Program Manager

Company Description:

Through international academic experiences, the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) inspires students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world. Since 1962, UCEAP has served as the UC systemwide study abroad program, supporting this mission and serving over 100,000 students across all 10 UC campuses and over 30,000 international exchange students. UCEAP typically has over 6,000 student participants annually and is active in over 40 countries worldwide. Sustained by strong academic excellence, spirited faculty collaboration and an interrelated support system, UCEAP produces future global citizens and thought leaders.

The UCEAP Alicante, Spain Study Center currently supports academic programs which serve approximately 130 students annually at the University of Alicante. This is a new study center so it is expected that the number of students, programs, and potentially partner institutions could increase over time.

UCEAP is committed to promoting excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. In keeping with the academic mission of the University of California, UCEAP recognizes that diversity is integral to the University’s achievement of excellence and strives to create an environment that is welcoming for all. UCEAP upholds the principle of equal opportunity for all and adheres to the University of California Diversity statement.

Position

Salary: The budgeted annual gross salary range for this position is €41,500 – €47,000. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University.

Employment Type:Full-time, career

Application Deadline: Apply by April 19, 2026 for primary consideration; open until filled

Job Description: See Attached

Reporting to the Associate Program Director (APD), Study Center Operations, and working in close collaboration with UCEAP program leadership in California, the Program Manager plays a central role in delivering high-quality academic and student support services. The position requires ongoing coordination with colleagues at the UCEAP Systemwide Office, ensuring alignment with UC policies, program standards, and strategic priorities.

As the sole staff member in Alicante, the Program Manager operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for the full scope of local operations, including program administration, student advising, and operational compliance (e.g., finance). The role serves as the primary point of contact for students and provides comprehensive support throughout their study abroad experience, including orientation, academic guidance, housing support, and health and safety oversight. The role includes participation in a shared after-hours emergency support rotation across Spain programs, addressing urgent student welfare matters as needed. Must be available occasional weekends and/or after hours to accompany students participating in cultural activities and to participate in meetings with the UCEAP Systemwide Office outside of regular business hours.

The Program Manager also acts as UCEAP’s key liaison with host universities, the U.S. Embassy, local partners, and service providers, building strong relationships to support program delivery and development.

This position is ideal for a highly independent professional who thrives in a collaborative, cross-cultural environment and is motivated by the opportunity to establish and lead a new study center while maintaining close integration with a California-based team.

Requirements:

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in related area - required

Master's Degree in related area - preferred

Work Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education program administration and student services, with demonstrated expertise supporting students in cross-cultural or international settings and at least two years of project management or team leadership experience, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge and Skills(typically required of the position)

• Advanced professional English and Spanish verbal and written communication skills, typically equivalent to CERF level C1 or higher. Skill in obtaining and conveying information clearly and with accuracy.
• Advanced interpersonal skills with proven ability to engage with students and employ counseling techniques with sensitivity including appropriate referrals.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate within a diverse complex organization.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities to manage broad range of operational, academic, and student welfare and conduct issues.
• Ability to diffuse and resolve conflicts effectively, while remaining calm and professional.
• Demonstrate ability to listen, learn, and build trust among faculty, staff, and students.
• High level of service orientation and ability to empathize with student concerns while treating them with patience and respect.
• Highly responsive communicator with ability to manage communications effectively within a remote working environment.
• Experience responding to safety, security, and health issues, as they affect students abroad, and working knowledge of emergency planning best practices.
• Strong ability to think creatively to solve problems and use sound and decision - making skills on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Willingness and proven ability to work independently and to respond effectively and timely within a consultative environment.
• Knowledge of the structure and organization of US and Spanish higher education systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of the goals of education abroad programs.
• Sound judgment and proficiency in ability to use discretion, maintain data privacy, and maintain all security and confidentiality with sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII).
• Experience managing budgets and office administrative operations.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar platform, cloud-based computing and collaboration platforms (MS Teams, SharePoint, etc.), virtual meeting platforms, and general office computer technologies; familiarity with social media platforms; and a willingness to learn other applications and technologies, as needed.
• Ability to provide independent leadership, take initiative, prioritize and adjust to varying workloads, manage and/or delegate tasks across the Study Center team, and meet various deadlines with changing priorities, interruptions and conflicting deadlines.

Desirable:Higher education administration experience in the field of study abroad; Proficiency with QuickBooks or other related financial software; Experience studying, working, or living abroad; Prior supervisory experience.

Other information

Special Conditions

• Satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal check where permissible.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Spain.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and abroad on an occasional basis.
• Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends and participate in an after-hours on-call rotation to respond to student emergencies.

Questions? Contact recruitments@uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu

https://uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu