Assistant Director, Study Abroad

Reporting to the Director of Education Abroad, the Assistant Director has the lead responsibility for developing and managing summer and semester study abroad programming, across a range of models, including partnerships with third-party providers, direct-enroll universities, and U.S. institutions with international campuses, including oversight of the overall application process from the initial interest phase. Key constituents for this position are faculty, students, internal staff, and external partners. This position will be assigned staff to support these initiatives which include advising students through the process of enrollment, matriculation, preparation, and participation in the program. This position works directly with LMU faculty members, partner institutions, and relevant LMU offices to ensure the success of the programs, and the students’ experiences on those programs. The position is responsible for maintaining complete student records and ensuring compliance with all LMU policies and processes.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Works with Director of Education Abroad to develop and implement a comprehensive approach for Study Abroad programming that directly aligns with the university’s mission; Seek, establish, and maintain relationships fostering trust, respect, and confidence between Study Abroad and internal and external constituents, including third-party study abroad providers, direct-enroll institutions, and other global partners; Ensure all credit-bearing international education initiatives meet institutional expectations, norms, and best practices; conduct program evaluations.

• Develop and manage policies and procedures based on ‘best practice’ research; develop approaches to enhance student access, promote services, and maintain student satisfaction of programming (assessment); ensure that all Study Abroad program information, program pages, and communications are current and accessible; ensure full compliance (legal, risk management, policy, etc.) for all Study Abroad programs offered.

• Oversee student advising process utilizing current systems to provide student access to academic and programmatic information efficiently and effectively to ensure students can identify programs in accordance with their academic and career goals; Provide resources for site-specific details including: flight and arrival information, course selection and registration, immigration requirements and processes, pertinent health and safety information. Coordinate with third-party providers and institutional partners to ensure alignment of academic, housing, and on-site support services with LMU standards. Develop and deliver orientations and related programming in collaboration with program faculty and staff leaders as appropriate.

• Oversee student application process utilizing current systems to improve student accessibility and process efficiencies. Ensure compliance with LMU policies and procedures for all applications to programs in the portfolio, including those administered in partnership with external providers and direct-enroll institutions. Process and review completed applications and make recommendations for acceptance according to office protocols and faculty recommendation.

• Support the management of financial functions such as budget, billing, accounting, and enrollment management; facilitate scholarship awards and initial advising regarding financial aid and provide guidance regarding campus resources for academic and financial planning; conduct program evaluations. Collaborate with external program providers on billing and cost reconciliation as needed to ensure fiscal accuracy and transparency. 

• Develop and oversee marketing plans, outreach and awareness efforts, event planning, including returnee engagement. Additionally provide support for the larger International Programs and Partnership team as needed.

• Manage the training, evaluating, developing and motivating staff.

• In coordination with the International Program and Partnership team, assist with risk and crisis management. Provide support to students and faculty around student health and adjustment issues, academic issues, and other onsite concerns. Oversee responses for questions and concerns from students, their family members, and other constituents as appropriate.

• Maintain knowledge of current trends, resources, and standards of good practice for professional management of Study Abroad programs, with particular attention to evolving models of third-party, direct-enroll, and hybrid study abroad programming. Engage actively with professional networks in international education (e.g., NAFSA, Forum on Education Abroad) and collaborate with provider and institutional partners through professional development opportunit