Career Center

Job Posting Title:  Senior Director for Study Abroad and International Programs

Job Details and Requirement:

Development and Recruitment:

• Supervise programs for intercultural and language education for students that connect closely with the educational objectives of the College and support faculty in developing their academic initiatives at Pitzer study abroad sites.

• Working with the VPAA and appropriate faculty and College committees, identify and assess the feasibility of new program opportunities.

• Oversee the work of the Director of Pitzer Programs and Intercultural Education and the Director of Study Abroad and International Program Services in the development and operations of academically strong direct-run study abroad programs around the globe.

• Oversee the recruitment, orientation, and assessment of Pitzer the other Claremont Colleges and non-Claremont College students on Pitzer direct-run programs. 

• Oversee the work of the Director for International Exchanges in negotiating agreements with academic institutions for hosting or sending students to participate in exchange programs or study abroad programs.

• Oversee and maintain agreed upon exchange program balances.

• Provide leadership in emergency situations as well as day-to-day operations.

• Develop connections with and oversee related academic programs (e.g., International Scholars Program, bridge programs, etc.), including working closely with the faculty, the Office of Admissions, the VPAA, and potentially faculty, staff, and students from the other Claremont Colleges.

Program and Budget Management:

• Supervise the hiring and training of professional and academic staff in the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs and for all Study Abroad sites.

• Support faculty in the development and implementation of academic programming at Study Abroad sites to ensure the highest level of quality in those programs, including intercultural and language education as well as other specific disciplinary content.  Also work to ensure that such programming connects seamlessly with the broader curriculum at the College.

• Keep Study Abroad faculty, staff and external college constituencies informed about the nature of Pitzer faculty work at Study Abroad sites.

• Maintain an effective program of safety and risk management for all Study Abroad programs, including directly working with insurers, vendors, or service providers as necessary.

• Monitor travel by any member of the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs to ensure that such travel follows established College travel policies and guidelines, including advance approval by the VPAA when appropriate.

• Work in collaboration with the Treasurer and the VPAA to manage the budget and accounts for Study Abroad and inbound international programs.

• Ensure that financial management of all study abroad programs complies with the College’s financial management protocols, including conflict of interest and against quid pro quo relationships.

• Work with the VPAA and the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that annual budget targets are met.

Student Services and Supports:

• Supervise compliance with all SEVIS requirements and procedures for international students

• Collaborate with the Office of Student Affairs and other consortium offices to support students on study abroad and to assist outbound and inbound students with adjustments and other needs.

• Supervise policies and protocols for student safety and risk management for College-sponsored international travel (e.g., student travel, health, insurance, evacuation, study trip protocols and destinations).

• Handle violations of the Conditions for Participation for Study Abroad in timely and equitable manner, and with appropriate notifications and record-keeping.

• Consult with Deans at sending institutions concerning student disciplinary incidents or special needs on Pitzer programs.

• Supervise and ensure effective programs of orientation and re-entry.

• Manage withdrawal (voluntary or mandated) of students from programs, including working closely with the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Office of Student Affairs, and other offices.

• Answer questions about programs and serve as College ambassador for Study Abroad and International Programs for students and families.

• Oversee select study abroad student fellowship programs (e.g., Boren, Carnegie), including work-shopping student applications. 

• Provide support to College and other fellowship programs (e.g., Fulbright Fellowships) that relate to international study or travel. 

Personnel

• Set performance goals for staff in the Office of Study Abroad and International Programs to support the College’s mission and strategic goals.

• Develop job descriptions for Office personnel that clearly reflect their individual responsibilities and with attention to the effective and efficient operation of the Office.

• Supervise staff and office work schedules, and conduct regular performance reviews of staff.

• Oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of staff at direct-run sites, and with attention to professional development and regular performance reviews.  Oversee implementation of corrective action when deemed appropriate.

