"Program Director"

Job Details

Department: Study Abroad-313800

Career Area: Academic Administration

Posting Open Date: 08/28/2025

Application Deadline: 09/22/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Program Director

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 01003592

Vacancy ID: NF0009262

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $54,300-$78,000

Proposed Start Date: 10/06/2025

Be a Tar Heel!: A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Study Abroad Office (SAO) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the primary unit charged with study abroad program development, oversight, and advising. SAO creates transformative global learning experiences for all students to pursue their Carolina education at sites around the world. UNC Chapel Hill is a national leader in study abroad participation and ranks in the top 10 among all U.S. higher education institutions for annual study abroad enrollment. Based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office oversees study abroad and domestic study programs that enroll students from the College as well as other UNC Schools. Programs include student exchange, direct-enroll, partner provider, and UNC faculty-led programs, and educational opportunities that encompass traditional courses, internships, research, service and virtual programs. The SAO employs a staff of approximately 20 full-time professionals and manages a recharge center and total budget of $30MM, consisting of $15MM in cash and an additional $15MM in expense transactions. The Study Abroad Office serves over 2500 outgoing undergraduate students plus over 300 incoming students from UNC’s global partners. The office collaborates with academic and administrative units throughout the College, as well as with other UNC schools in support the University’s global mission. The Office is affiliated with UNC Global and is located in the FedEx Global Education Center. Though based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office serves as a resource for the entire Carolina community.

Position Summary: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station. The Program Director position designs, establishes, manages, promotes, and evaluates a varied portfolio of study abroad programs in assigned portfolio. The successful management of programs entails ensuring that each is financially viable, requiring program budget development and reconciliation. The position’s specific portfolio is determined by student enrollment and program load and subject to change over time. The position requires close collaboration within the Study Abroad Office (SAO) with those responsible for advising, finance and operations, marketing and communications, curricular alignment and credit transfer, and program evaluation. This position does not advise students, but works closely with Study Abroad Office Advising Team. It also collaborates with UNC colleagues outside the SAO, particularly faculty members and area studies centers staff who are involved in study abroad academic program development and outreach. The Program Director ensures that each program offering articulates closely with the on-campus academic curriculum and supports the SAO’s Curricular Integration initiatives. The Program Director communicates regularly and effectively with partner universities, institutions, and partner providers to ensure the high quality of academic programs and student support. The position works closely with staff of UNC Global who manage international partner relationships. The Program Director must be available 24/7 to address emergencies, in coordination with Study Abroad Office leadership and other campus units. Flexible schedule may be possible. The University is currently piloting a flexible work arrangements program, and this position may be eligible to participate in the program based on the hiring unit’s business needs.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Experience with international education program development and administration in a higher education setting, including creating and maintaining budgets, financial accounting, program contracts, and agreements; Demonstrated experience working with faculty to initiate, develop, and administer programs; Experience studying, working, or living abroad; Evidence of cultural competency, excellent communication and organizational skills, experience resolving cross-cultural challenges and potentially sensitive issues abroad, and commitment to student support and success; Knowledge of best practices, guidelines, and trends in the field of international education developed and published by the Forum on Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and other professional organizations.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Preference given to applicants with proficiency (written and spoken) in a language other than English; Ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of colleagues, constituents and stakeholders with potentially conflicting deadlines, expectations and needs; Ability to work and lead in an environment subject to tight deadlines and changing or conflicting priorities; Ability to take initiative and work independently; Experience with curriculum development and academic policies and procedures; Experience supervising staff; Experience working with Terra Dotta Software.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements: n/a

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: Not Applicable.