Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Assistant Director, Special Programs

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Special Programs provides leadership and direction for all functions related to the day-to-day management of domestic study away programs, study away at home programs, the American Semester Program (ASP), short courses, and new programs resulting from the implementation of the Spartan Global Learning Initiative. The Assistant Director supervises the Special Programs Team and serves as the Team’s lead liaison to the EA Business Office and Promotion and Outreach unit. The Assistant Director works with the executive and Associate Director on new Spartan Global Learning Initiative program development as well as ongoing quality improvement of program management processes and procedures. The Assistant Director supports the creation and dissemination of monthly communications to college-based stakeholders such as program directors and the Advisory Council on Education Abroad (ACEA) membership. The Assistant Director also manages the onboarding and mentoring process for new hires on the Special Programs team.

The Office for Education Abroad is currently operating under a hybrid modality structure, with a requirement of staff to work three days in person and two days remotely. This structure is subject to change at any time.

Core Duties & Responsibilities (95%)

Education Abroad Program Management (75%)

• Supervise the special programs team (including annual performance reviews and professional development planning)
• Annually review, and re-align as needed the special program coordinator work assignments
• Convene, coordinate and lead regular special programs team meetings; this includes monitoring work issues and campus needs and setting agendas; lead the team in collective problem-solving and assign individual tasks as needed
• Serve as the primary contact for questions related to new special programs, program evaluation, and program budgeting
• Work closely with the executive and associate directors on new Spartan Global Learning Initiative program development
• Support the implementation of Spartan Global Learning Initiative by responding to the forthcoming steering committee report of recommendations; resulting projects may require the development of new special program types, reporting on the connections between special programs and the overall “global learning for all” aim of the Initiative, and assigning team members with specific duties to fulfill individual projects 
• Collaborate with the EA Business Office on the decision-making required to annually fine-tune program budget templates and process; lead special programs team in understanding program budgeting and reinforce EA Business Office expectations when issues occur
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team on program promotion and outreach
• Work closely with the associate director on monitoring, evaluating, and refining all systems, processes, policies and procedures related to special program management
• Manage an assigned portfolio of education abroad programs (including budgeting, Via Global program information maintenance, internal and external partner relationships, etc.)

Office Leadership & Management (20%)

• Work closely with the Associate director with strategic planning and initiatives, reporting requirements, and adherence to University policies and protocols
• Represent the Associate Director at meetings and on projects as needed
• Attend regular Center for Global Learning and Innovation leadership team meetings
• Handle key roles with cross-cutting Center for Global Learning and Innovation projects upon request
• Provide leadership in ensuring smooth communication flow of leadership decisions to internal and external constituents and cross-functional workflow within the unit
• Work with the Associate Director in the continuous review of utilization of technology and the development of the team as professional international educators
• Contribute to the day-to-day functioning of the center and implementation of strategic initiatives 

Additional Functions (5%) 

• Contribute to the profession of education abroad, which may include attending regional, national and international conferences each year as necessary/appropriate/fiscally feasible, leading faculty and staff site visits, serving on advisory boards or committees of external organizations relevant to education abroad and/or higher education
• Contribute to the field of education abroad, which may include producing scholarly publications, conducting outcomes assessment research, etc.

Minimum Requirements

 Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a Master’s degree in international studies, foreign language, area studies, communication, higher education administration or related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in international program administration and supervision; conversational proficiency in a foreign language; experience studying or working abroad; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Proficiency in a language other than English; experience living, working, or studying abroad

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://educationabroad.isp.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends December 3, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.