Student Success Supervisor

Role Summary

The University of Alberta’s Foundation Program is a joint educational partnership between Kaplan International Pathways Canada and the University of Alberta that commences with a first intake in January 2025. 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 gaps and set students up for successful post-secondary 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 provides supplemental learning, well-being, and community building 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 to build up our teams around the rapid growth expected for this endeavour. 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 Supervisor, 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 personal, academic and wellbeing support and overseeing an 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 scales 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.

Main responsibilities and functions

Reporting to the Program Director of the University of Alberta Foundation Program, you will have responsibility for:

• 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 direct line management responsibility for a number of staff members as the Program enrolment scales up. This may include supervision of student staff and volunteers
• Delivering the highest level of student experience, success, and achievement before students arrive, during their time within and beyond the Program
• Leading development, coordination, and delivery of various student support programs, which may include workshops, community events, tutorial sessions, peer support programs
• 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
• In cooperation with YOFP management, cooperating with University instructors to obtain necessary information regarding student success, progression, and potential interventions required
• 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 and 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

Person description

To be considered for the role, you will need:

• Minimum two years’ experience directly managing a team in a similar setting
• 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-centred delivery
• Excellent relationship management, organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong program planning, project management, and workshop facilitation skills
• Excellent teamworking 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

Physical Requirements

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Climbing
• Lifting up to 50+ pounds
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Carrying
• Grasping
• Reaching
• Bending
• Visual Acuity
• Color Determination
• Speaking
• Listening

Location and start date

You will be based on site with the Program, situated on the North Campus of the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Immediate start available.

Remuneration and benefits

Remuneration will be dependent on your experience; however, you can expect a base salary of between $75,000 and $85,000 CAD per annum. We also offer a range of benefits including 5 weeks of annual leave, extended health and dental care plan, employer matched pension benefits and more.