International Service Partner

Competition 2361

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $67,159 to $111,927.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

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 First Peoples 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 Vice-President, International and Enterprise (VPIE)

The Vice-President, International and Enterprise (VPIE) unit at the University of Alberta is a strategic portfolio established to advance the university's global engagement and industry partnerships. The VPIE integrates the Strategic Partnerships Office and the Global Engagement team, aiming to enhance the university's international profile and foster collaborations that support its academic mission.

Position

Reporting to the Director, Global Engagement, the International Service Partners (ISPs) serve as embedded liaisons between the International & Enterprise unit and each of the three Colleges (Natural & Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences & Humanities) and their Faculties. ISPs will also serve the three standalone Faculties.

This posting is for the ISP for the College of Natural & Applied Sciences.

The ISP will work closely with the College-level administration teams as well as with those of the Faculties within the College, to contribute to an international ecosystem that articulates institutional, College and standalone Faculties’ strategic internationalization objectives, identifies opportunities and matches to interest and capacity, and profiles the University of Alberta as a global university.

As the lead relationship manager, the ISP draws upon deep knowledge of their College and its Faculties, relying particularly on the region-specific knowledge and expertise of the Regional Managers, to focus on building and managing College/Standalone Faculty strategic international initiatives and projects, including with governments, academia, and industry, developing and assessing potential opportunities, stewarding and implementing revenue-generating projects, as well as reporting on, and evaluating the international activities of the College.

Duties

Strategic Planning and Advising

• Supports the College/Standalone Faculty senior leadership team in the development and implementation of College-level international strategic planning that advances UAlberta’s strategic objectives.
• Consults widely with College, Faculty, and Department administrators to help articulate vision and priorities for College-level international strategic objectives.
• Shares College input with the International & Enterprise team to inform institutional international strategy development and facilitates alignment between College/Faculty priorities and institutional international strategic priorities.
• Contributes professional and managerial expertise to the development of College-level international plans, objectives, solutions, policies and procedures.
• Develops annual work plans with input from the College General Manager, the Director, Global Engagement and Vice-President (International & Enterprise), with appropriate collaboration with Regional Managers, and representatives within the College including Faculty General Managers and Council of Deans
• Actively seeks out information on developments, activities, and priorities within the College in education, research, and innovation, to inform strategic decision making.
• Recognizes and understands the diverse and sensitive geopolitical context in which UAlberta international activities and initiatives take place, and communicates this effectively as it impacts College planning and activities.

Relationship Management and Implementation of International Initiatives

• Proactively consults and seeks advice from Regional Managers, and other UAlberta decision makers, to develop, manage, steward, and assess international relationships and partnerships for their College, and works with partners to define collaborative plans in support of College and Faculty strategic objectives, including growth in revenue generation, establishment of joint/articulation programs, research funding, and partnerships for sustainability.
• Supports College/Faculties/Departments in facilitating implementation of multi-disciplinary projects/initiatives/activities with international partners and in determining value of partnerships.
• Supports College/Faculties to identify priorities for revenue generation and facilitates the inclusion of international elements to maximize potential.
• Regularly employs diplomacy, innovation, flexibility and resilience to cultivate linkages and partnerships between the College and international institutions/organizations that advance the College’s strategic interests.
• Relates to international collaborators and partners, as well as College/Faculty administrators and academics, in an open, positive, culturally-effective, and professional manner.

Implementation of International Events, Missions, and Visits

• Collaborates with Regional Managers and the International & Enterprise team to manage the development and implementation of institutional level international events, missions and visits. ISP has primary responsibility for program coordination where only one College is involved.
• Plans and implements key events, missions & visits for the College.
• Facilitates and supports Regional Managers and College/Faculty leaders/representatives to undertake select overseas missions and/or to participate in international events, to advance international strategic objectives.
• Ensures mission objectives are clear, collaborates with Regional Managers, International & Enterprise support staff, and campus stakeholders and external partners as needed to coordinate schedules, preparation of briefing materials, identification of objectives for each meeting/event, and to ensure College representatives are briefed on protocol considerations.
• Collaborates with Regional Managers on incoming international visitors and delegations, to clarify objectives and desired outcomes for the College, ensure appropriate programs developed, evaluation of visits, and creation of follow-up plans with assigned responsibilities.
• Evaluates outcome of events, missions and visits and leads assigned follow-up.
• Participates in debriefs of institutional level activity and leads debriefs of international visits/missions for College, assists in identifying follow-up tasks and ensuring commitments are carried out, to maximize value for the College and University.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree preferred; other combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years’ of related international experience, preferably in a post-secondary education context.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, strategic internationalization initiatives within a post-secondary institution context.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; comfort with public speaking, delivering presentations.
• Superior intercultural skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, including ability to draft professional, concise, strategic, and persuasive briefing documents for senior administrators.
• Strong project development and management skills.
• Experience in organizing and hosting incoming international delegations, and ability to handle complex logistical planning.
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages would be an asset.
• Highly-developed problem-solving, critical thinking, and crisis communication skills.
• Ability to manage time well, meet multiple deadlines, and prioritize projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in demanding, changing, and uncertain/ambiguous international environments.
• International work and/or study experience would be an asset.
• Computer literacy in word processing, databases, and superior internet skills.