POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, Office of Education Abroad
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1695
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Vice President, International Education and Training
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, Office of Education Abroad administers and manages the Education Abroad program and develops, administers, and promotes study away opportunities for students through partnership programs, international exchanges, and faculty-led short-term programs. The Director is responsible for all operations of the Office of Education Abroad to include financial, personnel, and risk management. The Director, Office of Education Abroad collaborates with faculty, department heads, and deans to strengthen the international curriculum and related extra-curricular education experiences to aid students in achieving cultural competence as part of the Public Affairs mission.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A master’s degree is required; an earned doctorate is preferred.
Experience: Two years of leadership and/or management experience in an institution of higher education is required plus at least one year of experience working with international students and/or conducting international study programs, international faculty development or similar international programs is required. Experience interacting with diverse groups of students, staff, faculty, and external constituencies is required. Evidence of success in expanding a higher educational program is required. A record of scholarship and/or teaching experience in higher education and fluency in at least one second language are preferred. Familiarity with college student life issues is preferred.
Skills: Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are required. Skill in cultural diplomacy and cultural sensitivity are required. Management and supervisory skills are required. Organizational ability is required. Research and analytical skills are required. The ability to develop, implement, and interpret policies and procedures is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversees all aspects of Education Abroad programs, including long-term and faculty-led short-term programs.
2. Assists in the development of new opportunities for students to study abroad, seeks outside funding to increase opportunities for students to study abroad, and recruits students to participate in Education Abroad programs.
3. Conducts orientation for faculty to ensure adherence to all University policies related to Education Abroad.
4. Conducts orientation and provides immigration advisement for outbound students, conducts pre-program and post-program cultural competence assessments, and assists with re-entry aspects of all Education Abroad programs.
5. Manages the Office of Education Abroad by administering budgets, including program-specific budgets and ensuring that Education Abroad is a financially neutral operation.
6. Ensures compliance with University finance policies and maintains accurate recordkeeping relative to Education Abroad programs.
7. Provides leadership in assessing and managing safety, health, and financial risk associated with the Education Abroad program, to include serving as a representative on the University’s Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Committee.
8. Serves as first responder to events abroad that may affect Missouri State University’s travelers by monitoring world events, tracking Missouri State University travelers, taking emergency phone calls, sending alerts or emergency bulletins as needed, and communicating with a variety of stakeholders in the event of a crisis or emergency situation.
9. Leads the University’s health and safety team for international travel, oversees emergency response plans and protocols related to international travel, coordinates the execution of response plans, and liaises with various departments, such as Safety and Transportation, Student Conduct, Magers Health and Wellness Center, Counseling Center, and General Counsel.
10. Provides training on health and safety issues related to international travel to various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff and develops materials regarding international travel, health, safety, and security.
11. Fosters an inviting atmosphere for students and faculty by administering the office in a customer-friendly, service-oriented manner.
12. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Vice President, International Education and Training.
14. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Education Abroad and MSU International Programs by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director Office of Education Abroad is supervised by the Associate Vice President, International Education and Training and supervises clerical and professional staff, graduate assistants, and student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JULY 2021
