Director of Global Initiatives

Strategic Leadership

Provides strategic counsel to the Provost and to Academic Affairs on issues of campus internationalization to implement collaborative initiatives that strengthen the institution’s global presence and engagement.

Advise the Provost and Academic Affairs on institutional strategies and policies related to international education and global engagement.

Provide strategic leadership for study abroad, international student and scholar services, international partnerships, and campus internationalization initiatives.

Collaborate across academic and administrative units to integrate global learning throughout the student experience and curriculum.

Develop and implement long-range strategic initiatives that expand international learning opportunities and institutional global engagement.

Global Partnerships and International Programs

Lead the cultivation, negotiation, and management of strategic global partnerships that support student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and academic initiatives with legal counsel.

Establish, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide to support student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, and academic programming.

Negotiate, develop, and oversee Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements in collaboration with the University's external legal counsel.

Direct the University's international exchange programs, including the recruitment, orientation, and support of J-1 exchange students, scholars, interns, and visiting faculty.

Education Abroad Leadership

Provide strategic leadership for operational policies and compliance of all student and faculty education abroad programs and experiences.

Provide management protocols for international travel and education abroad programs.

Create and expand innovative global learning initiatives designed to increase student participation and access.

Foster faculty engagement through professional development initiatives that support the design and implementation of high-quality faculty-led study abroad programs.

Recruit and provide oversight of the first-year study abroad programs such as the Global Gateways Program currently in Dublin, Ireland.

Faculty Development and Campus Internationalization

Develop and administer faculty development opportunities focused on international education, including seminars, workshops, travel grants, and professional learning communities.

Collaborate with faculty to integrate global learning outcomes into academic programs and curricula.

Serve on institutional committees responsible for international learning policies, curricular innovation, academic advising, and global engagement initiatives.

Student Success and Compliance

Serve as a university Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and Responsible Officer (RO) for J-1 exchange visitors, ensuring compliance with all federal immigration regulations and SEVIS reporting requirements.

Provide leadership for international student success initiatives that promote recruitment, retention, academic achievement, and campus engagement.

Respond to and manage student, scholar, and education abroad emergencies on a 24/7 on-call basis.

Budget, Advancement, and Administration

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for international education professional staff, departmental budgets, and collaborative resource-raising.

Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, endowed funds, and financial resources supporting international education initiatives.

Prepare reports and assessments for senior leadership, donors, and the Board of Trustees demonstrating program effectiveness and strategic impact.

Partner with University Advancement to identify funding opportunities, prepare donor proposals, and secure philanthropic support for international initiatives.

Supervise professional staff within WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning and provide leadership for departmental planning, assessment, and operations.

Institutional Service

Provide leadership and counsel to institutional committees and professional organizations that influence the strategic direction of international learning.

Serve on university-wide committees supporting international education, academic advising, student success, and institutional planning.

Participate in institutional emergency management and crisis response efforts related to international students, scholars, and education abroad programs.

Represent the University in regional, national, and international professional organizations and partnerships.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of international education best practices, including education abroad program design, international student and scholar services, and global partnership development.

Working knowledge of federal immigration regulations governing F-1 and J-1 visa holders, including SEVIS reporting and compliance requirements.

Demonstrated skill in strategic planning and the ability to translate institutional priorities into actionable global engagement initiatives.

Strong financial acumen, including experience developing and managing operating budgets, endowed funds, and grant or donor-funded accounts.

Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop professional staff in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the University persuasively to faculty, students, donors, and international partners.

Skill in negotiating and administering international agreements (MOUs) in coordination with legal counsel.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions during student or program emergencies, including outside of normal business hours.

Cultural competence and demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse national, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to analyze program data and prepare clear, compelling reports for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Proficiency with relevant software systems (e.g., SEVIS, study abroad management platforms, database and reporting tools).

Commitment to supporting the University's Mission and Values.

Required Qualifications

This position requires:

• A master's degree required
• At least five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in international education, higher education administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in education abroad, international student and scholar services, immigration compliance (F-1/J-1), and global partnership development
• Experience managing budgets, supervising professional staff, and leading strategic initiatives
• Prior experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Responsible Officer (RO)
• Established international partnership network or prior experience developing partnerships in one or more target regions
• Fluency or proficiency in a second language
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic or grant support for international programming
• Experience with a private, residential liberal arts institution or comparable university setting
• Familiarity with study abroad risk management and international crisis response protocols

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

The ideal candidate’s qualifications include:

• A doctoral or terminal degree in international education, higher education administration, or a related field
• Seven-plus (7+) years of progressive leadership experience in international education, with direct oversight of both education abroad and international student/scholar services functions
• Prior experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Responsible Officer (RO)
• Established international partnership network or prior experience developing partnerships in one or more target regions
• Fluency or proficiency in a second language
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic or grant support for international programming
• Experience with a private, residential liberal arts institution or comparable university setting
• Familiarity with study abroad risk management and international crisis response protocols