"Associate Director of Semester Study Abroad"

Job Details

Responsibilities:

1. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. Coordinate all aspects of semester study abroad programs, managing multiple advising and enrollment cycles simultaneously. Annually review and coordinate the university’s approved semester study abroad program list. Advise students on national and local study abroad scholarship opportunities. Advise students in one-on-one or group meetings on program selection relevant to their academic goals, needs, interests and personal experiences. Review and approve program applications. Evaluate and make determinations on student petitions requesting appeals or exceptions to waive application requirements or semester study abroad program eligibility criteria where precedence exists. Prepare individualized budgets for students. Assist participants in obtaining entry visas to foreign countries from foreign consulates and embassies. Teach pre-departure orientation sessions and serve as the primary point of contact for students while abroad, addressing academic or program-related concerns. Prepare students for return by providing re-entry resources and programming. Serve as ex officio member of Winona State’s Study Abroad Committee.
2. DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS. Co-lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Study Abroad Office, providing work direction, supervision, and performance feedback for both professional staff and student workers. Manage cost centers associated with semester study abroad programs to ensure responsible fiscal management. Ensure compliance with all applicable Winona State University and Minnesota State System policies, procedures, and legal requirements. Communicate with and make informed decisions involving key stakeholders such as students, parents, and institutional partners on sensitive or complex matters requiring discretion and sound judgment. Assist with writing annual reports, external evaluation reports, and publicly disseminated information. Collect, analyze, and report data to help determine program initiatives and to comply with mandated reporting requirements such as Open Doors, Clery Act, and State of Minnesota. Update and maintain study abroad software. Assist in the planning and implementation of marketing and promotional initiatives to increase program visibility and student participation.
3. PARTNERSHIPS AND CONTRACTS. Assist in cultivating and maintaining strategic internal and external partnerships, such as with partner universities, third party collaborators, and other departments, to meet study abroad goals and coordinate mutually beneficial initiatives. Initiate contracts for new exchange, direct enroll, or study abroad provider partnerships and track renewals of existing contracts. Correspond with partners and revise contract language as needed to ensure alignment with institutional requirements and partnership objectives.
4. RISK MANAGEMENT. Oversee risk management for all semester study abroad programs to ensure the health and safety of participants. Serve as the primary responder to semester study abroad-related crises, providing immediate support and coordination as needed. Ensure emergency response protocols are current. Stay informed on relevant cultural, health, and safety features of geographic locations and monitor world events to assess potential risks and make proactive program decisions. Provide support for faculty led program crisis response as needed.
5. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of Winona State University. This includes participating in external outreach, networking, and professional engagement activities. Attending local, regional, and national conferences, and serving on committees and boards as appointed. Serve as a resource across campus and throughout the Minnesota State System on semester study abroad and global engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and one (1) year of experience working in a study abroad or study away office – OR – a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience working in a study abroad or study away office.
• Experience in higher education program development and management.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Strong multicultural and cross-cultural sensitivity with a solid understanding of world geography
• Demonstrated understanding of international, interdisciplinary, and/or experiential education in a higher education context.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including internet and video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), Microsoft Outlook and Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience studying/working/living abroad Experience using Via or similar study abroad management software.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully in a high-traffic, high-demand environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and maintain a strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to create and maintain positive working relations with a wide range of diverse constituents.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems in cross-cultural contexts with cultural sensitivity and strategic thinking.
• Flexibility, ability to work independently, and eagerness to work in a team environment in a fast-paced office.
• Knowledge of website development and social media.

Company

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system.

WSU offers more than 200 majors and programs with campuses in Winona and Rochester, MN.

Students have opportunities for internships with some of the Midwest’s most prestigious companies and organizations including Mayo Clinic, IBM, Fastenal, and 3M.

Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the WSU Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River—meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, kayaking, and more are within a mile of campus.

WSU’s second campus is located in Minnesota’s third largest city: Rochester. The city is a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Though much attention is given to the thousands of students WSU serves every year, we know that we’d be nothing without our employees.

If you’re interested in improving the world in an academic setting, WSU invites you to join our community.

We have a lot to offer our employees at both the Winona and Rochester campuses in terms of social activities, cultural opportunities, and ways to get involved—not to mention the beautiful scenery.

WSU has employment opportunities at all levels, from administrative to faculty to service jobs.

WSU offers comprehensive health insurance—including dental and vision plans—and life insurance at an affordable cost for employees.

Accrue vacation time as well as sick time every paycheck and enjoy 12 paid holidays every year.

At WSU, there’s room to move as your career progresses.

You could move up to more responsibilities or move between departments while staying in the same role.

You’ll find opportunities for professional development with conferences and seminars to keep your skills sharp.

Continue your education with tuition waiver benefits that can be used at any Minnesota State institution.

You’ll also have mandatory and voluntary options for retirement savings—maybe even a pension, depending on your union.

Company info

Website: https://www.winona.edu/