Assistant Director, Tufts Global Education, External Programs

Tufts Global Education (TGE) advances the university’s mission by providing and supporting international academic and experiential learning opportunities for students across the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Through a broad portfolio of education abroad programs, global partnerships, research opportunities, internships, and other international experiences, TGE fosters student learning, intercultural competence, global citizenship, and academic engagement beyond the classroom.

The division develops, administers, and supports a range of global programs, including university-sponsored semester and year-long programs, short-term faculty-led experiences, international research and internship opportunities, exchange partnerships, and approved third-party study abroad options. Working collaboratively with faculty, academic departments, international institutions, and external organizations worldwide, TGE ensures that global experiences are academically rigorous, culturally immersive, and aligned with institutional priorities.

As a University resource, TGE provides leadership and expertise in international program development, global partnership management, student mobility, international operations, compliance, health and safety, risk management, and cross-campus collaboration. The division works closely with academic and administrative units across the university to support strategic global initiatives and enhance access to international opportunities.

TGE is committed to expanding participation in global education by reducing barriers to access, supporting students from diverse backgrounds, increasing engagement in STEM-related international experiences, and integrating global learning with the university’s academic, research, and experiential learning goals. Through these efforts, the division strengthens Tufts’ global presence and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

We are seeking an independent and experienced programmatic international education / education abroad leader to come in and hit the ground running. This position plays a critical role in the areas of Advising, Enrollment Management, Transfer of Credit, Student Outreach & Education, Program Assessment, Partnerships & Projects and Event Planning.

The Assistant Director oversees student participation in external study abroad programs within Tufts Global Education. This position plays a critical role in advising students who are preparing to go abroad, as well as managing transfer credits from study abroad programs to be applied towards degree requirements. They will be well-versed in the wide array of programs and partners. In addition, they will organize, coordinate and plan study abroad fairs/events with external program partners. The portfolio of programs will change based on division needs, student enrollment, and the expansion of custom programs. The AD must be experienced in the education abroad field, self-directed, and collaborative. They need to work effectively with various academic and student service units, as well as outside constituents (parents, international and national partners, etc.), to deliver the highest quality student experience possible. This role requires leadership, excellent communication skills, understanding of student development, and they must be extremely organized. 

Responsibilities include:

• Advises students who study abroad on affiliate programs (over 400 students per year)
• Spearheads student outreach and student education in consultation with stakeholders
• Develops and leads programming related to student outreach, enrollment, pre-departure, and re-entry.
• Determines transfer of credit from non-Tufts programs, evaluates the quality of education, and assesses health and safety protocols of partner programs.
• Works closely with academic and student service departments, to ensure that academic and enrollment policies are in alignment with broader University goals and requirements.
• Builds close relationships with external partners and providers (this is essential).
• Supports marketing and promotion efforts to meet division and institutional goals.
• Provides data-informed recommendations on approved programs to the Associate Director
• Leads or contributes to cross-functional initiatives and special projects as needed.

This is a hybrid position expected to be on campus four days a week during the academic year, with the possibility for additional flexibility depending on the academic needs of the department. This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-7 years Demonstrated experience in education abroad advising, program management, or global education administration, preferably in a higher education setting, is critical
• Demonstrated strengths in administration in the field of international education/education abroad required
• Excellent organizational skills required. Proven project management skills, attention to detail, and strong follow through
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a proven ability to work effectively and cooperatively with college students, faculty, staff, and parents
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence
• Ability to collaborate effectively across academic and administrative units
• Study abroad experience or significant travel and work abroad required
• Ability to work effectively in intercultural situations, and in dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere in which expectations are high.
• Must be able to handle multiple and complex responsibilities
• Must occasionally travel abroad and within the US

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• Direct experience with advising students on education abroad
• Experience with program assessment and design
• Experience managing partnerships or programs abroad
• Experience working with diverse student populations
• Communication and outreach experience
• Designing academic and student programs abroad
• Demonstrated skills attending to onsite student inquiries and concerns
• Demonstrated writing skills and ability to create detailed reports
• Should be energetic, self-directed, flexible, and extremely well-organized and hard working
• Ability to analyze and summarize information and make appropriate recommendations for program revisions in the context of institutional and programmatic goals
• Experience managing student employees
• Knowledge of other languages desirable

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Tufts University is an equal opportunity employer.