Director of Graduate & International Student Life

Job Details

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Office of Student Engagement

Director, Graduate and International Student Life

The Office of Student Engagement fosters a student-centered, student-driven campus community that empowers students to take ownership of their experience. Through cross-campus collaboration, the office connects students to co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that promote personal and professional growth, skill development, problem-solving, and appreciation of diverse perspectives. Grounded in the Jesuit tradition, we emphasize holistic development and value the unique contributions of each individual.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students, the Director provides strategic leadership for graduate and international student life. This role supports the transition, engagement, and retention of graduate, second-degree, and international students by developing programs, services, and initiatives that enhance their experience.

The Director leads onboarding and orientation efforts, fosters community through engagement opportunities, and serves as an advocate for these student populations. This position supervises one graduate assistant.

Key Responsibilities

1. Student Transition, Retention, and Support

• Lead onboarding and orientation for graduate, second-degree, and international students, including Workday onboarding processes, webinars, and in-person programs.
• Maintain and update digital resources, including web content, guidebooks, and social media.
• Manage budgets for Graduate Student Life, International Student Life, and related initiatives (~$100,000).
• Chair the Graduate & International Student Life Committee and collaborate with campus partners.
• Partner with academic program directors to support program-specific onboarding and orientation.
• Assess student needs and recommend enhancements to the graduate and international student experience.
• Manage departmental email accounts and ensure timely, accurate communication.

2. Graduate Student Engagement

• Plan and implement signature events (e.g., Graduate Student Kickoff, Appreciation Week, networking events).
• Develop ongoing programming that fosters connection and engagement.
• Collaborate with schools and academic programs on co-sponsored initiatives.
• Manage the Graduate Student Life portal and communications.
• Collect content from campus partners and student organization for graduate student newsletters.
• Expand engagement opportunities for online graduate students.

3. International Student Engagement

• Design and implement programs that build community among international students.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise the International Ambassador team.
• Partner with campus partners to provide support over short-term and long-term breaks.
• Manage the International Student Life portal and communications.

4. Student Leadership and Organizations

• Advise the Graduate Student Advisory Board.
• Facilitate graduate student forums to gather feedback and inform programming.
• Support the development of graduate student organizations.
• Serve as advisor to the Indian Student Association.
• Collaborate with cultural student organizations on campus-wide events and celebrations.

5. Assessment and Continuous Improvement

• Use data to inform decision-making and program development.
• Develop and implement an annual assessment plan for graduate and international student life initiatives.

6. Departmental Contributions

• Prepare reports, assessments, and required documentation.
• Serve on committees and represent the department as needed.
• Participate in departmental and divisional meetings.
• Support department and university events and initiatives.
• Promote the University’s Jesuit mission, commitment to social justice, and student voice.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in higher education.
• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supporting graduate and/or international students.
• Experience with program development, student engagement, and leadership development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across diverse populations.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence and working with diverse communities.

This position is based at Fairfield University’s Fairfield, CT campus and is not eligible for immigration assistance.