| Job Description: |
Strategic Leadership and Administration of Study Abroad Services
• Direct the Study Abroad Services unit within UFIC and serve as an integral member of the UFIC leadership team.
• Provide strategic direction for study abroad and exchange programs in alignment with UFIC and university priorities.
• Manage professional staff and student assistants; establish performance expectations, team goals, and operational objectives.
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding contracts, master agreements, reciprocal exchange agreements, and other programmatic partnerships.
• Identify emerging issues and opportunities and adjust unit priorities and resources accordingly.
International Risk Management, Safety, and Emergency Response
• Develop, implement, and oversee policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, security, and risk management for international activities.
• Manage a comprehensive travel preparedness, risk assessment, mitigation, and emergency response strategy for university-sponsored international travel.
• Establish systems to identify, evaluate, monitor, and communicate risks associated with international programs and activities.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for international emergencies and critical incidents involving students, faculty, and staff abroad.
• Collaborate with university leadership and campus partners to support incident response, crisis management, and traveler well-being.
Program Development, Campus Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement
• Work collaboratively with faculty, department chairs, deans, and administrators to develop innovative study abroad and exchange opportunities.
• Partner with campus organizations to align study abroad programming with student learning, engagement, wellness, and career readiness objectives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with campus stakeholders and external organizations to support international education initiatives.
• Foster awareness of international opportunities and promote participation among students and faculty.
Training, Outreach, and External Relations
• Develop and deliver training programs and resources for study abroad directors, faculty leaders, staff, and students.
• Serve as liaison with campus offices, including Student Affairs, General Counsel, Counseling and Wellness, Financial Aid, Registrar, Procurement, Research Integrity, Security and Compliance, and other relevant units.
• Maintain relationships with governmental agencies, insurance providers, professional associations, and international education organizations to support program quality and risk management.
Policy Development, Compliance, and Operational Effectiveness
• Refine and implement policies and procedures governing study abroad, exchange programs, international travel, and risk management activities.
• Advance technological solutions that improve student recruitment, advising, application processing, program selection, and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, legal requirements, accreditation standards, and recognized best practices in international education.
• Identify and adapt national and international models of excellence and innovation to strengthen program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
International Travel Registry, Assessment, and Resource Management
• Oversee the university’s international travel registry and related systems used to document and monitor university-affiliated travel abroad.
• Serve as liaison to international medical, security, and travel assistance providers for routine operations and emergency support.
• Prepare reports and analyses regarding international travel activity, risk assessments, incidents, and program outcomes.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures related to study abroad program budgets and resource allocation in collaboration with fiscal leadership.
Other Duties as Assigned
• Engage and integrate programming across UFIC units and university initiatives.
• Support grant development, faculty engagement initiatives, and strategic internationalization efforts.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of university and UFIC objectives.
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| Preferred: |
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree and relevant experience
- In depth understanding of the scholarship and practice of study abroad
- Experience leading, managing, and developing staff effectively
- Track record of developing networks and building alliances
- Experience in strategic planning and goal setting
- Excellent communication skills
EDUCATION & TRAINING: Advanced degree (Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) in International Education or a related field
EXPERIENCE
- Experience in advising and/or working in international higher education programs
- Experience living, working, or studying abroad
- Experience working in a large, complex research university
- Experience in working with specialized software platforms in study abroad and/or higher education
- Experience with regulatory/compliance environment in higher education setting or in education abroad programming
KNOWLEDGE
- Strong knowledge of current international contexts as well as of trends in international program development, enrollment trends, etc.
- Knowledge of intercultural communication and exchange
- A strong understanding of world geography and current events abroad.
- Knowledge of higher education duty of care responsibilities and institutional liability associated with international employee and student travel.
SKILLS
- Track record of presentations, publications, or service in international education or related field
- Working with and interpreting data (quantitative or qualitative)
ABILITIES: Ability to successfully build and manage workforce, engage effectively across university domains, communicate organizational goals, and gain cooperation from others to obtain best results.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Innovative individual bringing new ideas and vision. Positive, engaging personality capable of creating a culture where study abroad participation is expected. Willingness to resolve disagreement in a constructive manner; to develop the abilities of others; practice good listening skills. Ability to foster team commitment, spirit, and trust, as well as to integrate and align team with broader context.
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