Office of Vice Provost
Exempt, Regular, Full Time
The Director, International (DI) provides leadership in international student services, enrolment, and education, including recruiting, retaining, and supporting international students; managing international student policy and regulation compliance, advising students, staff and faculty; and acting as the University of Northern British Columbia's (UNBC) lead in building and managing external partnerships that support institutional growth and diversity.
Reporting to the Vice Provost, Academic (VPA) and under authority of the Provost, this position is responsible for advancing the University’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities in international student education and enrolment; and supporting change initiatives and exemplary services that promote thriving international students and optimal enrolment. They advise students, faculty and staff on international matters, including immigration changes and impacts to university strategy. They work closely with senior leaders and administrators to provide counsel on international student issues and strategies; as well as act as one of the primary UNBC leaders representing international matters externally, with international organizations, such as the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) and the BC Council on International Education (BCCIE); international partners and agencies; and varied levels of government, including Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary and Future Skills.
The DI develops, interprets and enforces policy and regulations of the University, UNBC Senate, and where appropriate, the UNBC Board of Governors and the University Act. They are considered an institutional expert on international students and provide oversight, advice and guidance on governmental regulation compliance. They communicate with the Strategic Enrolment Planning (SEP) team; are directly responsible to the VPA for ensuring that international student operations, enrolment and education are prioritized and managed in alignment with university goals and priorities; and collaborate with the student leadership team. DI also ensures that the work of their unit is aligned with the University’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the commitment to the principles of justice, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Responsibilities
Leadership
- Leading the development and execution of the unit’s strategic and operational plans, while proactively engaging with UNBC units to strengthen a coordinated, student-first ecosystem of services and supports;
- Engaging with the Student leadership team to influence enrolment strategy and support resource prioritization aligned with the University’s goals;
- Contributing to institutional strategic internationalization goals, including enrolment and policy strategies and advising senior leaders on risks, trends, and geopolitical developments;
- Working in partnership with institutional stakeholders to advance Strategic Enrolment Planning, representing student services in pan-institutional and targeted program enrolment initiatives that support recruitment and retention;
- Upholding the highest standards of service in the International Centre, leading with a student-first approach that is rooted in ethics of accessibility, equity, fairness, and excellence;
- Leading, in collaboration with the VPA, the development of international enrolment and student policies and procedures in alignment with university faculty and other partners;
- Providing strategic input to many committees, including the Provost’s Committee, Provost’s Committee on Pedagogical Practices, the Strategic Enrolment Planning Team, Student Data Steering Group, and the Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisory Group;
- Leading complex international student projects with pan-institutional impact, assessing ongoing success and areas for improvement, and reporting project milestones to the VPA;
- Fostering a positive and agile work environment by supporting staff through change, encouraging collaboration, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement; and
- Collaborating with the VPA to develop and implement the International Centre's annual plan, ensuring alignment with student leadership and University strategic goals, and conducting annual reviews and reporting on the plan's outcomes, achievements, and overall success.
Student Engagement and Intercultural Development and Programming
- Building and providing excellent orientation programming to effectively onboard international students;
- Developing workshops and programming on employment, immigration, and other student success areas;
- Developing and promoting exchange and study abroad opportunities for domestic students;
- Ensuring international student services and events meet the diverse needs of international students;
- Developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively target and engage international students while raising overall awareness of UNBC;
- Consulting with and engaging international students on their needs and on improvements to support and services; and
- Developing and offering intercultural events and programs to all students to promote global engagement and internationalization.
Student Service Excellence
- Ensuring excellent service to students, staff, faculty, and external partners around international student matters;
- Promoting awareness of service standards, best practices, adherence to university regulations, policies, procedures, and broader student success initiatives;
- Promoting awareness of immigration regulations, including that international students understand and comply with conditions of stay in Canada; and
- Addressing and resolving international student and interest holder inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner, including managing crisis support with Student Success (status, medical or personal emergencies).
Immigration and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensuring institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) and provincial mandates (the Ministry of Post-secondary and Future Skills);
- Drafting and submitting the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) report; and contributing to the Institutional Accountability Plan and Report (IAPR);
- Managing UNBC’s international reporting compliances, including UNBC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) reporting and Letter of Admission and Confirmation of Enrolment verification to the IRCC; overall compliance reporting;
- Monitoring regulatory changes and advising senior leadership on impacts; and
- Ensuring immigration workshops and supports are put in place to support both future and current students.
