International Relations and Engagement Officer

Universities Canada (UC) is the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad. We are a membership organization providing university presidents with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation. Universities Canada advances the mission of our member institutions to transform lives, strengthen communities and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world. As one of Canada’s premier advocacy organizations, we are seeking an International Relations and Engagement Officer.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, International Relations and Engagement, the International Relations and Engagement Officer (IRO) provides research, coordination, and administrative support to advance Universities Canada’s global engagement activities. The role monitors global and geopolitical trends affecting international higher education generating insights to inform the delivery of strategic initiatives. Working closely with other internal teams, the IRO ensures that intelligence gathered through these activities supports evidence-based decision-making and contributes to communicating Universities Canada’s international activities to members, government stakeholders, partners, and the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze global trends in higher education, including international education policy, student mobility, geopolitics, and funding, to inform Universities Canada’s international engagement priorities.
• Prepare market intelligence products such as briefings, reports, proposals, and member communications to support institutional and sector‑level decision‑making.
• Work with member institutions, international liaison officers, advisory groups, government departments, embassies, and international organizations to share information and support engagement.
• Build and maintain contact lists, tracking tools, and reporting systems to support implementation of Universities Canada’s Global Engagement Framework.
• Compile input from consultations, surveys, and stakeholder engagements to support program planning, partnerships, and senior leadership decision‑making.
• Monitor global and sector developments to identify emerging partnership opportunities and priority issues.
• Support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of international missions, delegations, and initiatives.
• Manage outreach and communications tools, including newsletters, meetings, and summaries and contribute to funding proposals and reporting.

Education and Experience

• University degree preferably in international relations, political science, public administration, or a related discipline.
• 3-4 years of experience in international relations and engagement or a similar field.
• Strong understanding of global higher education systems and global diplomacy dynamics.
• Experience with policy research, data gathering and analysis.
• Project management experience is an asset.

Abilities

• Strong policy research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in both official languages.
• Ability to translate and communicate complex geopolitical and policy developments into clear accessible formats to support decision making.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, databases and basic reporting software.
• High degree of diplomacy, intercultural awareness, judgment, initiative, and discretion.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

The position is based in Ottawa. Universities Canada has adopted a hybrid work model where employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

The hiring range for this position is $58,452 to $70,000; with the ability to progress to a maximum of $80,372. To ensure fair and equitable pay at Universities Canada, placement on the salary range will be based on years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position. Candidates who do not meet all of the position requirements may be considered in an underfill capacity, in which case the candidate would be hired at a lower level than the position level.
Universities Canada is a National Capital Region Top Employer. We offer a comprehensive benefit package which includes four weeks of vacation, an attractive pension plan, group insurance, free gym membership and scholarships for children of our employees.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to the human resources service, Universities Canada, via email at [email protected] by May 15, 2026.