Senior Director, Global Programs and Services

Job Details

San José State University (SJSU) seeks a strategic, action-oriented, collaborative, compassionate and innovative leader to serve as the Senior Director for Global Programs and Services.

Founded in 1857, SJSU is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. Located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, and home to approximately 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, SJSU is the fifth largest of the 22 campuses of the California State University (CSU) system, which is the largest four-year university system in the United States. As one of the 200 top research universities in the nation, SJSU has robust NSF and NIH-funded research programs and one of the highest levels of research funding in the CSU system.

San José State University stands as one of the most diverse universities in the nation, reflecting the rich cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic tapestry of Silicon Valley, the broader Bay Area, and the global communities it serves. As a federally recognized Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), SJSU enrolls a student body shaped by a wide range of lived experiences, languages, and perspectives. Over 85% of its population identify as students of color, and 37% identify as first-generation college students, creating a truly multicultural learning environment.

The campus strategic plan—Transformation 2030—released in spring 2019 and advanced under the leadership of President Teniente-Matson, provides the framework for bold institutional growth and prioritizes student belonging, well-being, and engagement. The Senior Director for Global Programs and Services will be instrumental in shaping how internationalization efforts advance these priorities and expanding global learning opportunities. Currently, SJSU has over 3,000 international students from more than 100 different countries, representing one of the largest international student bodies and the top public university hosting international students among master-granting schools in the U.S. In the 2025 FrogHire Career Outcome University Ranking, SJSU secured the #1 position out of 339 universities for international student employment outcomes and return on investment.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Belonging and Engagement Strategies and partnering closely with the Associate Vice President for Student Equity and Belonging, who also serves as the Senior International Officer (SIO), the Senior Director for Global Programs and Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and Study Abroad and Away (SAA). The Senior Director is responsible for establishing the long-term vision, strategic direction, and operational priorities for global programs that support student success and equity, while ensuring alignment with the university's broader internationalization goals and institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of experience leading and administering global programs and services in a higher education institution. Required qualifications include knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and compliance requirements related to international education, including immigration. Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, initiatives and stakeholders in a complex, dynamic environment, will be critical to success. Experience working with culturally diverse populations, cross-functional teams, and a broad range of university and external partners will enable effective leadership as Senior Director. A demonstrated commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and fostering a strong sense of belonging is essential. A master's degree is required.

WittKieffer is assisting San José State University in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. For fullest consideration, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by July 13, 2026.