Description

The UC International within VP External Relations is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Global Partnerships and Projects Advisor.

UCalgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada's most enterprising city. UCalgary is a bold and spirited institution, recognized as one of Canada's top-five research universities, grounded in innovative teaching and learning, and fully engaged with the community it serves and leads.

UCalgary recently unveiled its Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, which articulates a 7-year vision out to to 2030. It's a bold vision that reflects our ambition to increase access to future-focused education, to maximize the impact of our research and innovation, to put the community at the centre of all that we do, and learning, and fully engaged with the community it serves and leads.

UC International (UCI) supports UCalgary's international activities and initiatives; aligned with the Global Engagement Plan and UCalgary's Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic Plan.

The International Engagement and Protocol Advisor reports to the Manager, International Relations, and collaborates directly with the Senior Intercultural and Diplomatic Advisor to undertake planning and coordinating delegations, visits, missions, and special events, including logistics, communications and protocol. They will perform activities requiring a high level of attention to technical detail, protocol, and etiquette, interacting with administration, academic units, and faculty members at UCalgary and around the world. The functions of preparing for visiting delegations from foreign educational institutions, industry partners and outgoing missions, along with communication to internal and external stakeholders are closely linked and require careful coordination and attention as well as collaboration with team members.

Errors may result in loss of institutional reputation and/or damage to the relationship with academic units and global partners.

Excellent understanding of the culture, procedures and policies of higher education is required. Stress levels are moderate but can escalate to a higher level depending upon the volume of events and activities, incoming/ outgoing delegations, and other projects.

Responsibilities are carried out with minimal supervision, adhering to departmental and institutional guidelines. Work volume is normal given constant prioritization of activities and tasks.

Responsibilities for this position are to be carried out during regular business hours. The regular workday is Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

There may be a requirement to work later during the day or early evening but, if required, these are normally scheduled in advance.

Primary Purpose of the Position (key purpose, functions, roles):

The primary purpose of this position is to support the achievement of goal three in the Global Engagement Plan (Enhance global partnerships):

Organize Delegations, Missions, and Special Events:

This position is responsible for planning and coordinating delegations, visits, missions, and special events with foreign post-secondary institutions, industry and non-governmental organizations from start to finish. This includes communication and logistics, research and reporting and administrative tasks related to each activity.

Monitoring, Research and Analysis:

This position conducts monitoring, research and analysis of developments in current affairs, geopolitics, public policy and legislation that may impact the university's international relations, partnerships and reputation in order to provide background and advice to UCalgary International team.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Support planning and hosting of delegations, missions, and visits (40%)

Support and participate in protocol activities as related to missions, delegations, and visits. Missions, delegations and visits are planned from start to finish according to the requirements, target audience and objectives defined for each engagement. Work with UCI Team to consult with faculties and administrative units to ensure their interests are represented in missions and visits and coordinate their involvement. Ensure that meetings for incoming delegations and outgoing missions are organized and communicated effectively with both internal and external participants. Prepare briefing materials and documents in a timely manner ensuring accuracy, consistency, a professional image, and completeness of information.

Monitoring, research and reporting (20%)

Conduct background research as required in preparation for meetings. Research and compile data for country reports, institutional profiles and briefing notes as required. Research and identify opportunities to collaborate with foreign post-secondary institutions, organizations and companies. Maintain current knowledge of foreign and domestic political, economic, social and higher education affairs that could impact the university's international relations and reputation and provide updates and advice to the Manager, International Relations. Develop and maintain reliable sources of information from government, interest groups and other organizations that provide timely and accurate data on political, economic, social and higher education developments at the international level. Research, analyze and interpret international policies, issues, legislations, as well as the activities of governments, businesses, and organizations globally as it relates to the university's international relations priorities and focus areas. Develop formal reports and briefings as directed. In collaboration with Senior Intercultural and Diplomatic Advisor, compile information to prepare cultural protocol documents for events, delegations, and missions. In collaboration with the Team and using data from various reports, create the initial draft of appropriate briefing documents. The incumbent will review existing information and materials with new eyes to critique and offer suggestions and will conduct research and write background reports for new materials.

Event planning and management (10%)

Organize, implement, and manage special events and activities, including but not limited to developing event briefs, planning timelines, checklists, coordination of speakers, venue and catering, event memos, photographer selection and speaking notes as required. Source and negotiate services, acting as main liaison with vendors, (e.g., venues, furniture, catering, audio-visual, etc.), ensuring the best quality and value while remaining within budget guidelines. Manage administrative tasks for in-person events including but not limited to nametags, seating charts, photographer shot lists, entertainment, display materials, AV/Comm Media requirements, gifts for presenters, decorations, etc. Manage online delivery of virtual events, real-time and recorded, including webinars, webcasts, and pre-recorded presentations. Ensure evaluation and feedback processes (e.g., ability to create post event survey using a survey platform) are part of the plan and results considered for future planning: Define meaningful, consistent metrics of success and apply these across all events. Work with Analytics to move events data into Power BI and MoveOn for data visualization and dashboards. Administrative (10%)

This position plays a key role in updating projects and assignments in MS Tasks and to ensure that projects are moving forward in a timely manner. Input information delegations, events and missions into calendars, MoveOn and other documentation as required. Create and maintain files, including regular archiving in accordance with protocol within the share drive that support events, delegations, and missions, ensuring a high level of accuracy. Work with event management and mailing list software platforms to create and send culturally appropriate invitations, manage RSVPs, send reminders. Create and maintain mailing lists and contact databases. Provide administrative support to the Senior Director and Manager for projects as required. And other administrative duties as required.

Relationship Management (10%)

Develop, maintain and model positive working relationships with faculty and staff, including gaining a deep understanding of UCI and the work that we do and how that fits within the broader university context. Develop and maintain long-term, trustworthy, and productive working relationships with all stakeholders, including University faculty members, University departments, foundations, government departments and agencies, as well as partner institutions. This may require leading meetings with faculty members, global partners or making group presentations to other departments.

Other duties as required (10%)

Qualifications / Requirements:

A bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as international relations, public relations, or international business. 5+ years of experience in a relevant field. Experience collaboratively identifying, evaluating and building institutional processes and partnership initiatives. Experience in project management and the ability to critically think and problem solve. Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); internet/web and email. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information, provide advice, exercise sound judgement and diplomacy and communicate effectively with executive and senior leaders. Intercultural sensitivity and awareness with ability to interact in a professional and respectful manner with individuals and groups from culturally diverse public. Possesses strong cross-cultural communication skills. Previous experience navigating intercultural situations. Significant experience working in a complex environment, serving a number of internal and external clients, and interacting with multiple stakeholders. Knowledge of cultural and diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and customs Experience briefing faculty and staff on intercultural and diplomatic protocol, etiquette and customs is an asset. Excellent analytical skills, high attention to detail, and accuracy are essential. Self-motivated with effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of an energetic team. Ability to manage multiple often competing priorities. Knowledge of University structures, policies, and procedures is an asset. Experience in coordinating/organizing high level visits is an asset. Previous experience in international education and/or international relations in academic institutions is an asset.

Application Deadline: July 09, 2026.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.