Global Education Specialist

Competition 1355

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the University of Alberta International (UAI)

Driven by our vision of “Expanding Horizons for a Better World”, the University of Alberta International (UAI) supports the university community in the development and delivery of impactful international experiences, partnerships and opportunities to foster global citizenship for students, faculty and staff. Our diverse, globally-minded team strives to strengthen the recruitment and experience of international students, deepen the university’s global engagement and increase students’ global learning both on campus and abroad.

UAI’s Global Learning team delivers learning opportunities on campus and internationally that enable students to learn about the world, enhance their global competencies and understand their potential as global citizens. The unit provides support to both institutional and faculty-level programming.

Position 

The Global Education Specialist focuses on developing and delivering on-campus programs that engage all students in developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes to collaborate with others across diverse backgrounds to address complex global challenges. The position reports to the Director of Global Learning and collaborates closely in delivering programming.

The current portfolio of programs includes coordinating signature events such as International Week and the Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights, delivering global citizenship and leadership programming in International House, supporting rescue scholars and refugee students and delivering intercultural training. The Specialist will enhance existing programs and create new initiatives that advance the unit's goals and outcomes. Additionally, the Specialist will support the development of virtual learning opportunities such as Collaborative Online International Learning and virtual exchange experiences.

The successful candidate will have experience developing programming from a global education and enhancement of global competencies perspective, demonstrated facilitation/teaching skills in both online and in-person formats and will be knowledgeable about current events and global challenges.

Duties 

Program Development

• Research and develop innovative programs, projects and events which meet the objectives of the Global Learning Program.
• Develop curriculum and training resources for various audiences, including students, staff and faculty, that advance participants' global awareness and competencies such as intercultural communication and global leadership.
• Facilitate the development of COIL for interested faculty members and the development of virtual exchange opportunities with interested partners.
• Identify resources and initiate, develop and cultivate relationships with faculty, staff, student groups, community members, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and businesses to encourage and facilitate their participation, contribution and collaboration in programming.
• Lead and steward the university’s relationship with refugee sponsoring organizations such as the Institute for International Education (IIE), WUSC and Rescue Scholars.

Program/Event Coordination and Delivery

• Develop annual program content for International Week and coordinate all aspects of the delivery of the week.
• Serve as principal instructors in delivering workshops and training, including providing feedback, coaching and evaluation of assignments.
• Coordinate external resources to deliver lectures, films, workshops, trainings and other events.
• Initiate invitations, negotiate speaking fees/honoraria, make all necessary arrangements (travel and accommodation) and act as host for visiting speakers.
• Ensure that activities are completed on time and within budget.

Student and Scholar Advising and Mentorship

• Advise and mentor students to meet their learning goals and develop their competencies as global citizens and global leaders.
• Facilitate the placement of scholars at risk in research opportunities at UofA. Negotiate funding agreements with co-sponsors, and provide pre-arrival and settlement support to individuals in precarious and stressful situations.
• Facilitate welcome and settlement of refugee newcomers (students and scholars) through developing and training volunteer support teams.
• Design volunteer and temporary and/or part-time staff positions that are meaningful and will support program activities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree, in a field such as intercultural relations, intercultural communications, global education, social justice education and/or adult education.
• Superior project, event planning, time management and organization.
• Experience in special event management and facilitation.
• Experience in training design and delivery, and coaching, including in online formats.
• Advanced knowledge of intercultural communication theory, practice and training.
• Advanced knowledge of current affairs and global issues.
• Experience working with and programming for a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated ability to work and teach in a context that advances principles of diversity, equity and inclusivity.
• Written and oral communication; public speaking, presentation and facilitation; creative and captivating writing for student, staff, faculty and public audiences for promotional materials, websites and social media.
• Analytical skills and systems thinking
• Ability to make decisions based on previous experience established precedents and policies.
• Demonstrated skills including: Innovation and creativity, Flexibility and adaptability, Problem-solving and Collaboration.
• Human relations experience mentoring, supervising and managing student staff and volunteers.