Student Success Lead, Foundation Program (University of Alberta)

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Job Description

Position Summary

The University of Alberta’s Foundation Program is a brand new joint educational partnership between Kaplan International Pathways Canada and the University of Alberta commencing in 2024. The University of Alberta is a Top 100 ranking world university and is situated in Edmonton, Alberta. The Foundation Program (‘Program’) offers international students who do not meet direct entry requirements, an opportunity to gain admission to the University after successfully completing the 3-term (1-academic year) Foundation Program which consists of ten (10) 3-credit courses which count toward the first complete year of a Bachelor’s Degree, as well as non-credit bearing classes designed to supplement course or skill deficiencies and set students up for successful tertiary studies ongoing at the University.

The Program is supported by Kaplan staff, starting at the point of attraction and recruitment, right through to completion and progression from the program. University instructors teach credit-bearing courses and Kaplan manages all operational aspects of the program as well as providing supplemental learning and well-being services to enrolled students. The students are University of Alberta students from day one.

We are looking for a passionate leader who can bring their experience of international education to this exciting new partnership and help us build up our teams around the rapid growth expected for this endeavor. This is someone with exceptional relationship management skills, an unwavering commitment to customer-focused excellence and the ability to lead a team with fairness and inclusivity, whilst demonstrating a commitment to having a diverse, high-performing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be on the ground floor of a first-of-its-kind program in Canada with a prestigious university partner.

As Student Success lead, you will be responsible for providing first-class service and support to students of the Program, helping to ensure their ongoing success. In collaboration with the Program Director, your focus will be to ensure that the Program delivers an exceptional experience to each student – from the quality of support through to the standard of facilities, the high level of pastoral and wellbeing support and overseeing a 24-hour experience that fosters a sense of belonging and community. Over time, you will build up a team to deliver outstanding customer service and ensure the successful progression of our students onward to the University of Alberta. Your role will be hands on and involved in all aspects of the Program and its delivery as it relates to student success, especially in the start-up phase of the Program while the team and student enrolment scale up.

We welcome applications from those with experience gained from many sectors who can demonstrate their skills and approach are transferrable to Kaplan International Pathways.

Kaplan International Pathways has equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values. We welcome applications from suitable candidates whatever their background, and especially from women and those who identify as Indigenous and minority ethnic, who are under-represented in our workforce at this level.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a virtual position, as it requires supporting students on campus and in person at the University of Alberta, Edmonton Campus.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Oversight of the performance and day-to-day operations of the Program to ensure effective and efficient delivery of all student support and associated services

• Building up and leading the Program’s Student Success teams, with eventual direct line management responsibility for a number of staff members as the program's enrolment scales up

• Delivering the highest level of student experience, success, and achievement before student arrive, during their time within and beyond the Program

• Enhancing student experience by collecting, reporting and acting on student feedback in the Program

• Ensuring that every student is safe and well throughout their time at the program and given the very best chance of success and progressing to their chosen degree at the University of Alberta

• Continued support for and development of the relationship with University of Alberta, recruitment teams and Foundation Program instructors

• Support for recruitment activities including facilitating visits on campus for agent partners, overseas team members, and other guests as required

• In cooperation with Program Director, management of program operations to ensure targets are met in line with agreed timelines and annual budgets

• Working closely with KI finance teams to ensure student accounts are in good standing for progression

• Ensuring all data and information is accurate and kept up-to-date in university-provided systems to support required Program operations and reporting

• Ensuring all quality assurance systems are properly implemented within the Program, complying with Kaplan and University Academic Rules and Regulations and quality assurance systems

• Implementing Kaplan International Pathways Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and procedures within the Program

• Actively contributing to senior steering for Kaplan International Pathways Canada and participation in specific Kaplan Pathways-wide developments and projects as appropriate

• Representing Kaplan on appropriate committees and boards within Kaplan and externally

• Any other duties as required from time to time by the Executive Director and other senior leaders

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience of student success in the education sector, or high levels of customer services in other transferable industries

• A demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• A commitment to student and / or customer-centered delivery

• Excellent relationship management, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills

• Leadership and management skills, with a willingness and ability to lead inclusively

• Excellent teamwork skills, both as a leader and as a member of different teams

• A commitment to, and proven track record of, improving and enhancing performance of teams and operations

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification

• Authorized to work in Canada

Physical Requirements

• Sitting/Standing

• Lifting up to 20+ pounds 

• Carrying

• Grasping

• Reaching

• Visual Acuity

• Writing

• Speaking

• Listening

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Kaplan lnternational is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly.