Director of Study Abroad and International Programs

Date Posted: 8/28/2025

Soka University of America is seeking a Director of Study Abroad and International Programs who will report to the Dean of Enrollment Services for day-to-day management and operational oversight as well as to the Dean of Faculty for guidance and direction on all academic responsibilities and faculty affairs.

The Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all aspects of Soka University’s education abroad and international programming. A core element of the university’s curriculum is that these experiences are integral to each student’s academic path. The Director ensures high-impact learning opportunities that uphold the university’s mission, academic rigor, and commitment to global citizenship.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership and Program Development (25%)

Promote international opportunities and a global focus on campus.

Provide vision and leadership for the university’s semester-long study abroad program and international program initiatives.

Assess study abroad programs and ensure they are aligned with institutional goals. Provide program assessments and student outcomes.

Lead the development and review of partnerships with international institutions and providers.

Propose new relationships for review by the Dean of Faculty.

Develop and implement policies and procedures that support high-quality and inclusive education abroad experiences.

Work collaboratively to develop international opportunities that align with students’ academic and professional goals.

Collaborate with the Dean of Enrollment Services and the Dean of Faculty, faculty, staff, and senior leadership on developing and implementing programs.

Conduct site visits when necessary and approved by the Dean of Enrollment Services.

Establish and maintain professional networks with local, state, and international organizations.

Represent the university at approved international education-related events and activities to elevate SUA’s institutional profile.

Academic Coordination (20%)

• Serve as the principal liaison to the Faculty Study Abroad Committee.
• Coordinate the review and approval process for transfer of academic credit from host institutions.
• Support curriculum integration and ensure academic equivalency across diverse global education contexts.
• Support the Dean of Faculty’s international initiatives, including, but not limited to, exchange programs and internships, and cultural competency education.
• Ensure that advising resources and programs are inclusive and student-centered.

Program Administration and Office Management (20%)

• Manage the operational components of outbound students annually, including application, selection, pre-departure, and return processes.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management or other designated campus entities to manage and maintain study abroad, travel visas, financial aid contracts, and other related records.
• Supervise and oversee two office staff, training, and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned as they arise and as the University develops.

Compliance Management and Risk Assessment (15%)

• Oversee compliance with relevant U.S. regulations, host country requirements, and best practices in health, safety, and risk management.
• Monitor and provide recommendations to ensure university policies, procedures, and external regulations are in alignment and agreement with applicable laws and professional standards.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel and Risk Management as necessary to administer affiliation agreements.
• Plan and promote safe programs abroad, including but not limited to discussing safety and health, well-being with students, and the code of conduct.
• Assess insurance coverage, crisis planning, and help mitigate education abroad risks.

Student Support and Advising (10%)

• Oversee advising services related to study abroad and international programming, including pre-departure orientation, health and safety preparation, and re-entry.

Financial Oversight and Other Assessment (10%)

• Develop and manage budgets for study abroad, international internship programs, office budget, expense projections, and reconciliation.
• Monitor program costs and ensure fiscal responsibility while maximizing student access and support.
• Organize and maintain physical and digital records.
• Collect and analyze data for assessment, program improvement, and reporting to institutional stakeholders.
• Accept other assignments from the Dean of Enrollment Services as they arise and as the University develops.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in education abroad administration, including supervisory and budget management experience.
• Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to travel in a challenging environment are required.
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse and international populations and the ability to read, comprehend, and apply complex policy, procedure, and regulation.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a liberal arts context.
• Experience living or working abroad.
• Proficiency in at least one language other than English.
• Knowledge of U.S. and international regulations.
• Solid knowledge of SUA’s mission and community.

Competencies/Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of study abroad program models, risk management, and academic credit transfer practices.
• Excellent intercultural communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to working inclusively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Maintains the ability to receive and carry out direction with high ethical and professional standards.
• Excellent human relations, analytical, problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate understanding and sensitivity regarding diverse cultural traditions and linguistic backgrounds.
• Capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students, as well as a variety of outside organizations.
• Ability to organize and manage a complex student record-keeping function; prepare, maintain, and interpret statistical data.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with the other members of the faculty, Enrollment Services, and the campus community.
• Proficiency in personal computer systems utilizing student information systems such as PeopleSoft, word processing, spreadsheets, and power point.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain a prominent level of accuracy and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple short-term and long-term tasks and to exercise good judgment in stressful situations.

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits. Salary range for this position is $90,000 to $96,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

• letter of interest for this position
• resume
• three professional references

For inquiries, e-mail: [email protected]

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.