Relationship Manager

About Canada Homestay Network

The Canada Homestay Network Society is a non-profit, family-operated organization that has connected tens of thousands of international students with warm and welcoming host families across Canada for over 30 years. The mission is to foster meaningful cultural exchange and create supportive home environments for students and host families alike.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Relationship Manager based in Guelph, Ontario, for a permanent full-time role (30 hours per week) operating in a hybrid format combining remote work and in-person engagement in the Guelph region and occasionally beyond. The core working hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM local time, with some flexibility and occasional evening or weekend commitments for events or urgent situations. The hourly wage ranges from $21 to $23.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and nurture relationships among internal teams and external partners including students, host families, and educational institutions.
• Assist hosts, students, and their natural families in understanding and adapting to cultural differences and practices.
• Organize and conduct in-person trainings and orientation sessions for both hosts and newly arrived students.
• Ensure thorough and accurate communication along with detailed record keeping.
• Develop and maintain a strong, supportive local community of host families.
• Support ongoing relationships between students and hosts throughout the program duration.
• Respond promptly and compassionately to crisis situations, referring to health professionals when necessary.
• Attend school intake meetings and other related in-person engagements.
• Assume custodial responsibility for students under 18 in the regional community, covering a radius of up to 100 kilometers.
• Travel occasionally within the local and surrounding areas to fulfill job responsibilities.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum two years of experience in homestay services or similar work.
• Possession of a Community College Certificate or Diploma (at least one year).
• Preferred international experience such as hosting students or traveling abroad.
• Ability to plan and execute events and comfort with public speaking engagements.
• Strong judgment, decision-making skills, and the ability to maintain high confidentiality standards.
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing potential high-stress situations effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills and prior experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, email communications, and database management.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in a second language is a plus.
• Exceptional organization skills and accountability when working independently.
• Strong aptitude for building and sustaining relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Must be at least 25 years old and hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
• Require full, valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with a minimum of 2 million auto insurance liability coverage.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Additional Information

This role emphasizes cultural communication and community support, aiming to positively impact the lives of international students during their stay in Canada. The organization does not use AI tools for recruitment; all evaluations are done by human reviewers.