Assessment

• Oversee effective assessment of both outbound and inbound programs.  Develop direct assessment instruments that can be applied to both direct-run student programs, exchange programs and other College programs.

• Coordinate with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) in developing assessment measures to ensure and demonstrate continuous program improvement.

• Support the VPAA and OIRA in the development and implementation of assessment instruments and reports, including for program and accreditation reviews.

• Oversee the regular external review of all direct-run Pitzer study abroad programs including the preparation of a comprehensive self-study report and coordination of an external review team visit to both Claremont and the site in question.

Curricular Work and Teaching

• Work closely with the Associate Dean for Global Local Studies (IGLAS) and the Community Engagement Center (CEC) in the implementation of curricular programming that directly links the global and the local and more effectively ties the work of the Office of Study Abroad and CEC.

• Work with faculty to develop orientation and re-entry courses for students participating in study abroad programs.

• With approval from the VPAA, and as needed, develop and offer a re-entry course for students returning from study abroad.

Advancement and Admissions Work

• Work with the Office of Advancement in identifying and supporting initiatives to raise funds through international connections or to support College international programs and students.

• Work with the Office of Admissions in the development of scholarship opportunities for international students.

• Work with the VP for Admissions and Financial Aid or their designates in recruiting international students, and also in developing funding opportunities for international students.

• In consultation with the VPAA, implement grant programming and report out to faculty and appropriate committees on grant activities.

• Assist the VPAA and faculty in developing research and study opportunities at Pitzer study abroad sites, including for projects that are internally or externally supported.

Property Management Abroad

• Oversee management of all operations and academic and research programs at the Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology (Costa Rica).  This work may include working with faculty, the VPAA, College facilities, and Advancement, among other personnel and offices.

• In collaboration with the VPAA, the College COO, or their designates, monitor legal, financial, contractual, risk management and property maintenance and usage at Study Abroad sites.

Miscellaneous

• Maintain positive and effective working relationships with the VPAA and other College faculty, staff, and students.

• Participate in meetings of relevant College governance committee such as the Study Abroad and International Programs Committee.

• Ensure that accurate and informative material about study abroad and exchange programs is on the College’s website and in other publications and outlets.

• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Basic Qualification:  Masters degree or any combination of education, training, or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.  Minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience in a college or university setting, and with some experience with study abroad or international programs.  Ph.D. degree preferred. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Demonstrated ability effectively hiring, managing, and supervising staff, and with attention to professional development and training needs

• Budgeting and budget management

• Strategic planning and implementation

• Program development and assessment

• Curriculum development or college-level teaching experience

• Excellent writing and public speaking skills, including intercultural communication skills and sensitivity

• Familiarity with second/foreign language education

• Ability to and comfort with international travel

• Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection. Must maintain password protection for work files and records and ensure that no one else has access to password and login credentials when working remotely.

• Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at remote location (if working remotely), including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid passport.

Supervisory Responsibility: Currently, six administrators in Claremont California and six directors of Pitzer direct-run study abroad programs (and indirectly the various staff and faculty that report to them)

Time Type: Full-time 40 hours per week, exempt-level position.  Benefits-eligible.

Annual Pay Schedule: 12

Work Schedule: The regular hours for this position will be scheduled between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  These hours may vary due to needs of the College or department or based on circumstances at different Study Abroad sites.

Work Model:  Hybrid, On-campus

Compensation: Budgeted Salary $120K per year

Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more. 

Elevated Systems Access: FERPA

Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to:

• Sit for prolonged periods of time;

• Operate a computer for prolonged periods of time;

• Communicate with others by email, in person and over the telephone;

• Read printed materials and a computer screen;

• Have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment;

• Assist with the set-up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials.

  • Requires reaching overhead, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, bending, and twisting;

  • Lift 15 pounds from the ground to waist level unassisted; and

• Have the stamina to manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced work environment.

Instructions:  Only qualified applicants please.

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter:  Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own. 

• Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.

• Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).

About Pitzer College

The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.

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