Executive Director, Global Engagement & Events

Position Overview

The Executive Director, Global Engagement & Events (ED) is a senior leader reporting directly to the President & CEO and responsible for advancing The Forum on Education Abroad’s mission by providing strategic leadership for international outreach, professional development, conferences and events, volunteer leadership, member engagement, and mission-aligned partnerships.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the ED works collaboratively across the organization to expand the reach and impact of The Forum’s programs, resources, and Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad. The ED leads initiatives that foster global partnerships, elevate The Forum’s position as a leading standards-setting organization, strengthen member engagement, and support a future in which education abroad is integral to higher education and accessible to all students.

Based in Europe, with regular travel to the United States and other international locations, the ED serves as a key ambassador for The Forum and collaborates closely with the President & CEO, Chief Revenue & Operations Officer, Executive Director, Knowledge Mobilization & Research, Forum Council leadership, and external stakeholders worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

1.     Strategic Leadership of Global Engagement & Events

·       Provide strategic and operational leadership for conferences, institutes, workshops, webinars, seminars, and other global engagement initiatives.

·       Ensure programs align with organizational priorities and emerging trends in education abroad.

·       Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Global Engagement & Events team.

·       Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.

2.     Forum Council Leadership

·       Serve as staff liaison to the Forum Council and work closely with Council leadership.

·       Develop strategies to increase Council members’ engagement and visibility.

·       Recruit, cultivate, and support diverse Council members, as well as volunteers, committee members, and working groups.

·       Use Council feedback and engagement data to inform programming and strategic priorities.

3.     Global Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

·       Lead The Forum’s international engagement strategy.

·       Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with institutions, associations, governmental agencies, and mission-aligned organizations.

·       Expand participation in Forum programs and services globally.

·       Recruit new Forum members outside the U.S.

·       Represent The Forum at conferences, meetings, and external events.

4.     Thought Leadership & Strategic Initiatives

·       Promote the adoption and implementation of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad and The Forum’s Code of Ethics for Education Abroad

·       Contribute to publications, presentations, training programs, and professional development initiatives.

·       Serve as a visible thought leader and spokesperson for The Forum.

·       Advance strategic initiatives that strengthen the field of education abroad.

5.     Financial Stewardship

·       Develop and manage budgets for events, programs, and engagement initiatives.

·       Monitor financial performance and recommend strategies for growth and sustainability.

·       Collaborate on sponsorship, partnership, and revenue-generation opportunities.

Required Qualifications

•       Minimum of a Master’s degree required.

•       Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in international education.

•       Significant professional experience in education abroad at a higher education institution outside the U.S.

•       Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff both in person and remotely.

•       Experience innovating and managing complex programs, projects, events, and budgets.

•       Experience working with The Forum on Education Abroad and knowledge of the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad.

•       Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills.

•       Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and manage stakeholder relationships.

•       Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and access.

•       Work authorization in Europe (The Forum does not sponsor work visas.)

•       Ability to travel internationally and to the United States regularly.

Preferred Qualifications

•       Experience working within a membership association.

•       Experience supporting boards, councils, committees, or volunteer governance structures.

•       Experience leading international engagement, partnership, or market-development initiatives.

•       Experience creating and growing revenue-generating programs.

•       Experience living, studying, or working internationally

•       Experience working remotely.

Core Competencies

•       Strategic Leadership

•       Relationship Building, Collaboration, & Diplomacy

•       Cross-Cultural Competence

•       Volunteer and Stakeholder Engagement

•       Change Management

•       Problem Solving

•       Financial Acumen

•       Public Speaking and Facilitation

•       Innovation and Program Development

•       Team Leadership and Talent Development

•       Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Travel Requirements

This position is fully-remote, based in Europe, and requires regular travel throughout Europe, the United States, and other international locations. Travel is expected for conferences, strategic partnerships, member engagement activities, and organizational meetings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Forum on Education Abroad is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees, volunteers, members, and stakeholders. We encourage applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives contribute to the diversity and excellence of our organization and the field of education abroad.

Salary Range

€70,000 EUR - €110,000 EUR