International Student Recruitment Advisor supporting The University of British Columbia, Canada

Grok Global Services is looking for a talented, dedicated professional to be a China-based International Student Recruitment Advisor supporting The University of British Columbia (UBC) via Grok’s Program Office service. Duties will include supporting high school guidance counsellors, liaising and building relationships with prospective students and their families, following up with applicants and admitted students, planning and executing yield activities across China, and other in-market activities as required.

The successful candidate’s duties will include:

• report to UBC on the market including identifying new key schools, opportunities and approaches;
• advise and assist UBC in identifying opportunities to increase brand awareness, market visibility and raising awareness about studying in Canada at UBC;
• plan and execute recruitment and outreach events for students, their parents and counsellors;
• liaise closely with the International Student Initiative ( ISI) Department at UBC and act as a key contact for ISI staff and other UBC personnel visiting China;
• act as a contact with the Canadian consular offices and keep track of changes that may impact processing of Canadian Study Permits; and
build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders in the education sector.

The candidate will be expected to help in recruitment coordination in support of UBCs International Student Initiatives (ISI) endeavors throughout China, in order to increase international enrolment in degree programs at both UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The candidate will also provide effective admissions advising services to students, as well as to their school counsellors, parents and others. The position involves significant cross-cultural stakeholder engagement activities. This may include participating in in-person and online information sessions, meetings, and student education fairs. Significant domestic travel is anticipated with the possibility of occasional international travel depending on the candidate and the needs of the team.

As the candidate will be working remotely with the University’s on-campus staff and advisors in other countries, they should be highly organized, self-motivated and comfortable working across time zones. This role will require the candidate to spend considerable time travelling to cities within China, to the University (at least once a year), and meet virtually with various UBC colleagues. Therefore, they are expected to be flexible to work during weekends and evenings, as required.

Key responsibilities include

Recruitment coordination

Advise and support UBCs International Student Initiatives recruitment efforts by:

• contacting schools and counsellors to schedule visits for UBC representatives, sending confirmations, pre-booking hotel and arranging ground transportation as necessary;
• identifying suitable recruiting events, exhibitions, fairs, and promotions for UBC to participate in;
• booking venues for information sessions and yield events and assisting with promotions and registrations;
• carrying out post-activity follow-up, including compiling data on student leads, preparing and submitting reports on outcomes to UBC;
• travelling across China to visit key schools and education fairs or other recruiting events, in consultation with UBC staff to collect relevant information;
• assisting UBC personnel in effectively delivering presentations about UBC and about studying in Canada, of both a persuasive and informational nature, to large or small groups; and
assisting UBC personnel in effectively communicating the Canadian advantage and the Universitys key selling points vis-à-vis other post-secondary options in the US, the UK and elsewhere.

Student advisory

Assist UBC in the provision of effective advisory services by phone, email, virtual platforms, and in person to prospective students, parents and counsellors by:

• applying knowledge of: undergraduate programs available on both campuses, admission requirements, application procedures, English language proficiency requirements, support services available, tuition fees, scholarships and financial assistance, etc.;
• supporting applicants in providing UBC with the necessary documentation to complete their evaluations for admission, encouraging individual students throughout the application process;
• providing advice and assistance to newly admitted students on the Canadian Study Permit process, requirements and timelines to enable them to complete their applications for their Study Permits in a timely manner;
• exploring opportunities for UBC to develop virtual connections and engaging with students in the region through various social media channels; and
participating in interactive virtual advising sessions with prospective students.

Expertise and research

• Draw on an in-depth knowledge of Chinas secondary education system and qualification equivalencies to advise UBC on how best to position its requirements to attract well qualified students from strong schools to the Universitys degree programs.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Universitys degree programs, its admissions processes and student services.
• Carry out market research and environmental scans, noting any trends or changes in the country or to school systems that UBC should be aware of.
Maintain up-to-date records of key schools and contacts, monitor application numbers and report on market performance.

Other

• Understand limits to their knowledge and refer complex issues or difficult situations that arise to the ISI Director, Global Recruitment and Manager, Global Recruitment, depending on the nature of the difficulty.
• Maintain good communication protocols with UBC colleagues, participating through virtual means (Zoom or other) in bi-weekly team meetings, providing ISI Manager, Global Recruitment, with weekly updates on activities and plans, confirming status of projects in process, checking on priorities, and agreeing on workload.
• Conduct advisory services including support for recruitment, in a professional manner, observing confidentiality in relation to UBC data, market intelligence, and other knowledge and information about the University. Comply with the Universitys policies pertaining to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy, subject to Chinese law.
Participate in training virtually from China, but also by visiting British Columbia for training and orientation sessions.

Any other duties as directed, commensurate with the scope and classification of the position.

About The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world. UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world.

The Most Suitable Background

• Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience in roles related to higher education, international education, or university placement services. International student recruitment experience would be an advantage.
• Strong English and Mandarin skills at a Professional Working Proficiency
• Experience in public speaking and communicating with a wide range of audiences
• Experience in event planning or project management.
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably in Business or a field related to the nature of this role.
Study abroad or overseas working experience, particularly in Canada, would be an advantage.

The Most Important Traits to Succeed

• Excellent ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written communications).

• Ability to guide and influence others

• Strong strategic skills – evaluate issues and make tactical recommendations

• Good judgment / internal moral compass

• Flexible, teamplayer who can work under pressure

• Willing to work outside normal business hours with globally dispersed team

• Interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Strong customer sensitivity

• Attention to detail, excellent time management

• Emotional maturity and confidence

• Displays initiative and are resourceful

• Committed, hardworking and driven