Assistant/Associate Director of Operations for Education Abroad

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Studies Office (ISO) at UVA seeks an Assistant or Associate Director of Operations for Education Abroad to lead operational excellence for a growing suite of programs. The role partners with faculty and staff to advance UVA Education Abroad initiatives and supports strategic planning for sustainable growth and impact.

Based in Charlottesville, VA, the position offers a hybrid schedule (2–3 days on grounds) with on-site presence as needed and travel for partner engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or 8+ years relevant experience in lieu of master's.
• 2+ years formal management experience for Associate Director level.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations for UVA Education Abroad programs globally.
• Partner with faculty and staff to develop education abroad programming.
• Oversee budgets and financial accountability.
• Lead staff and manage risk mitigation.
• Liaise with UVA units and international partners.
• Travel to conferences to build vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with UVA policies and immigration requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Excel

Communication skills

Inbox management

Foreign language proficiency

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 8+ years experience

Tools

Workday

PaymentWorks

TDS

Qlik Sense

Travel@UVA

SIS

Job description

The International Studies Office (ISO) is currently accepting applications for an Assistant or Associate Director of Operations for Education Abroad. Level will be determined by qualifications. The ISO is a division of UVA Global, a University-wide resource that contributes to UVA's global mission through activities, programs, and services designed to support the development of a globally aware education and research environment. Through the International Students and Scholars Program, UVA Education Abroad, the Lorna Sundberg International Center, and Center for American English Language and Culture, the ISO provides expertise and infrastructure to help expand and sustain global education at the University of Virginia.

Roles and Responsibilities of the position to include but not limited to:

• Managing operations for an expanding suite of UVA Education Abroad programs globally.
• Partnering directly with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to develop and establish education abroad programming.
• Contributing to strategic decision-making to ensure the growth and sustainability of programs.
• Leading and managing staff members to achieve program and University objectives.
• Overseeing risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and success of participants including collection and delivery of emergency information.
• Managing program budgets and expenses to maintain financial accountability.
• Serving as the primary or secondary liaison with various University units to ensure seamless collaboration on global operations and projects.
• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with international partners and vendors.
• Vendor registration and management responsibilities including onboarding, vetting, and payments.
• Conducting regular budget and cost analysis and contributing to budget projections associated with ISO main budget.
• Overseeing internal travel policies and best practices with the assistance of staff.
• Overseeing delivery of assignment letters, compensation for faculty and staff, and management of period activity pay by staff.
• Traveling to conferences and meetings to establish relationships with key vendors and partners around the world.
• Occasionally staff education abroad programs.
• Maintaining understanding and awareness of changing UVA policies, international travel and immigration requirements, and changes in global markets and political institutions.
• Possessing a deep understanding of Workday, PaymentWorks, TDS, Qlik Sense, Travel@UVA, SIS, and other UVA tech infrastructure associated with this role.
• Working with UVA leadership and partners in procurement, finance, travel, and other entities to improve and onboard new tech infrastructure and policies associated with payments, travel, and other finance-related activities.
• Providing back-up to the phones and front desk management.

Minimum Qualifications for the Assistant Director Level

Master's degree and at least 4 years of relevant professional experience or a bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience in lieu of a master's degree.

Minimum Qualifications for the Associate Director Level

Master's degree and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience or a bachelor's degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of a master's degree. 2+ years of formal management experience required with either degree.

Relevant experience includes international travel-related budgeting, international travel-related policy compliance, international travel operations management, or related experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates at both levels must have a high level of organizational skills, be detail-oriented, must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), have great communication skills, and be exceptional at inbox management. Fluency or conversational understanding of foreign language(s) is beneficial. Candidates must have excellent understanding of global business, different cultures, and be flexible with commitment to work outside of regular office hours.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $72,000 - $77,500 for Assistant Director; $85,000 - $94,000 for Associate Director, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of at least 2-3 days on grounds per week, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after September 13, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.