Job Description: Internationalisation Ambassadors

Student Ambassador Scheme

Band A

The Role

The Dean for Internationalisation is seeking to appoint a number of Internationalisation Ambassadors who will work with him to support and advise on the range of internationalisation projects which will be taking place during the academic year. In particular, participants will support in the promotion of events and activities, but will also act as a form of focus group to inform the features of certain internationalisation ventures. Part of the role will also include the use of social media to share and promote activity and opportunities on Campus. Although this role is expected to be mostly at Band A, it is likely that appointees will be contacted to both Bands A and B to allow for any Band B activity which may emerge in due course. All activity will be at Band A unless specifically noted at Band B by the Dean for Internationalisation.

It should be emphasised that the Internationalisation Ambassador roles are open to all Undergraduate and Postgraduate students at Kent and the key criteria for appointment is an international mind-set and an interest in inter-cultural awareness.

Ambassadors employed in roles relating to the Band A ambassador contract work on a range of duties, assisting University of Kent staff with their activities for schools, colleges, community groups and general visitors to the University throughout the academic year. These particular activities are usually held on campus. Band A ambassadors help facilitate activities designed to support outreach, recruitment and subject-based activity, organised by professional service departments and academic schools.

Key Accountabilities / Primary Responsibilities

All Internationalisation Ambassadors must be enthusiastic about the benefits of University life and eager to share their learning and experience with others, with a particular emphasis on the benefits of internationalisation in the University context. As suggested above, the role will have a key international dimension, so applicants will need to be predisposed to the support of internationally-focused activities and be able to recognise the key value in cross-cultural communication.

The primary responsibility of ambassadors employed under Band A for this particular role is to contribute to the support and promotion of international activities and opportunities at the University, representing HE and the University of Kent in a positive light.

Band A ambassadors are required to talk to, and inspire, potential students and their parents/carers and teachers. They support internationalisation activities designed to encourage and motivate individuals to consider their current and future options, including application to higher education, the range of courses and study opportunities available in HE and issues surrounding student life.

Band A ambassadors must be enthusiastic, mature in their approach and be able to inspire and engage potential students of all ages. They must be able to use their initiativewhen working alone but also thrive in a team environment.

Internal & External Relationships

Band A ambassadors work with a range of people, from external visitors to the University, to University of Kent staff co-ordinating activities and staff from academic schools.

Key duties

Depending on the recruiting department (including their needs and the role that they have been employed in under the band), Band A ambassadors might be working in one or more of (but not limited to) the following roles:

  • Promoting and supporting internationalisation activities and opportunities for students on campus
  • Meeting regularly with the Dean for Internationalisation and acting as a focus group related to international experience at Kent.
  • Contributing to a semi-structured social media campaign which highlights international experiences, activities and opportunities at Kent.
  • Assisting on outreach, recruitment or subject-focused campus visits, including leading campus tours.
  • Assisting with University of Kent Applicant Days, providing information to new undergraduates and their families, including leading campus tours.
  • Assisting on University of Kent Open Days, providing information to potential applicants.
  • Working on outreach-related residential summer schools, looking after the wellbeing, and raising the aspirations of, visiting students staying on the campus.

Further information on which roles within Band A are available are included in our University of Kent Ambassador Band Structure grid, found at:

Person specification

The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to work within Band A. Applications are assessed against each of the criteria either at application or interview stage.

Essential / Desirable
Qualifications
A first degree completed, or currently being undertaken / X
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the UoK / X
Understanding of HE, UCAS admissions procedure and available financial support / x
Skills and Qualities
Flexibility – able to adapt to different working environments and roles / X
Strong organisational skills and the ability to carefully follow instructions / X
Confidence and sensitivity to interact with a wide range of individuals from a range of different cultures and backgrounds / x
A strong intercultural awareness and international mindset / x
Excellent teamwork skills as well as the ability to work on own initiative / x
Excellent communication skills / x
Ability to work in a professional and mature manner / x
Ability and willingness to use social media, including Facebook, Twitter and other channels. / x
Ability to communicate effectively with various age groups, including primary and secondary students and people from other cultures / x
Punctual and reliable / x
Highly motivated and flexible / x
Responsible / x
Professional, mature attitude / x
Enthusiastic about University Life / x
Experience
Experience of interacting or working with people from other cultures / X
Experience of working with young people / X
Experience with working in an educational/support role / X
Experience of living, working or studying in another country or intercultural environment. / X

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Considerations

This role involves undertaking duties which include the Health, Safety and wellbeing issues outlined below. Please be aware of these, when considering your suitability for the role.

  • Occasional manual handling
  • Regular and prolonged periods of standing/walking
  • Occasional prolonged weather hazard exposure – wind/rain/snow/pollen/UV & sun
  • Use of display screens for social media purposes

Employment as an ambassador in any role is subject to application, interview and successful completion or training.