Description

AIFS Abroad

Director of Study Abroad and Internship Programs

About AIFS Abroad

At AIFS, we bring the world together. We believe in the transformative nature of international education and preparing globally minded citizens through our academic and career-oriented programs to build a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world. Since 1964 we’ve helped more than 1.6 million participants engage in cultural exchange and educational opportunities. AIFS Abroad is focused on three programs: study abroad, customized faculty led, international internship and our career readiness embedded in all programs in over 20 countries and virtually. AIFS Abroad is one of many divisions of AIFS Inc, our parent company.

Team Culture

We are a mission driven dynamic group of international education professionals committed to making the world better through our programs. We use the Clifton Strengths tool during our hiring process, in our internal professional development and for the participants on our programs and focus on maximizing the potential of everyone on our team. You can expect a transparent and innovative work culture where goals are made and tracked, and ideas from all staff are welcomed.

Responsibilities

This role is responsible for supervising the study abroad and Internship staff in the US including the Global Program Advisors and Global Program Managers. The AIFS Abroad program has three primary stakeholders: our participants, our partner universities (both domestic and international), and our AIFS Abroad Colleagues (domestic and international). It is essential to maintain accountability to each of these important groups and to develop and direct protocols and processes to meet the needs of all.

The Director will lead the team responsible for preparing university students for life changing academic and career focused global experiences. The team is responsible for ensuring students receive high quality pre-departure advising for life abroad, including academic advising, visa advising/management, intercultural preparedness, and career readiness advising. Success of this position is measured in the retention of students in the program from deposit to arriving on location, and from results of pre-departure surveys. The global program advising team also manages communication between program locations and universities during emergency situations during the program including the emergency phone.

This exempt position is full-time, Monday - Friday, (usually) 9 am-5:00 pm, and operates from the Stamford, Connecticut office with a hybrid schedule (including days in-office, and work from home days.) This position may have occasional US-based and or international travel. Some nights and weekends are required based on seasonal business or emergency needs. The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $95,000 based on experience. Application deadline is February 5,2024. The expected start date is March 2024.

Primary Job Functions

Abroad Program Operations - Study and Internship Teams (70%)

• Manage hiring, training, and supervision for the Program Advising teams (Managers and Advisors)
• Work with Enrollment Managers and University Relations Team members to continue smooth handoffs of participants from enrollment to program advising
• Ensure the efficient handoff of participants from the Advising teams to the on-location teams
• Liaise with VP Enrollment and Strategic Operations and the AIFS IT team to streamline processes
• Work with the Vice President, Operations solidifying processes with divisions with AIFS suppling services (flights, insurance, accounting, etc.)
• Ensure relevant scholarship allocations and processes are implemented and recorded
• Track programmatic changes and ensure communication is clear to all relevant colleagues
• In collaboration with the VP Program Operations and other Director / VP team members continually ensure cross-training of staff, look to develop, and implement efficiencies related to delivery of program messaging, work towards technology efficiencies to reduce manual efforts
• POC for tracking student emergencies – significant emergencies raised to VP Program Operations
• Liaise with Director, Custom Faculty Programs to ensure efficiencies (technology, communication and/or overall processes) are implemented by both teams
• Other duties as assigned

Internship Focused Operations (25%)

• Liaise with Director of Internship Placement and Career Readiness to ensure placements are in line with student need and communication processes are smooth
• Ensure Global Study Managers / Advisors are moving students through the interview process in a timely manner

Board and Industry Representation (5%)

• Represent AIFS Abroad at appropriate national and regional meetings, Board / Advisory Board meetings

Expectations for the Role

• At 30 days you will have met the team and started training on primary processes
• At 60 days you will have completed internal training and started familiarizing yourself with our curriculum models and programs
• At 90 days you’ll begin working independently and establishing long-term relationships
• By six months you’ll have an established workflow and set goals for the coming year
• By one year you’ll be fully integrated in the role

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

To be successful in this role, we would like you to have:

• Bachelor’s Degree required advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in international education administration within a university or international education provider setting.
• Experience in a high-volume study abroad or global student setting.
• Strong data, research and reporting skills and confidence with digital technology / Portals and CRM / Student Management Systems
• Personal experience studying or interning abroad, or similar international experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

We are looking for someone who can add to our team and organization and recognize there is no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. We encourage you to apply if you meet at least 65% of the listed qualifications and experience. Candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences who meet the qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

What to Expect from Our Recruitment Process

1. First Step: Submit your application for the role
2. Resume review: If your application meets our criteria, you will be contacted for a 15–30-minute phone call to review your candidacy and you can ask any questions about the role.
3. First interview: Successful candidates will be invited to a video with a panel of AIFS staff. Usually 60-90 mins.
4. Assessments: Successful candidates will be asked to complete strengths and personality assessments.
5. Second Interview: Successful candidates will have one or two final interviews with AIFS leadership.
6. Final step: Successful candidates will be emailed with an offer letter.

Why AIFS Abroad is For You

• We are proud to offer fantastic vision, dental, and medical/prescription insurance
• We provide retirement savings options through Fidelity Investments
• We offer generous paid holidays, flexible floating holidays, and sick/wellness days
• We care about access, inclusion, diversity, and equity (and hope you do as well) and are taking action to grow in these areas
• We have a deep concern for the environment and promoting broader sustainability

If you have any questions about the role and/or would like to know more about AIFS Abroad, please connect with Carri Orrison, Vice President for Program Operations, at corrison@aifs.com .

Consistent with its obligations under the law, AIFS Abroad will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. AIFS Abroad is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, nationality, ethnic or national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make recruitment decisions based on applicants’ skills, experience, and knowledge, and ensure all applicants are treated equitably.

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