Executive Director, International Education And Study Abroad

About ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Title of Position Executive Director, International Education and Study Abroad Posting Location Abilene, Texas Department Study Abroad Employee Class Exempt Full-time Basic Responsibilities

A. Lead the international education unit in accomplishing strategic goals and the development and delivery of high-quality programs.

B. Ensure effective program operations.

C. Manage and oversee collaboration with internal partners on education abroad initiatives.

Essential Duties

1. Lead the international education unit in accomplishing strategic goals, and the development and delivery of high-quality programs.
1. Accomplish institutional goals for cross-cultural/international student experiences.
2. Create, implement, maintain, and oversee the policies, internal controls, and procedures for international education programs, including but not limited to continuous improvement based on regular evaluation of outcomes.
3. Ensure high quality curricular and co-curricular student experiences in each program.
4. Establish practical and effective international health and safety standards, policies, and guidelines for programs and activities.
5. Create, implement, maintain, and oversee program marketing and recruiting; the application process; and the pre-departure and post-international experience programming.
6. Design and implement training for program faculty and staff leaders including training for high-threat situations.

 

1. Ensure effective program operations.
1. Accountable for unit operations, including annual operating budget and management of human and capital resources, including international properties
2. Supervise the staff in the unit, including Abilene-based and international staff and contractors.
3. Ensure compliance with all applicable university policies and procedures as well as federal, state, local, and international regulations.
4. Monitor global events and proactively assess and analyze risk at locations worldwide to make recommendations on risk management protocols.
5. Manage university-owned and leased international properties
6. Develop and maintain relationships within the international communities where ACU owns/leases properties

 

1. Manage and oversee collaboration with internal partners on education abroad initiatives including but not limited to the following units:
1. Faculty
2. Deans and Academic Department Chairs and Directors
3. Wildcat Central, and Admissions
4. Risk Management, and General Counsel
5. Advancement
6. Student Life, University Access Programs, and University Counseling Center

Professional Development Requirements

1. Skills 
1. Academic program development and implementation.
2. Demonstrated leadership in a variety of contexts.
3. Knowledge of the current issues related to living internationally and studying abroad.
4. Interpersonal, written, and oral communication.
5. Understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
6. Strong organizational skills.
7. Demonstrated crisis management skills.
8. Demonstrated collaboration with a broad variety of internal and external partners.
9. Understanding of applying information learned from data analysis for continuous improvement.

 

1. Training Required
1. University systems and other required university training
2. Professional development, i.e., The Forum on Education Abroad digital badges and certification

Qualifications

1. Professional

1. Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field.
2. Ten or more years of leadership experience, including management of human and capital resources, and budgets management.
3. Five or more years of higher education and international education experience.
4. Understanding of Study Abroad, international education models. Knowledge of international history and politics is a plus.
5. Supervisory experience leading and developing direct reports.
6. Personal and professional integrity and a strong work ethic.
7. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

 

1. Personal

1. Dynamic leader
2. Excellent communicator
3. Proven ability to prioritize effectively and exercise sound judgment in routine as well as crisis situations
4. Creative and flexible
   
   

Physical Demands

A. Traveling internationally

B. High energy level, ability to maintain several activities at one time.

C. Ability to manage stress and be an independent problem solver.

D. Ability to remain focused and in one place for long periods of time.

E. Working extended hours as needed

F. Handling stress well

Additional Information

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.