Posted: Jul 30, 2025
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Director of Global Education

Colby College - Waterville, ME
Full-time
Application Deadline: N/A
Education

Colby College welcomes experienced relational, strategic and student development-minded educators to apply for this reimagined Director of Global Education role. Reporting to the Dean of DavisConnects, the Director will provide relational, strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Global Education, serving a critical role in empowering Colby students to pursue transformative global education experiences and become interculturally competent and engaged global citizens. The Director will also collaborate with the Directors of Colby’s Global Entry Studies (GES) programs in Dijon, France, Salamanca, Spain and Bigelow Labs, lending programmatic guidance and expertise.  Essential functions include the following:

Provide Program Leadership

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership and direction for the Office of Global Education. 

  • Supervise and cultivate the skills and proficiencies of the Associate Director of Global Education and the Administrative Program Assistant, demonstrating a transparent and collaborative leadership style while encouraging innovative thinking, personal accountability, and results-driven performance.

  • As an advocate for the Office this role leads, the Director will actively pursue, develop and steward internal (e.g. with faculty and staff from across departments and divisions) and external partnerships (e.g. with third-party program providers) that generate opportunities and support for students interested in pursuing off-campus education experiences domestically and internationally.

  • Oversee the Associate Director and Administrative Program Assistant in coordinating logistics for students before their departure and upon their return from their global education and immersion experiences including travel arrangements, room and board arrangements, pre-departure requirements, and risk management measures.

  • Provide financial, academic and logistical oversight of Colby in Dijon, Colby in Salamanca, Colby at Bigelow and GES programs.

  • Oversee the approval and transfer of credit from approved domestic and overseas programs (in consultation with the Registrar).

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the Office of Global Education for risk management and critical incident response for global programs.

Advise Students 

  • In collaboration with the Associate Director, guide students through the identification, selection, application and enrollment processes for global education programs that align with the students’ academic interests and career pursuits.

  • In collaboration with Student Financial Services, advise students regarding global education program costs, the transferability of existing financial assistance, and global experience scholarship opportunities.

  • Collaboration with faculty on policies regarding off-campus study and approved programs for their majors.

Manage a Portfolio of January Term Programs

  • Work collaboratively with faculty, staff and on-site partners to establish meaningful, location-specific January Plan global education experiences, and with the Director of Global Experience Funding on relevant funding and risk management support and considerations.

  • Develop, manage, and reconcile program budgets for such programs in collaboration with the Office of the Provost.

  • Maintain study abroad database page, enrollments, and required paperwork.

  • Arrange logistics (lodging, tickets, transportation, etc.) for programs.

Develop and Deliver Programs, Marketing and Assessment Initiatives

  • Collaboratively design and deliver an array of program development opportunities, pedagogical resources, intercultural learning, and course development resources related to global education.

  • Generate awareness among students, faculty, staff and parents/families about the global education opportunities the Director is cultivating via strategic outreach, collaborative programs, and communication campaigns. Regularly assess the efficacy and impact of said initiatives and adjust as necessary so that the students and Colby community remain aware of the availability of global education opportunities.

  • With the assistance of the Office’s Administrative Program Assistant and student worker team, oversee and maintain the Office of Global Education’s website, social media channels and communications.

  • Collaborate with campus partners to integrate global education in the admission process and orientation programs as requested.

Candidate qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field required; PhD or EdD preferred.

  • At least seven (7) years program leadership  experience in International education in higher education required, along with demonstrated program development experience working with faculty and international education providers and institutions, and proven experience with international health and safety risk mitigation and crisis management. Familiarity with NAFSA, Forum on Education Abroad, and other standards for international education;

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation skills which will allow the Director to present confidently and interact credibly with the Colby community;

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities;

  • Ability to recognize strengths and clarify the interests and values of students while assisting them in making informed decisions about global education opportunities;

  • Excellent strategic planning, leadership and organizational skills;

  • Commitment to developing innovative approaches to delivering excellent service;

  • Experience in creating partnerships with and working creatively and effectively with broad constituencies;

  • Team-orientation with an interest in collaborating with other members of DavisConnects in preparing students and graduates for success beyond college;

  • Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule as needed, to accommodate evening and occasional weekend programs;

  • Ability to engage in occasional domestic and international travel;

  • Proficiency and experience using technology (i.e. Microsoft office, Google Suite) and effectively leveraging social media required; Experience with Terra Dotta strongly preferred.