People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

International Education Program Specialist

  • Title: International Education Program Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the general direction of the Director of International Education, the incumbent provides a support system to facilitate the acculturation process for F-1 international students coming directly from abroad. The International Education Program Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of international student clubs and activities; an orientation program and customized workshops that will encourage student involvement and support recruitment and retention initiatives. The incumbent interacts with other departments of the college and community resources to meet the needs of the international student population.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Coordinates and oversees the international student club district-wide. Designs and implements a training program for international student club leaders. Teaches student club leaders program planning, assists them with problem solving a variety of issues and mentors them throughout the academic year.
  2. Designs and implements student support services for intensive English program participants and international students to include student orientation and Conversation Partner Program. Coordinates with manager of Intensive English Institute and other appropriate college staff to develop and implement a program to match intensive English students with U.S. conversation partners.
  3. Organizes excursions to Portland Metropolitan area community service organizations to assist international students with opening bank accounts, applying for Oregon State Identification and Social Security cards, accessing public transportation, etc.
  4. Coordinates and delivers workshops in collaboration with other PCC departments throughout the year to include such topics as: Income Tax for F-1 Students, Finding an On-Campus Job, Accessing PCC Resources and International Student Insurance and Healthcare.
  5. Develops and manages the budget allocation for year round activities programs which may include excursions to Portland area tourist sites, service learning activities and short-term intensive English Programs. Collaborates with ASPCC student activities coordinators on upcoming PCC activities.
  6. Coordinates district-wide annual International Education Week with other PCC departments. Develops promotional materials and advertising for the event. Provide event oversight.
  7. Hires, trains and directs student, work study, casual and volunteers. Participates in performance evaluations with student leaders and staff.
  8. Updates www.pcc.edu/about/international website with upcoming activities. Develops and implements MyPCC portal site for F-1 international students including information regarding orientation topics, important term dates, housing, upcoming activities and a bulletin board for students to post announcements.
  9. Develops a training manual which includes policies and procedures for programs and activities in area of responsibility.
  10. Assists with the promotion of PCC study abroad programs. Supports the development and facilitation of pre-departure and re-entry workshops to connect international students with study abroad participants.
  11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in various settings, both on- and off-campus. The position requires flexible work hours including evening, weekends and some holidays. Frequent travel between campuses requires the use of a personal vehicle. Work also involves extensive use of computer requiring long periods of time sitting and viewing a monitor.

Physical Requirements

Position requires lifting of office supplies, training materials such as projectors/screens, computer equipment; use of a ladder periodically for advertising events. Frequent walking, lifting, bending and pulling of equipment is required in the process of setting up and taking down equipment used for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a Social Science discipline, Liberal Arts, Education or related area is required. Experience performing the duties of the job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Demonstrated experience in conducting F-1 international student program activities, program planning and development, and needs assessment for international student population in a community college environment. Experience facilitating and problem solving in a group environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of group dynamics, problem solving and student development theory;
  • Knowledge of college policies and procedures;
Skills in:
  • Skill in developing training presentations to a diverse international student population;
  • Skill in excellent interpersonal communications and awareness of cross-cultural communication and adjustment issues;
Ability to:
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Ability to plan and execute programs;
  • Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and diplomacy and work with students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computers and software packages;
  • Ability to be flexible, prioritize multiple projects and be self-directed.

Reviewed: 12/2018

  • Revised: 09/2013
  • New: 01/2005