DIRECTOR / STUDY ABROAD

$75,000 - $85,000/Yr

Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI

Full-time - Director

Mount Pleasant, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Study Abroad at Central Michigan University provides leadership and administration for study abroad programs. This role involves supervising staff, overseeing risk management, developing policies, and collaborating with faculty to integrate study abroad into the educational experience. The director advocates for study abroad initiatives, manages scholarship funding, and ensures compliance with laws and institutional policies while promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Advocates on behalf of study abroad among campus partners.
• Recommends and maintains policies and procedures related to study abroad programs in coordination with campus partners.
• Manages study abroad staff, supports their ongoing development, and actively addresses personnel concerns.
• Makes strategic plans and related budget requests for study abroad operations in consultation with the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Curricular Affairs.
• Advocates for study abroad scholarship funding and oversees the scholarship awarding process.
• Reviews and provides feedback on faculty-led proposals and budgets.
• Responds to escalated situations or requests as necessary.
• Develops and maintains a standard operating procedures manual for study abroad operations.
• Ensures the integrity of study abroad data and responds to data requests as needed.
• Develops and executes an assessment plan that regularly evaluates the effectiveness of study abroad advising and programming.
• Stays attuned to barriers to student participation in study abroad programs and works to reduce them.
• Communicates with overseas study abroad partners to develop and revise terms of agreements.
• Monitors world events and serves as the primary point of contact for student emergencies abroad.
• Develops and manages an international travel registry for CMU-related student travel.
• Coordinates the Travel Health and Safety committee and reviews requests for travel to restricted locations.
• Liaises with university Risk Management Office regarding international health insurance policy.
• Ensures international programs are compliant with related laws and institutional policies.
• Reviews and updates health, safety, and security information for study abroad participants.
• Provides advice on risk management for study abroad programs.
• Liaises with CMU Health Services regarding the study abroad health clearance process.
• Stays informed of industry best practices and develops professional relationships with external experts.
• Regularly communicates with SVP-ACA and other campus stakeholders to provide updates on study abroad operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years experience in international education
• Experience living or studying outside the United States
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree
• Fluency in a foreign language.

Benefits

• Access to a nationally recognized wellness program
• Health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.