William Peace University is a nationally-ranked, award-winning institution located in one of the best cities in the United States in downtown Raleigh, NC. WPU provides a culture that values diversity, fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages inclusiveness, respect, and open communication by leading with our actions. Our mission is to prepare our students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. The ideal candidate will have the ability to embrace the five core values, mission, and vision of William Peace University. Follow your passion and make an impact at WPU!

The Office of Student Life at William Peace University strives to enhance the Pacer experience through the development of the whole student from deposit until graduation.

The Family and International Services Specialist is responsible for programs and efforts to support family engagement with the goal of providing student success. The Specialist also works with staff and faculty to ensure international students receive the support and mentorship they need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Family Services
● Serves as the point of contact/liaison for families needing information or assistance.
● Monitors and triages the main Student Life and Family email accounts.
● Leverages family involvement to further support successful student transition and retention initiatives such as producing a family newsletter and planning events in collaboration with campus partners related to family engagement.
● Oversight of the current family communication and initiatives in the WPU Family Portal (Campus ESP).
● Collaborate with the Advancement Office on creating a Family Council.
● Collaborates with the Athletics Office on engaging families of athletes.
● Triages, informs, and receives communications from families, refers to appropriate campus partners, resolves issues as appropriate.
● Serves on University committees such as the Onboarding Committee, Retention Committee and Communications Committee.
● Assists with all large-scale University events including orientation, move-in day, commencement, etc.
● Reviews and analyzes best practices for family support, identifying trends and offering possible outcomes.
International Student Services
● Serve as William Peace University’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
● Facilitate development and implementation of campus policies and procedures for international students including the creation and maintenance of an International Student Handbook.
● Coordinates with the Admissions Office and Registrar’s Office to implement and monitor compliance with approved policies, procedures, and processes for international students.
● Act as a central point-of-contact for international students and their families. Triages, informs, and receives communications from international families and refers to appropriate campus partners to resolve issues as appropriate.
● Coordinate faculty and staff training sessions for the benefit of international students.
● Collaborate with the Office of Residence Life and Housing to serve the needs of international students during college breaks and holidays.
● Participates in the development of strategic plans and goals for programmatic activities pertaining to the international students.
● Prepares and delivers presentations regarding international student support and services.
● Hiring, training and supervision of student employee(s) for Family and International Student Services.
● Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise part-time student workers and assist with the supervision of graduate interns.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed in order to perform the duties of the position, including the ability to retain on the job learned skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality
● Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), calendaring, email
● Understanding of the concepts of providing effective, people-centered support services
● Courteous, professional demeanor
● Ability to work independently, completing work in a thorough and timely manner
● Ability to tackle multiple tasks with initiative
● Ability to take record, compile, summarize, and analyze information and present it in a concise, accurate, appealing format
● Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, families, employees, and guests.
● Ability to work and attend events that may occur outside of normal business hours.
● Flexibility to communicate with international students and families in other time zones.
● Occasional travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The position primarily functions in an office environment with low to moderate noise levels. There are interruptions to address immediate needs.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working with relevant student life/affairs programs and services in an educational setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Master’s Degree in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel Services, Counseling or related field; experience with family program development; experience with international student services; experience with conflict resolution, crisis management and working with student groups.