The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Education Abroad and will contribute to the development of strategies that work to support Case Western Reserve University’s plan for internationalization and to promote a culture of global citizenship. Responsibilities include strategic development of faculty-led study abroad programming, advising, assessment, and marketing. Additional responsibilities include developing CWRU In programs, academic advising on all study abroad programs, and identifying grants to support faculty-led study abroad programming.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Create an education abroad strategy for enhancing and streamlining the faculty-led and CWRU In study abroad program portfolio with special attention to locations, fields of study, vetting and approving external partnerships. Research, evaluate and get buy-in on strategies and partnerships for merit and applicability before independently implementing and documenting. (30%)
2. Advise students on their academic choices within study abroad, including all semester and summer exchange, provider and direct enroll, faculty-led and CWRU in programs. Advise students on courses, credit transfer, and educational projects (internships, research, service learning, etc.) so that students can meet their educational outcomes. (30%)
3. Spearhead the updating and implementing of policies and procedures for faculty-led and CWRU In programs, including maintaining accurate documentation via an enhanced and user-friendly faculty handbook for faculty-led study abroad programming. Develop an evaluation process for faculty-led and CWRU In programs and implement, creating new policies and procedures as needed, leading committees, and defining the strategic future of faculty led and CWRU In programs. (10%)
4. Strategically enhance and improve, based on best practices and benchmarking of peer and aspirant institutions, the faculty-led and CWRU In program application and financial processes, risk management trainings and workshops, and student application timeline, maintenance, and structure. Monitor trends in education abroad through independent research and participation in professional organizations. Identify and apply for grants to enhance and build faculty-led and CWRU In programming. (10%)
5. Partner on a strategic marketing campaign to encourage students to study on faculty-led, CWRU In and all other programs, promote the importance of these programs, and further the goals of the office of Education Abroad. (10%)
6. Provide support (be available and responsive) to students in the event of a crisis. Follow the crisis management plan covering areas such as health and safety, emergency communication, funding for emergencies, and the order and responsibility for decision-making regarding continuance, suspension, evacuation or cancellation of a program (7%)

 NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience working with students, serving in either an advising, administrative, student services, or teaching role. Experience working with students and faculty in higher education and international education is highly desirable. Experience studying abroad.

Education/Licensing: Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, social sciences, or related fields required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated knowledge of living/studying/working abroad. Ability to share own experiences as a mentor and assist students in goal setting, contextualizing, and processing their experiences abroad
2. Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills, a keen attention for detail, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
3. Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently in order to manage multiple priorities through constant interruption while also being a good contributor in a collaborative environment.
4. Superior oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate status and results of analysis, projects and processes to management and peers. Demonstrated ability to teach best practices and skill sets to stakeholder at all levels.
5. Sincere interest in and appreciation for cultural diversity.
6. Demonstrated ability to consistently and positively influence the behavior of others with respect to assigned projects, analysis or processes. Consistently seen as a mentor to more junior staff by modeling positive and productive behavior.
7. Strong background in Microsoft, multi-media, and database applications.
8. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
9. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

Position is partially remote. At least 65% of working hours will be spent in a fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions. Occasional evening and weekends required.