Assistant Director Global Travel & Risk

Department Summary

Risk Management Services' programs provide proactive support for the strategic, operational and financial foundation of the University of North Texas. A safe academic environment is the top priority of our department and staff members. We help identify, analyze and mitigate risks so that the UNT community can freely pursue opportunities for growth and advancement. Our staff members also work to identify, protect and conserve university resources from loss. To achieve our goals, we work together with the UNT community to help them proactively manage risks, implement preventative measures, plan for their challenges and work through any issues that occur.

Position Overview

Leads the development and execution of UNT’s international travel safety and risk management strategy. This role serves as a strategic partner to students, faculty, and staff, providing the resources and frameworks necessary for safe global engagement. By collaborating with key stakeholders, the Assistant Director manages a comprehensive international travel safety and risk management program while implementing robust systems to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with international travel sponsored by UNT.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in International Education, Emergency Management, Risk Management, or a related field and five (5) years of professional experience in global safety, international risk management, emergency management, or related fields. Proven experience in a leadership capacity working within a large, public university or similar complex organizational structure. Demonstrated leadership experience in managing crises, emergency preparedness planning, and international incident management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Strong working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws relating to area of assignment.
* Knowledge of University organizations, operations, policies and procedures.
* Advanced communication skills both orally and in writing.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
* Knowledge of appropriate safety and security measures related to work performed and work supervised.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Education, Emergency Management, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Experience living, working, and/or studying abroad.
• Possession of relevant certifications.

Job Duties

• Strategic Risk Frameworks: Perform comprehensive risk analyses and develop advanced mitigation frameworks for international travel to safeguard university travelers and assets. 
• Policy Governance: Design, implement, and review university-wide policies and procedures related to international travel safety and security. 
• Global Surveillance: Monitor geopolitical events, health advisories, legal precedents, and industry best practices to assess their impact on the global safety and security of international travelers sponsored by UNT. 
• Traveler Preparedness and Insurance Coordination: Oversee the monitoring of faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad; conduct in-depth risk reviews for new or existing study abroad programs and international group travel. Coordinate travel insurance requirements and claims management for international travelers, ensure they receive their coverage documents, and serve as a primary stakeholder to the Insurance and Claims Office for policy updates and coverage reviews. 
• Committee Leadership: Provide comprehensive coordination for the International Risk Oversight Committee (IROC), including charter management, meeting facilitation (regular and emergency), and member training. 
• Authorization Management and Regulatory Oversight: Review travel requests, managing authorizations for low-risk travel and coordinating timely communication with export control and travel partners. Ensure institutional alignment with relevant regulatory processes and legal requirements. 
• Educational Programming and Resource Development: Design and facilitate health, safety, and security briefings, orientations, and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff. Collaborate with stakeholders to produce digital and print educational materials that empower travelers to navigate international risks. 
• Crisis Response and Communication: Coordinate incident response and crisis support for UNT students and staff traveling internationally. Manage high-level communications during unfolding crises, ensuring all internal leadership and external stakeholders are informed via established protocols. 
• Executive Briefing: Effectively communicate risk impacts and situational updates to university leadership and key stakeholders. 
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with university travel partners to maintain proactive situational awareness of incidents affecting the UNT community.