Education Abroad Advisor

About the role

The Education Abroad Advisor provides professional-level administrative, technical, and programmatic support to the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) at Binghamton University. The role requires attention to accuracy, clear communication with partners, and efficiency in a public university office environment. Promotional and outreach functions are essential, and the advisor must maintain strong working relationships with faculty, education abroad directors, institutional counterparts, campus offices, students, and parents. High levels of diplomacy, patience, cooperation, and collegial communication are required, along with the ability to be calmly firm when necessary. The position reports to the Assistant Director of International Education and Global Initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all program logistics by collaborating with IEGI, International Education and Global Affairs (IEGA), partner institutions, host organizations, faculty, and campus constituents.
• Solve challenges to ensure program success.
• Complete the education abroad program cycle, including:
  • Recruiting and advising potential participants.
  • Guiding students through the application process.
  • Editing program materials in Terra Dotta.
  • Selecting program participants.
  • Developing on-site arrangements.
  • Researching program logistics.
  • Maintaining the program emergency response plan.
  • Conducting pre-departure orientations for each program within the assigned portfolio.
• Assess programs and share recommendations with the Assistant Director to strengthen all programs, with a focus on those in the assigned portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with IEGI colleagues by providing support for advising, presenting information sessions, serving on scholarship committees, marketing, mentoring Education Abroad Ambassadors, conducting campus outreach, and covering the front desk as needed.
• Conduct site visits to review programs, gather up-to-date information about program partners, and assess the local environment where students study and live.
• Provide general advising to Binghamton University students and non-Binghamton University students via drop-in hours, appointments (in-person and virtual), email, and front desk coverage, including some evening and weekend events.
• Advise students at Binghamton University Education Abroad Fairs, SUNY fairs, campus-wide presentations, and collaborative events.
• Organize, implement, and assess general information programs and topical information sessions.
• Learn and apply knowledge of Binghamton University, other SUNY, and non-SUNY education abroad programs and their governing policies.
• Stay current with best practices in advising for the specific portfolio and education abroad advising in general.
• Partner with campus colleagues to reach and support prospective, current, and previous education abroad participants.
• Create, implement, and assess new and continuing collaborative programs.
• Represent IEGI at campus events, community events, presentations, and campus-wide committees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as a team member, implementing effective problem-solving skills and taking appropriate initiative.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a high-volume, dynamic environment.
• Strong written skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Cross-cultural communication skills.
• Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service in challenging and everyday situations, maintaining a professional and diplomatic demeanor.
• Ability to use and understand education abroad program management software.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience studying, working, or living abroad.
• Documented experience in public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends and occasionally travel domestically and internationally.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and travel documents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• At least two years of professional experience in higher education.
• Experience with one-on-one student advising.
• Experience studying, living, or working abroad in a non-traditional education abroad location (e.g., outside Italy, Spain, or the United Kingdom).