Posted: Mar 13, 2025
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Assistant Director, College Relations

IES Abroad - Chicago, IL
Full-time
Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00
Application Deadline: N/A
Nonprofit

Schedule: M-F, 8.30a.m. – 4.30p.m. This is an exempt position that may be required to work beyond core office hours and travel approximately 20-30% based on the needs of the position and the organization.

Reports to: Executive Director, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs

Direct reports: Customized Program Managers

Location: Chicago, IL, USA (hybrid)

Summary of Position

The Customized & Faculty-Led Programs team works with universities, colleges, and other academically focused institutions as well as IES Global Centers to develop and implement high quality, specialized (usually faculty-led and/or short-term) study abroad programs. The Assistant Director, College Relations, is the strategic head for customized business development. S/he is charged with growing and maintaining school relationships and then soliciting, conceptualizing, and negotiating customized programs. The Assistant Director manages each program within a small portfolio from idea to proposal to closure. S/he champions customized programming within IES Abroad by maintaining productive relationships across departmental lines. Management responsibilities are a requirement.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties

Sales Strategy and Management

  • Set general strategy and regional sales goals in collaboration with the Executive Director.

  • Train Customized Program Managers (CPMs) on sales techniques and strategies.

  • Track and monitor sales goals.

  • Troubleshoot relationship development / sales issues with CPMs.

  • Work cross-departmentally to ensure CPMs have the resources, information, and technology to perform their duties.

  • Create and track target pool of clients based on analysis of assigned region and potential partners.

  • Communicate new IES policies to staff as they impact sales and relationship management.

  • Develop and maintain strategic collaboration models between all IES Global Sales Teams (i.e. CP, CR&A, Access, Internships, and SAF).

 

Management

  • Manage several CPMs.

  • Set CPM goals and strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director and Assistant Director of Program Management.

  • Work cross-departmentally to ensure CPMs have the resources, information, and technology to perform their duties.

  • Oversee onboarding of new CPMs in conjunction with other Assistant Directors.

 

Marketing

  • Act as team liaison for Marketing department.

  • Update CP marketing content in conjunction with Marketing team.

  • Identify opportunities for internal and external CP promotion on social media, What’s New, the website, and other platforms.

  • Represent CP on necessary committees/task forces for marketing initiatives.

 

Center Portfolio Management

  • Manage a small portfolio of IES Abroad Customized Programs from start to finish including program development, operation, and evaluation.

  • Serve as a primary contact for clients within specific geographic region on all matters related to customized programs.

  • Respond to client requests for proposals in a timely and efficient manner.

  • Manage study abroad staff, faculty and/or program leader concerns.

  • Create and track target pool of clients based on analysis of assigned region and potential partners.

  • Develop and deliver timely and accurate contracts for clients, utilizing internal financial systems, templates, and CRM.

  • Draft, revise, and update program proposals and pricing costs. Negotiate to arrive at contractual agreements.

  • Accurately manage contract execution. Assess contracts for completeness and accuracy; correct documents and file changes to contracts as needed. Confirm accurate descriptions of deliverables in contracts.

  • Review and explain IES program policies, procedures, and requirements with clients.

  • Commit to and demonstrate values and promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

  • Any other task or duty as assigned or required.

 

Experience & Qualifications/Skills:

  • At least 7 years related experience working with faculty, administrators, or customers in program development, program management, sales, negotiation, customer relations, and/or recruiting.
  • At least 5 years related experience working with one or more of the following: advising, operations, study abroad, tour operator, travel agency, and/or sales.
  • Successful track record in client management, recruiting or study abroad programming in which goals were consistently met and/or exceeded.
  • Ability to demonstrate values and promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism required.
  • Talent for organizing and prioritizing multiple priorities and projects in fast-paced environment, including excellent follow-up and attention to detail.
  • High level of enthusiasm, energy, and flexibility.
  • Strong data management skills with experience using pricing/budgeting tools, Salesforce, Excel, CRM, and databases.
  • Proven experience managing key strategic projects from start to finish.
  • Dedication to providing high-quality client services.
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a changing environment and to present suitable solutions to new challenges.
  • Proven ability to negotiate and close transactions.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ease in interacting with various constituents and ability to make effective presentations.
  • Experience with developing new programs.
  • Strong communications skills with ability to cooperate with all stakeholders.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Experience developing and reviewing contracts and contract renewals.
  • Skilled in handling stressful situations, e.g., advising anxious program leaders and/or faculty.
  • Passion for embracing business process improvement opportunities.
  • Exceptional team player: proactive, responsible and able to learn quickly.
  • Maintain a positive can-do attitude and sense of humor.
  • Act in a professional manner always.
  • Knowledge and understanding of trends and best practices in international higher education.

 

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required (Master’s degree preferred)
  • Must have valid US Driver's license and ability and willingness to drive as required.

 

Hiring Salary Range

$80,000-$90,000

 

Benefits Eligible

Yes

 

IES Abroad offers a wide range of benefits for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found on our website: https://www.iesabroad.org/about/careers

 

How to Apply:

All applicants should submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by clicking 'Apply' at the top of this page.

 

Please visit  www.IESabroad.org for more information about working at IES Abroad. If you require an accommodation with the application process, please email us: [email protected].

 

Equal Opportunity Employment:

IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity.

 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable laws.