Director, Study Abroad Services & International Risk Management

The University of Florida
United States, FL
Jul 1, 2026

Job Description:

Classification Title:	DIR, Educ/Training Programs
Classification Minimum 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.
Job Description:	Strategic Leadership and Administration of Study Abroad Services • 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. International Risk Management, Safety, and Emergency Response • 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. Program Development, Campus Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement • 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. Training, Outreach, and External Relations • 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. Policy Development, Compliance, and Operational Effectiveness • 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. International Travel Registry, Assessment, and Resource Management • 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. Other Duties as Assigned • 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.
Expected Salary:	Commensurate with education and experience
Required Qualifications:	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.
Preferred:	Preferred Qualifications: - 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 EDUCATION & TRAINING: Advanced degree (Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) in International Education or a related field 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 KNOWLEDGE - 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. SKILLS - Track record of presentations, publications, or service in international education or related field - Working with and interpreting data (quantitative or qualitative) ABILITIES: Ability to successfully build and manage workforce, engage effectively across university domains, communicate organizational goals, and gain cooperation from others to obtain best results. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 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.
Special Instructions to Applicants:	In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This position is only open to the current UFIC employees
Health Assessment Required:	No

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Job ID:

86761

Location:

Gainesville, FL

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Job Description:

Classification Title:	DIR, Educ/Training Programs
Classification Minimum 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.
Job Description:	Strategic Leadership and Administration of Study Abroad Services • 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. International Risk Management, Safety, and Emergency Response • 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. Program Development, Campus Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement • 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. Training, Outreach, and External Relations • 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. Policy Development, Compliance, and Operational Effectiveness • 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. International Travel Registry, Assessment, and Resource Management • 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. Other Duties as Assigned • 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.
Expected Salary:	Commensurate with education and experience
Required Qualifications:	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.
Preferred:	Preferred Qualifications: - 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 EDUCATION & TRAINING: Advanced degree (Master of Arts (MA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) in International Education or a related field 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 KNOWLEDGE - 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. SKILLS - Track record of presentations, publications, or service in international education or related field - Working with and interpreting data (quantitative or qualitative) ABILITIES: Ability to successfully build and manage workforce, engage effectively across university domains, communicate organizational goals, and gain cooperation from others to obtain best results. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: 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.
Special Instructions to Applicants:	In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This position is only open to the current UFIC employees
Health Assessment Required:	No

Posted:

01/07/2026