Director, Study Abroad Services & International Risk Management

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

This position provides strategic leadership and administration for Study Abroad Services within UFIC, serving as an integral member of the UFIC leadership team. The role involves directing the unit, providing strategic direction for study abroad and exchange programs, managing staff, and overseeing programmatic partnerships. Additionally, the position is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing policies and procedures related to health, safety, security, and risk management for international activities. This includes managing a comprehensive travel preparedness, risk assessment, mitigation, and emergency response strategy, and serving as the primary coordinator for international emergencies. The role also focuses on program development, campus partnerships, stakeholder engagement, training, outreach, external relations, policy development, compliance, operational effectiveness, and managing the international travel registry and resource management.

Requirements

Masters degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelors degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.
Experience in advising and/or working in international higher education programs
Experience living, working, or studying abroad
Experience working in a large, complex research university
Experience in working with specialized software platforms in study abroad and/or higher education
Experience with regulatory/compliance environment in higher education setting or in education abroad programming
Strong knowledge of current international contexts as well as of trends in international program development, enrollment trends, etc.
Knowledge of intercultural communication and exchange
A strong understanding of world geography and current events abroad.
Knowledge of higher education duty of care responsibilities and institutional liability associated with international employee and student travel.
Track record of presentations, publications, or service in international education or related field
Working with and interpreting data (quantitative or qualitative)
Ability to successfully build and manage workforce, engage effectively across university domains, communicate organizational goals, and gain cooperation from others to obtain best results.
Innovative individual bringing new ideas and vision.
Positive, engaging personality capable of creating a culture where study abroad participation is expected.
Willingness to resolve disagreement in a constructive manner; to develop the abilities of others; practice good listening skills.
Ability to foster team commitment, spirit, and trust, as well as to integrate and align team with broader context.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and relevant experience
In depth understanding of the scholarship and practice of study abroad
Experience leading, managing, and developing staff effectively
Track record of developing networks and building alliances
Experience in strategic planning and goal setting
Excellent communication skills
Advanced degree (Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) in International Education or a related field

Responsibilities

Direct the Study Abroad Services unit within UFIC and serve as an integral member of the UFIC leadership team.
Provide strategic direction for study abroad and exchange programs in alignment with UFIC and university priorities.
Manage professional staff and student assistants; establish performance expectations, team goals, and operational objectives.
Provide leadership and guidance regarding contracts, master agreements, reciprocal exchange agreements, and other programmatic partnerships.
Identify emerging issues and opportunities and adjust unit priorities and resources accordingly.
Develop, implement, and oversee policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, security, and risk management for international activities.
Manage a comprehensive travel preparedness, risk assessment, mitigation, and emergency response strategy for university-sponsored international travel.
Establish systems to identify, evaluate, monitor, and communicate risks associated with international programs and activities.
Serve as the primary coordinator for international emergencies and critical incidents involving students, faculty, and staff abroad.
Collaborate with university leadership and campus partners to support incident response, crisis management, and traveler well-being.
Work collaboratively with faculty, department chairs, deans, and administrators to develop innovative study abroad and exchange opportunities.
Partner with campus organizations to align study abroad programming with student learning, engagement, wellness, and career readiness objectives.
Build and maintain productive relationships with campus stakeholders and external organizations to support international education initiatives.
Foster awareness of international opportunities and promote participation among students and faculty.
Develop and deliver training programs and resources for study abroad directors, faculty leaders, staff, and students.
Serve as liaison with campus offices, including Student Affairs, General Counsel, Counseling and Wellness, Financial Aid, Registrar, Procurement, Research Integrity, Security and Compliance, and other relevant units.
Maintain relationships with governmental agencies, insurance providers, professional associations, and international education organizations to support program quality and risk management.
Refine and implement policies and procedures governing study abroad, exchange programs, international travel, and risk management activities.
Advance technological solutions that improve student recruitment, advising, application processing, program selection, and service delivery.
Ensure compliance with university policies, legal requirements, accreditation standards, and recognized best practices in international education.
Identify and adapt national and international models of excellence and innovation to strengthen program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Oversee the university’s international travel registry and related systems used to document and monitor university-affiliated travel abroad.
Serve as liaison to international medical, security, and travel assistance providers for routine operations and emergency support.
Prepare reports and analyses regarding international travel activity, risk assessments, incidents, and program outcomes.
Assist in developing policies and procedures related to study abroad program budgets and resource allocation in collaboration with fiscal leadership.
Engage and integrate programming across UFIC units and university initiatives.
Support grant development, faculty engagement initiatives, and strategic internationalization efforts.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of university and UFIC objectives.