Assistant Director, Start Abroad Programs

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Start Abroad for UM Study Abroad oversees administration, recruitment, and student support functions for UM’s Start Abroad programs for first-year spring-admitted students. The position serves as a primary advisor for participants and families, manages program operations and communications, supports strategic enrollment initiatives, and collaborates with campus and international partners to ensure a successful student experience abroad.

Specific Responsibilities

• Captures, tracks, and processes student applications, forms, registrations, payments, and related program documentation.
• Maintains student records and tracking systems; compiles, analyzes, and reports program data, assessments, surveys, and evaluation results to support program improvement and strategic planning.
• Serves as a liaison between students, University departments, overseas institutions, and external partners to support student success and program operations.
• Coordinates orientations, workshops, information sessions, fairs, receptions, and other student programming, including related logistics, communications, materials, speakers, venues, travel arrangements, and technology needs.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with campus partners, international institutions, vendors, alumni, and external organizations to support program goals and student engagement.
• Maintains course and curriculum information for Start Abroad and Study Abroad Programs (SAP) courses.
• Supports the development and implementation of program initiatives, courses, activities, and resources for Start Abroad and other study abroad programs.
• Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, enhance student services, and support program growth.
• Supports student health, safety, and risk management processes by monitoring compliance requirements, coordinating emergency response procedures, maintaining accurate participant documentation, and collaborating with campus and international partners to promote student well-being abroad.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required.
• Master’s Degree Preferred.
• Three (3) years related work experience in study abroad field or international education, including progressive experience in management and leadership.
• A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Very high level of organization, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Knowledge of study abroad principles and practices.
• Knowledge of functionality of study abroad office.
• Knowledge of international education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent computer skills, including in-depth knowledge of spreadsheets, word processing, databases and presentation software packages.
• Experience with Via TRM Software, MailChimp, Qualtrics.
• Prior experience studying, living, or working abroad.
• Foreign language skills.
• Familiarity with regional and national education abroad networks and resources.