Associate Director Education Abroad

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $56,395 and $71,340, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Director of Education Abroad, the Associate Director provides strategic leadership, decision-making authority, and operational oversight for the development, enhancement, and sustainability of Case Western Reserve University's faculty-led education abroad portfolio. This position has primary responsibility and accountability for the design, implementation, and long-term direction of the faculty-led study abroad program portfolio, including program quality, financial sustainability, and alignment with institutional priorities. The associate director designs and executes short- and long-term strategies to expand and strengthen faculty-led programming, establishes performance goals and metrics, and evaluates outcomes to support continuous improvement and growth. The associate director partners with faculty and academic departments to develop academically rigorous programs that align with curriculum requirements, academic standards, and student learning outcomes. The associate director serves as a senior representative of the Office of Education Abroad, representing the office in institutional and external settings and acting on behalf of the director, as appropriate, to ensure continuity of leadership, communication, and decision-making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the strategic development and direction of the faculty-led education abroad portfolio. Design and execute initiatives to expand program offerings, increase student participation, and enhance program quality and accessibility. Independently, regularly review existing programs to identify areas for improvement and growth, with attention to location, academic fit, financial sustainability, risk mitigation, and institutional priorities. Research peer institutions, best practices, and campus priorities to identify opportunities for academic impact and portfolio composition. Lead and contribute to committees and working groups related to education abroad policies and program development. Identify, secure, and manage opportunities for external funding, grants, and partnerships that enhance faculty-led programming. Establish, evaluate, and manage relationships with faculty, academic departments, international partners, and providers. Partner with faculty and academic leadership to design programs that align with curriculum requirements and institutional academic and risk management standards. Develop and execute strategic communication and marketing plans to increase program visibility, drive student participation, and support the long-term growth of faculty-led education abroad programs. (40%)
• Direct and oversee a portfolio of sustainable, high-impact, and academically rigorous study abroad programs. Direct and oversee operational systems and processes supporting faculty-led programs. Serve as the primary institutional resource and subject matter expert for faculty-led education abroad programming. Design, implement, and manage end-to-end program workflows, including program development, proposals, approvals, budgeting, implementation, and post-program assessment. Maintain full responsibility for the lifecycle of faculty-led programs from concept through evaluation and renewal. Provide strategic oversight and management of the education abroad management system (Terra Dotta), including workflow design, system optimization, data integrity, reporting, and process improvement. Ensure accurate tracking, documentation, and compliance across all program activities. Establish, interpret, and enforce institutional policies and procedures related to faculty-led programs. Ensure compliance with university policies, legal requirements, and risk management standards. (20%)
• Provide senior leadership and oversight for health, safety, and risk management in faculty-led education abroad programs. Develop and implement policies, training, and resources to support faculty and student preparedness abroad and advance a proactive, education-focused approach to health, safety, and risk management. Serve as a key decision-maker during critical incidents and emergencies abroad. Monitor compliance with university risk management policies and ensure institutional accountability for student safety and program compliance. (15%)
• Direct assessment strategies to evaluate student learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and alignment with institutional goals. Establish metrics and benchmarks to measure program success and support continuous improvement. Analyze program data, trends, and outcomes, and generate reports and recommendations to inform strategic planning, program development, and resource allocation. Utilize data to identify opportunities to improve program performance, expand access, and enhance the student experience. (10%)
• Represent the Office of Education Abroad, in the absence of the director, to ensure continuity of leadership, communication, and decision-making. Provide leadership and mentorship staff and faculty partners as appropriate. Directly supervise student workers, including hiring, performance management, goal setting, and professional development. Provide functional supervision of student employees supporting the Office of Education Abroad, including training, scheduling, and performance feedback. Serve as a mentor and collaborative resource for other office staff and faculty partners as appropriate. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Work with all departmental staff members on a daily basis to exchange information. Represents the Office of Education at the behest of the director.

University: Daily contact with faculty and departmental representatives across campus regarding education abroad programming.

External: Frequent contact with current and potential education abroad partners and regular contact with study abroad professionals at other institutions to exchange information.

Student: Daily continual contact with students regarding education abroad programming.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will not have any supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of progressive experience working with students and faculty, serving in either an advising, administrative, student services, or teaching role. Experience working with students and faculty in higher education and international education is strongly preferred. Experience with Terra Dotta is strongly preferred. Experience studying or living abroad is highly desirable.

Education: Master's degree in higher education, counseling, social sciences, or related fields required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Demonstrated knowledge of global learning and cultural humility through living/ studying/ working abroad. Ability to draw on that experience to support faculty, advise students, and design high-quality study abroad programs.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with strong attention to detail, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in complex and evolving situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, while also contributing effectively within a collaborative, team-based structure.
• Superior oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate status and results of analysis, projects and processes to management and peers. Demonstrated ability to teach best practices and skill sets to stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to and appreciation for culture, excellence, and global engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently and positively influence the behavior of others with respect to assigned projects, analysis or processes. Consistently seen as a mentor to more junior staff by modeling positive and productive behavior.
• Strong proficiency with office productivity tools and education abroad management systems, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and database platforms such as Terra Dotta.
• Demonstrated ability to guide, support, and mentor team members and or student employees.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions. Occasional evenings and weekends required. This position is eligible for the Staff Hybrid Remote Program.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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