International Student Navigator

RDP; Red Deer; Hybrid; CAD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Tuition waivers

Job summary

Red Deer Polytechnic seeks an International Student Navigator to advise and advocate for international students from admission through graduation. The role covers immigration guidance, study/work permits, and integration into the Canadian post-secondary environment.

The incumbent will design programs, coordinate with campuses, and promote student success, belonging, and academic achievement within the RDP community.

Qualifications

• Four-year undergraduate degree required.
• RISIA designation through ICCRC.
• Two+ years related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and advocacy for international students on immigration and study/work permit matters.
• Coordinate communications with international students before departure and after arrival.
• Advise on rights and responsibilities as an RDP student and community member.
• Develop and deliver workshops and programs to support transition and belonging.
• Refer complex immigration matters to RCIC or Authorized Representative.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication skills

Intercultural experience

Team collaboration

Education

Four-year degree

RISIA designation

Tools

Banner experience

Job description

Do you have a passion for international student success and being part of a team that makes a difference? We welcome you to join our team as the full-time International Student Navigator.

The International Student Navigator serves as the primary advisor and advocate for Red Deer Polytechnic international students and provides specialized advice and support through their lifecycle from newly admitted student to recent graduate. As a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor ( RISIA ), the incumbent guides international students on matters related to study and work permit requirements, to ensure students makes appropriate immigration related decisions.

The International Student Navigator reports to the Dean of International Education and works from The Gathering Place but will also work closely with other student-support focused divisions/departments such as the Student Connect Centre, Library and Student Supports, and the Office of the Registrar to promote a seamless student experience.

This role will act as an advisor for international students while navigating supports available to them at RDP and will provide specialized guidance to ensure that international students have the tools to successfully adjust to the Canadian post-secondary environment, integrate into the community, and thrive academically and personally. The International Student Navigator will identify and analyze the needs of international students to design relevant programs, tools, and services that support international student success, retention, and integration.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide guidance and support to international students, in a professional manner, on areas such as cultural adjustment, integration into the Polytechnic and local community, language assistance, general program information, dealing with crisis situations, and medical insurance.
• Anticipate international student needs, proactively respond to student requests, provide recommendations extending beyond a student’s initial request, navigate students towards appropriate student supports/services and provide guidance on how to access these supports/services, identify opportunities to enhance students’ problem solving and self-direction abilities.
• Coordinate communications with all current international students, including communicating with students prior to departure from country of origin.
• Advocate on the behalf of international students, when necessary, and ensure international students are aware of their rights and responsibilities as an RDP student and as a member of the broader community.
• Act as the key institutional contact for providing immigration advice in the area of Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas, and how Study Permits relate to other Canadian immigration programs (i.e.: post-graduate permits).
• Develop and maintain essential immigration information for international students and ensure accurate and up-to-date immigration information for the website and student communications.
• Refer any student needing representation or immigration forms to be filled out to a RCIC or other Authorized Representative and ensure follow-up with immigration authorities.
• Develop, coordinate, promote, and implement workshops, events, and programs to support international students’ transition to the Canadian post-secondary environment, to support their academic success, cultural adjustment, and promote a sense of belonging.

Required Qualifications

• Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of University in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent in any program area.
• Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor ( RISIA ) designation through Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council ( ICCRC )

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years related experience and direct experience working with international students at the post-secondary level preferred
• Experience in designing and conducting effective educational workshops
• Understanding of cultural adjustment and settlement challenges
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with students, staff, and members of the general public
• Understanding of the Canadian post-secondary education system and environment
• Knowledge of policies and procedures governing international student advising within a post-secondary environment
• Excellent public speaking/presentation abilities
• Superior communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Strong analysis and problem solving skills
• Must be a team player and also able to work independently
• Superior organization and planning skills
• Expertise with Microsoft Office suite and a strong technical aptitude
• Must be able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high volume work environment
• Experience in an intercultural environment either by working or living internationally, plus fluency in other languages (e.g. Tagalog, Hindi, French, Spanish, etc.) other than English is an asset
• Experience with a student information system such as Banner is an asset

Salary or Hourly?

Salary Annual salary starting $68,804

Benefits and Compensation Information

Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.

*Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and 3,400+ learners with Continuing Education programming. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, the Polytechnic provides applied research opportunities, leadership in the social, economic, and cultural development of Alberta, and myriad lifelong learning opportunities.

Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) is more than a post-secondary institution. It is a community of highly dedicated and skilled faculty, staff, learners, and partners who are making a positive impact on the world around us. Unbound by tradition, we are focused on producing the talent, solutions, and environments needed for Alberta’s economy and society to thrive.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community .

Competition Number

2026-A-151

Employment Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

09/21/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

-

FTE

1.0 FTE

Hours of Work

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends required.

Open Date

09/04/2026

Close Date

09/18/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.