The Assistant Director, Study Abroad and International Student Services offers guidance and support to Southwestern students interested in studying abroad, and manages the processing of applications and related forms. The role also involves coordinating and supporting faculty-led programs, outreach and marketing efforts, supervising student workers, and coordinating events. Additionally, the position serves as a backup International Student Advisor and Designated School Official (DSO), providing visa advising for international students on an as-needed basis.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
● Study Abroad Advisor: Guide students in identifying and selecting programs based on curricular fit, program
type, costs, and student goals/needs. Facilitate individual and group advising sessions. Process applications
and forms. Support students applying for visas and submitting materials to external partners.
● Overseas outreach and marketing: Develop and maintain partnerships with campus stakeholders to promote
study abroad and support students. Spearhead study abroad outreach and marketing efforts, including the
development of both print and digital marketing materials, website updates, and the management of social
media campaigns and platforms.
● Event Coordination: Coordinate various events including the annual Study Abroad Fair, study abroad
information sessions, and high-quality pre-departure orientations.
● Office Administration: Assist the Director of Study Abroad and International Student Services with data
collection and reporting, and communicating budgets for internal programs. Collaborate with university
offices in processing academic records, financial aid, and billing.
● Faculty-led Program Coordination: Collaborate with faculty on preparing itineraries, and budgets and
communicating program details and deadlines; coordinate logistics with third-party program providers or
partners; adhere to institutional requirements.
● Student Employee Supervision: Take charge of hiring, training, and evaluating student workers, which
includes overseeing study abroad peer mentors and office assistants while also managing their timesheets.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
● Fulfill the role of DSO on an as-needed basis, responsible for managing Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
(SEVIS) records, and offering advice on visa regulations for international students.
● Stay updated on education abroad trends and changes.
● Stay current on international student visa regulations.
● Maintain the office's administrative planning calendar.
● Serve on University committees as needed.
● Support events, outreach, and activities for the Center for Integrative Learning.
● Perform additional assigned duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s Degree.
● Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be designated as a DSO for SEVIS.
● Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.
● Problem-solving skills and ability to work with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
● Attention to detail to manage complex processes.
● Proficiency in Google Suite and demonstrated use of database/content management systems.
● Knowledge of issues related to education abroad, including risk management, health and safety, and cultural adjustment.
● Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices and considerations in higher education and specifically in
education abroad.
● Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Further preferred qualifications which are also desirable for performing the listed duties.
● Master’s Degree.
● Experience in International education, other higher education role, or related field.
● Previous experience with study abroad application management software and/or web-based data-management tools.
● Previous experience using social media in a professional context.
● Previous experience working with students as well as faculty members.
● Foreign language ability.
● Knowledge of advising and/or student development theories.
● Supervisory experience.
● Willingness to understand and embrace the values of a liberal arts education.
● Experienced DSO and International Student Advisor with SEVIS experience; knowledge of U.S. Immigration and Customs
regulations.