4:30. Due to the nature of the position, flexibility is required which may include evenings, weekends and occasional inter-campus and off-campus overnight travel.

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate

$63,827-$72,927

Appointment Type

Support - Regular Full-time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selections of candidates.

Employee Group

Support

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

C003173

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Open Date

07/30/2025

Posting Closing Date

08/10/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca.