Study Abroad Advisor

At Gonzaga we don't just state our mission. We live it every day as a Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic University. It is the reason we exist and the foundation for our purpose: educating students for lives of leadership and service. From students to faculty and staff members, everyone here knows what we stand for - and they know how valuable our mission is to the success of our institution.

Our diverse selection of benefits is part of Gonzaga's commitment to care for and meet the needs of our employees and their families. The University provides full-time employees in their first year: a PPO Medical plan administered by Premera Blue Cross, employer-paid dental programs through Delta Dental, vision coverage through VSP, employer-paid Life Insurance, and optional employee-paid Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial, TIAA 403(b) Retirement plan including free onsite financial planning and advising, Employee Assistance Program through Supportlinc, Zagfit Wellness program with access to GU's onsite fitness center and Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus passes. Additionally, full-time (40 hours per week) staff employees accrue 4 hours of sick time per pay period (pro-rated for less than 40 hours/week), vacation time starting at 5 hours per pay period (pro-rated for less than 40 hours/week) and 17 paid holidays. Additional benefits such as Long Term Disability and Tuition Waivers are available after the first year of employment.

Department: Office of the Associate Provost for Global Engagement, Center for Global Engagement, Study Abroad Office

Job Purpose: The Study Abroad Advisor works closely with the Study Abroad (SA) team to provide quality service to students interested in studying abroad and supports a streamlined experience for all stakeholders. This position primarily focuses on managing and monitoring enrollment in the Gonzaga in Florence (GIF) Study Abroad Programs and serves as the primary liaison between the student-facing staff in Florence and the SA Office. The advisor ensures the success and safety of the programs while also handling general advising duties.

For any additional questions or clarification, please reach out to [email protected].

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday. 8am-5pm. Occasional evenings or weekends required. Telework (remote work) may be eligible for one day per week after a 6-month probationary period.

Essential Function Category Title (% of time for section)

Gonzaga in Florence Program Management (40%)

• Collaborate with on-campus offices and GIF student-facing teams to prepare students for studying abroad in Florence.
• Monitor course enrollment for GIF programs.
• Communicate with GIF colleagues to coordinate student services.
• Provide specific pre-departure information and resources to participants and families.
• Allocate housing and request accommodations based on student needs.
• Regularly communicate with students and families via email to prepare them for the GIF experience.
• Assist the Director of Study Abroad in the event of a personal or medical emergency involving a GIF student abroad.
• Manage short-term study abroad programs utilizing GIF facilities.
• Register all GIF students with the S. embassy abroad.
• Provide guidance to faculty teaching at GIF on arrangements, health & safety issues, and emergency procedures.
• Collaborate with the Modern Languages and Literature Department Italian Program's Florence Scholars program, including admissions and program activities to help develop students' intercultural competencies.
• Support the Assistant Director with student communication on visa processes.
• Attend in-person and virtual recruiting fairs at partner schools, estimated 3-5 times per year.

Study Abroad Advising and Education (30%)

• Conduct group and individual information and advising sessions about available study abroad opportunities.
• Tailor study abroad information to meet students' individual interests, goals, and needs.
• Communicate information in person, over the phone, and via email.
• Advise students on national study abroad scholarships and convene an advisory board to provide feedback on scholarship essays.
• Educate students on health, safety, and study abroad logistics.
• Track and approve Pell Grant recipients and Gilman applicants.

Outreach (20%)

• Participate in various campus activities to promote study abroad programs.
• Attend partner institution study abroad fairs to promote GIF.
• Stay informed on developments in international education by attending professional development meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with university partners to promote inclusion and support a diverse student population, recognizing each individual's unique needs.

Data Analytics and Reporting (10%)

• Provide data analytics and student information to campus offices (e., registrar, financial aid).
• Pull monthly reports on student participation.
• Create quarterly and yearly reports on student participation for university stakeholders.

Other Functions:

• Update website as needed.
• Participate in SA on-call rotation and complete relevant training.
• Proper performance of duties, professional conduct, and treating others with courtesy at all times are essential job Employees are expected to be honest, efficient, economical, safe. and courteous. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people are crucial.
• Other duties as assigned by the Department.

Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree or equivalentexperience 

Knowledge Required/Years Experience Required: Entry-level/1-2.99 years

Evidenced Minimum Qualifications:

• BA+ one (1) year of related experience or five (5) years of related experience if substituting experience for education requirement.
• Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effective interaction with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and ability to multitask.
• Technical Proficiency: Competence in using office software and management systems (e.g. Terra Dotta).
• Cultural Competence: Knowledge of international travel and education with an ability to advise on intercultural differences.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address issues related to financial aid, credit transfer, and program selection.
• At least one (1) year of experience in study abroad advising, international education, or a related area.
• Substantial experience living, working, or studying abroad (typically at least one semester).
• Must be available to travel to partnering institutions.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in International Education, International Relations, or a related field.
• Intermediate proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
• Experience in program administration or a higher education setting is preferred.
• Experience with digital and social media platforms for program promotion.
• Experience with professional development programs for academic advisors.
• Knowledge of study abroad program design, implementation, evaluation, and risk management.

Physical/Envirnonmental Qualifications

• Remain in a stationary position 80% of the time.
• Ability to prep for and attend meetings and events across campus in various weather conditions.
• Wrist and hand movement related to computer work.
• Bend, stoop, stretch and reach.
• Pick-up, carry and move items up to 25 lbs.

Gonzaga University is a committed EEO/AA employer and diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability status and/or protected veteran status. Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to complete the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources (509) 313-5996.

The safety of all members of the campus community Is of vital concern to Gonzaga University. Information regarding crime prevention advice. the law enforcement authority of Campus Security, policies concerning the reporting of any crimes which occurred on the campus (and other specified locations), other security and safety-related policies, as well as the crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be found in the Campus Safety and Security Guide and Annual Fire Safety Report. The Gonzaga-In-Florence Safety & Security Guide is also available. A copy or the report can be found online at www.Gonzaga.edu/Clery.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications should be submitted via Gonzaga's HR website and include a resume and cover letter.