Program Advisor

IES Abroad•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The IES Abroad Program Advisor provides pre-departure advising, preparation, and service to IES Abroad students, their families, and home-school personnel. The Advisor serves as an expert on a set of IES Abroad programs for internal and external audiences and works as part of the College Relations & Advising team. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, and reports to the Program Advising Manager. It is a full-time, exempt position scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work, occasional travel based on seasonal business needs and position requirements, and participation in a rotating group handling after-hours calls. The position has no direct reports. IES Global is a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider serving nearly 10,000 students annually. Headquartered in Chicago, it offers more than 400 programs in 85 locations worldwide and partners with 500 colleges and universities. Its brands include IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). The organization emphasizes academic and cultural education, student health and safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and its Global Good Commitment. The role requires 1–2 years of experience in higher education or administration and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. The hiring salary is $62,000. Benefits are available to eligible employees and include health, retirement, and paid time off; further details are provided on the company website.

Requirements

1–2 years of experience in higher education or administration.
Exceptional customer service skills and empathetic communication.
Enthusiasm for education and the development of college-aged students.
Ability to manage and maintain a high call volume.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills when handling a variety of issues.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude during stressful situations.
Intermediate Microsoft Office skills and ability to learn database and content management system platforms.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, meet commitments consistently and on time, and take responsibility for actions and results.
Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with principles of international education, study abroad, and intercultural competency.

Responsibilities

Provide friendly, accurate, and prompt pre-departure support and information to students, parents, and education institution staff through written and telephone communications.
Maintain excellent records of communications.
Use database and web technology in daily functions.
Serve as the College Relations & Advising department expert on specific IES Abroad programs.
Provide call and email coverage for advising team members when needed.
Liaise with other departments to answer student questions and monitor program changes and enhancements.
Communicate program changes and enhancements to team members and relevant departments.
Participate in editing and updating student pre-departure materials for each enrollment cycle.
Take part in a rotating group of staff handling after-hours calls.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Complete other tasks or duties as assigned or required.
Contribute to an inclusive environment and organizational culture of diversity, equity, and anti-racism.