Department
 

College Study Abroad

About the Department
 

The College, Study Abroad.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Study Abroad, the Program Manager is responsible for managing and administering all phases of assigned study abroad programs and is the key contact person for faculty, students and personnel abroad associated with these programs, in a dynamic office with growing program portfolios. This position requires both broad vision for international education and attention to detail, as well as strong communication and organizational skills. The Program Manager should be a proactive planner and responsive problem solver, able to work cooperatively with international partners and scholars, as well as staff from other units of the University, faculty, and students. The Program Manager is responsible for student advising related to study abroad, information sessions, program admissions, pre-departure preparation, and ongoing on-site questions or issues that may arise. This position requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio of faculty-led study abroad programs in a diverse range of locations, including Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Asia, or Africa.Manages all aspects of assigned direct enrollment programs and represents the office in program consortia.Develops and updates location- and program-specific materials.Chairs selection committees for assigned programs and evaluates student applications.Communicates admissions decisions to students, managing occasionally complex reactions of students and their families, and manages wait lists for each program.Works closely with on-site staff to identify and secure student housing, faculty housing, Graduate Assistant housing, and classroom space; establish the program calendar, schedule, and excursions; share pertinent student and faculty needs; and develop contingency plans.Liaise with on-site partners regarding occasionally complex student needs, including mental health, physical health, and Student Disability Services accommodations.Advises on and/or processes student visas.Works with new on-site partners to develop and review program proposals in consultation with Study Abroad office leadership, the relevant faculty director, if appropriate, and University procurement.Develops cost proposals and budget-related information for the Associate Director.Communicates with faculty to facilitate programming and logistical arrangements for their courses.Solicits weekly reports from on-site staff and shares this information during weekly program manager and staff meetings, responding to emergent issues as needed in consultation with the Deputy Director and Assistant Director for Health and Safety.Creates and maintains all program informational and pre-departure materials, including a comprehensive program Canvas site or handbook.Works with the Project Coordinator on program and student materials as needed.Conducts site visits for assigned programs and writes comprehensive program analysis reports.Manages process of identifying and vetting on-site partners and service providers.Leads search and hiring process for program Graduate Assistants, as necessary.With Faculty Director, oversees the process of identifying program instructors and/or solicits course proposals from UChicago and partner institution faculty.Leads promotional and student recruitment efforts for new or undersubscribed programs, which may include visits to relevant language classes and departmental events and open houses.Works closely with Assistant Director for Health and Safety to monitor and assess programming in volatile locations and manages relocation process if necessary.Reviews program evaluations and reports and makes recommendations to office leadership.Guides students of diverse backgrounds throughout the study abroad process, using inclusive advising practices.Advises students about study abroad opportunities, maintaining regular office hours.Leads information sessions for students interested in study abroad.Develops and leads two to three quarterly pre-departure sessions per program for students who have been accepted into a study abroad program.Advises students and liaises with partner offices to prepare for managing physical and mental health needs abroad, including the implementation of accommodations approved by Student Disability Services.Solicits, maintains, and reviews program evaluations and reports.Conducts exit interviews with students.Works with the Deputy Director to prepare advising and informational materials.Composes reports, including stewardship materials, particularly for endowed programs.Prepares and gives presentations on Study Abroad to various audiences, including prospective students, their families, and University staff.Represents the University of Chicago at national and international education conferences.Assumes area-specific leadership roles in the office according to interests and needs, such as partner office liaison work, Study Abroad Student Advisory Committee oversight, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, etc.Plans and executes the annual Study Abroad Student Fair, as assigned.Contributes to study abroad admissions and registration processes. Assists in setting up new partnerships.Advises students on international study and exchange opportunities, including on academic requirements. May advise students participating in international exchange programs with the University.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.Master’s degree.

Experience: 

Minimum 2 years full-time relevant professional experience.Working in higher education.Working in a study abroad office.Living or working in international settings.Background with engagement in international education and appreciation for the value of supporting undergraduates as developing global citizens, particularly among students who are historically under-represented in study abroad.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency in MAC or PC environments.Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and online organizational tools.Proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Preferred Competencies

Exceptional application of judgment and discretion.Excellent listening, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.Proven record of program management, especially in a study abroad office.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey the appropriate tone for different audiences, such as students, faculty, staff, and international partners.Excellent organizational, administrative, and computer skills; use complex databases and other record keeping systems.Understanding of international cultures and some regional experiences.Familiarity with students and educational experience in highly selective, top-tier institutions.Strong commitment to young adults and the values and goals of a liberal arts education.Make decisions and recommend or take action in sometimes challenging, time-sensitive situations.Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information related to students, faculty and staff.Demonstrated multicultural competence, knowledge, and experience working and interacting effectively with diverse groups of staff, faculty, and student populations.Handle stressful situations and remain calm under pressure.Take initiative to complete tasks and work both independently and cooperatively.Prioritize and manage concurrent tasks with interruptions, meet deadlines, and respond to many emails, in-person, and phone requests in a timely fashion.

Working Conditions

Office environment.Occasional evening and weekend work.Fast-paced environment.Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.Periodic walking to other campus locations.Some domestic and international travel.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.