International Enrolment
- Engaging with the Office of the Registrar and Future Students on admissions and recruitment strategies and initiatives;
- Advancing international student services and advising supports ensuring consistency and equity in student services;
- Working closely with Student Success and UNBC Residence to advocate and provide for international student needs;
- Working closely with the Office of Equity Affairs on intercultural support and programming; and
- Acting as a UNBC lead in contract and MOU negotiations for international exchange partnerships, agent contracts, and international recruitment partners.
Management
- Overseeing budget management and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility;
- Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team aligned with the University’s strategic direction;
- Managing end-to-end hiring, including structured evaluation, and driving effective onboarding and training;
- Conducting performance management activities, including regular reviews, feedback, coaching, and development; and
- Supporting professional growth while addressing performance concerns proactively.
External Relations and Engagement
- Serving as an institutional contact for partner college international units; including an expectation to engage with community organizations that support international students and immigrants;
- Serving as an institutional contact for federal and provincial government agencies and represents the university in national or regional forums;
- Participating as an institutional partner in the development of international student marketing strategies;
- Drafting when MOUs include international student resources or initiatives; as well as exchange and study abroad agreements;
- Seeking opportunities to expand the profile of UNBC by participating in a strong community of practice with other universities, as well as through membership in the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) and BC Council on International Education (BCCIE);
- Supporting UNBC academic programs in accreditation and program reviews by supporting external reviewers in answering international student-related questions.
Risk Management
- Promoting student and staff safety by identifying risks, coordinating mitigation efforts, and escalating safety and conduct concerns in accordance with University protocols;
- Collaborating with Student Success, Risk and Security, and institutional partners to deliver coordinated responses, interventions, communications, and follow-up support for international student wellbeing;
- Ensuring compliance with institutional policies and legislation, maintaining confidentiality in line with FOIPPA, and upholding integrity in managing complex student matters and decision-making;
- Supporting policy development, evaluating adherence, and reporting to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and mitigation of reputational risk;
- Assessing and communicating enrolment and geopolitical risks to senior leadership while ensuring partners and agents act with integrity and in the best interests of students and the University; and
- Ensuring compliance with IRCC Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and provincial Quality Assurance (EQA) program requirements.
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree or evidence of the current pursuit of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline; and
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) certification is preferred but not required.
Relevant knowledge, skills and experience must include:
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in leadership roles in a post-secondary environment in positions directly involving international education and international students;
- Excellent knowledge of federal immigration regulations, specifically related to student visas and study permits, as well as the Post-Graduate Work Program;
- Detailed knowledge of the international student life cycle within a post-secondary institution, preferably in British Columbia (BC);
- Proficiency in student systems, such as a Student Information System (e.g., Banner Student) or a Customer Relationship Management tool (e.g., TargetX);
- Demonstrated understanding of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion with a track record in actioning these priorities;
- Experience supervising, coaching, developing and mentoring management and unionized staff in a post-secondary environment;
- High cultural sensitivity and excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to mediate conflict and facilitate effective dialogue with a diverse range of partners;
- Demonstrated aptitude for leading strategic planning, development, and change initiatives;
- Experience in project management, business process analysis, and strategic planning;
- Strong critical thinking skills, and an aptitude for complex and nuanced decision-making straddling multiple constituent group;
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets and developing student programs; and
- Lived experience as an international student or newcomer to support student success, belonging, and access through advocacy and program development.
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Salary
The starting salary will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education, skills, and experience. The annual salary range for this position is $125,550.00 to $139,550. The position is located on campus, in Prince George.
UNBC offers employee tuition waivers (includes spouse and dependents), excellent benefit and pension packages, as well as employee training and development opportunities. For more details please see https://www.unbc.ca/human-resources/employee-benefits.
Normal hours of work will be 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.
Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
About UNBC
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.
UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~80,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to https://tourismpg.com/ and https://www.moveupprincegeorge.ca/. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.
To Apply
Applicants should create an applicant profile and apply for this position by uploading and submitting a cover letter and resume.
The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) as well as the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals with intersectional identities.
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at [email protected]. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.
UNBC does not use artificial intelligence to screen candidate applications.
Priority will be given to applications received by July 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
