Senior Coordinator, Programs Abroad - Center for Global Engagement - UTK

The Senior Coordinator for Programs Abroad provides leadership and strategic oversight for the University of Tennessee’s education abroad portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Programs Abroad, this role manages a broad range of global learning initiatives, including program development, student enrollment, international partnerships, and risk management functions that support the university’s Global Vision Forward.

The Senior Coordinator ensures that study abroad opportunities are academically sound, financially viable, safe, and accessible to all students. The position collaborates extensively with campus partners, academic units, international institutions, and student organizations to enhance global engagement. Key responsibilities include overseeing program portfolios, managing enrollment and transfer credit processes, implementing advising and outreach strategies, and contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen global learning pathways.

This role also supports operational excellence by maintaining compliance with university and international education standards, participating in emergency response rotations, and representing UT in external engagements. The Senior Coordinator brings strong communication skills, global education expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex projects in a dynamic environment.

Program Portfolio & Enrollment Management

• Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of direct enroll, exchange, faculty-directed, and affiliate programs.
• Develop and maintain frameworks for evaluating program safety, academic integrity, financial viability, and student experience.
• Liaise with academic departments to identify new program options and establish course equivalencies.
• Support the Director in developing and processing memorandums of agreement for new partnerships.
• Manage student enrollment processes, including acceptance letters, placeholder course enrollment, transcript processing, and discipline checks.
• Oversee the request-for-transfer-credit process in collaboration with academic advising offices.

Student Advising, Advocacy, & Outreach

• Partner with the Director and Assistant Director to implement the advising framework and staff training.
• Develop and deliver student engagement materials, outreach campaigns, and pre-departure/orientation content.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with academic departments, colleges, and student organizations to promote study abroad participation.
• Support scholarship and financial aid initiatives to expand access to global programs.
• Manage the student engagement budget and evaluate engagement outcomes.
• Foster a campus culture that values global learning, inclusion, and student success.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Support implementation of university and CGE global risk management practices.
• Maintain documentation related to program safety, emergency planning, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as part of a 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to international emergencies involving UT students or faculty.
• Conduct international site assessments and attend education abroad conferences as budget and schedule allow.
• Ensure that programs and operations reflect best practices in international education and student safety.

Strategic Initiatives & Leadership Support (Additional Duties)

• Contribute to the implementation of the Programs Abroad Office’s strategic vision and operational goals
• Support initiatives such as virtual Collaboration for Online International Learning (COIL), Vol Edge integration, and a Programs Abroad First-Year Experience program.
• Represent the university to foreign partners and external organizations to advance UT’s global reputation.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in international studies, education, student services, or a related field required.

Experience: Minimum of three years’ experience in international education, student services, or global learning.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience evaluating budgets and agreements.

• Knowledge of higher education global programs, standards, and best practices.

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