Associate Director – International Safety and Security (Hybrid)
International Safety and Security at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for an Associate Director.
International Safety and Security supports the health, safety, and security of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students, faculty, and staff through detailed traveler and program preparation and comprehensive incident response 24/7.
Primary Position Function/Summary:
The Associate Director for International Safety and Security leads major operational components and strategic initiatives that support the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff engaged in university-related international travel. The role is directly responsible for 24/7/365 emergency management, intelligence analysis and risk assessment, training, and core International Safety and Security (ISS) programs and operations. Serves as a subject-matter expert on designated topics or regions and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to maintain global safety awareness and preparedness. Leads all ISS functions in the Director's absence.
Statement of Duties & Responsibilities:
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Lead ISS review of study abroad programs and independent student travel abroad.
• Monitor major global events and trends to assess the potential impact on the health, safety, and security of university travelers.
• Lead ISS review of new programs and program sites for education abroad activities to ensure programs meet institutional standards appropriate for the location, activities, and participants. Consult with location-specific experts and external resources as necessary.
• Provide expert guidance on program planning to colleges and study abroad units. Identify program- or site-specific risks and recommend mitigation strategies to align proposed programs and travel with the university’s risk tolerance.
• Guide travelers to appropriate pre-departure health and safety resources based on individual concerns or risk profiles.
Incident Response and Crisis Management
Initiate emergency protocols and support university travelers during emergencies abroad.
• With the Director’s oversight, maintain unit response plans for all levels of incidents abroad, including illness, injury, mental health, crime, unrest, natural disaster, and other threats to safety and security.
• Oversee the unit’s 24/7 on-call program, emergency responder training, and afterhours protocols.
• Serve as an incident manager in the unit’s afterhours on-call rotation.
• Collaborate with university units and external partners to implement emergency protocols and support affected travelers abroad and upon re-entry.
• Connect travelers to appropriate support services and resources.
• Conduct welfare checks of travelers during critical incidents.
• Partner with campus communications units to provide timely updates during critical incidents to travelers and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in after-action reviews to strengthen future responses.
Operations and Administration
Oversee daily operations for the unit and supervise civil service staff.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of ISS strategies, plans, and procedures.
• Daily supervision of unit civil service staff, to include training, delegating tasks, and evaluating staff.
• Assist with insurance cases, enrollment, claims, and vendor management, as required.
• Contribute to the development of annual unit plan.
• May represent ISS on committees or working groups.
• May lead or participate in occasional RFP or procurement processes.
Training and Outreach
Lead safety and preparedness training program for study abroad students, faculty, and staff.
• Lead in-person and online training for students, faculty, and staff as part of a rotating schedule.
• Establish the direction of ISS training to reflect current policies and best practices.
• Assist in university-wide outreach related to international travel safety and unit initiatives.
• Manage the development and delivery of emergency preparedness drills for internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant internal offices for coordination and outreach on cross-functional topics.
Professional Development and Industry Engagement
Stay informed of evolving trends and best practices in international health, safety, and security.
• Participate in relevant professional organizations such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and Pulse International.
• Attend conferences and trainings, both domestic and international, to support professional growth and represent the university.
• Travel internationally as needed to support unit initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Three years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
• Experience in international safety and security or a related field affording relevant professional experience such as corporate or government security and intelligence, risk management, education abroad, student programs. Demonstrated supervisory experience that includes oversight of daily activities, setting performance standards, delegating tasks, team building, and evaluating staff.
(NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in an area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.
Preferred: (Successful candidates will have):
• Master’s degree
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad.
• Experience working with students, faculty, or other entrepreneurial travelers.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
• Knowledge of international risk assessment, mitigation strategies, emergency preparedness, and/or crisis response protocols in higher education or related settings.
• Ability to assess and synthesize health, safety, and security information to aid decision-making and produce timely travel recommendations.
• Knowledge of geopolitical, social, and cultural issues as they pertain to education abroad and/or international travel.
• Excellent problem-solving and strong analytical skills with proven ability to strategize, prioritize, and multi-task to meet goals and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with individuals from all backgrounds and with differing opinions or priorities.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to sensitive, high-stakes, or emergency situations where conditions are changing or established procedures may not exist.
• Professional working proficiency in at least one foreign language strongly preferred.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions:
• May work nights and weekends as part of the on-call rotation. The incumbent will be on call from close of business to opening of business approximately once every three weeks for a period of at least seven consecutive days.
• May work occasional nights for training presentations, approximately three times per year for two hours.
• May work unscheduled nights and weekends to support emergency response and crisis management.
Travel Requirements:
• Domestic and/or international travel up to three times per year for operational needs and professional development opportunities.
Apply on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign jobs website.
