Senior Director, Global Programs and Services (APPLY VIA SEARCH FIRM)

About the role

The Senior Director for Global Programs and Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Study Abroad and Away (SAA).

Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership of international student and scholar advising, global program development, Study Abroad and Away programs, and SEVIS-related functions.
• Oversees departmental operations, budgets, fee structures, and revenue streams to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Develops financial and resource strategies to support program growth, scholarship development, and operational effectiveness.
• Cultivates a high-performing, inclusive team environment through staff supervision, coaching, professional development, and performance management.
• Serves as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), holding institutional authority and accountability for SEVIS and exchange visitor program compliance.
• Ensures institutional compliance with applicable laws, and policies by establishing and maintaining effective procedures and internal controls.
• Enhances operational effectiveness through process improvement and the strategic use of technology.
• Establishes and advances a comprehensive vision and long-range strategy for international education programs and services, supporting institutional internationalization, growth, and sustainability.
• Led the development of strategic priorities, goals, and key performance indicators for ISSS and Study Abroad and Away (SAA), aligned with divisional, campus, and CSU priorities.
• Serves as chief storyteller for Global Programs, communicating impact through compelling narratives and an annual impact report.
• Uses data and program performance insights to inform decision-making, program development, and resource allocation.
• Represents the university in local, national, and international forums and maintains awareness of global trends, policies, and emerging issues.
• Collaborates across the institution to advance internationalization and global engagement initiatives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., international education, global studies, higher education leadership, international relations, etc.) from an accredited institution.
• Seven years of experience administering Global Programs and Services as a senior level administrator (e.g., assistant/associate director or director) in higher education.
• Five years of experience advising and/or counseling international students in higher education.
• Five years of experience serving as a DSO/PDSO/RO/ARO or experience overseeing staff serving in those roles.
• Experience leading teams to develop a strategy to achieve a set of identified goals and objectives.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing equity, inclusion, and access in a university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative, cross-divisional initiatives and maintain effective partnerships across university departments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strategic thinking and decision-making ability.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in higher education administration or educational leadership, or related field.
• Experience living and/or studying abroad.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop and implement strategic, operational, and financial plans that support program growth and sustainability.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives in a complex environment.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and represent the university effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across academic and administrative units and with diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff and cross-functional teams to achieve institutional and program goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and manage risk in dynamic situations.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply university, CSU, state, and federal policies and regulations related to international education, including immigration requirements for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Knowledge of risk management and crisis response principles, with the ability to support students and staff during critical incidents.
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.

Pay

$12,084/month - $12,917/month

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

Preferable benefits not specified.