Study Abroad Program Manager

University of Michigan-Flint; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan-Flint seeks a Global and Experiential Learning Program Manager to lead the development, coordination, and administration of education abroad programs. You will provide comprehensive advising and support to students throughout the education abroad process while collaborating with faculty, staff, and international partners.

This role also contributes to the university's internationalization strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2+ years of experience in education abroad or international education.
• Knowledge of international risk management, traveler health and safety, and visa processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience advising students.
• Experience designing pre-departure orientations or student programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, coordination, and administration of education abroad programs.
• Provide comprehensive advising and support to students throughout the education abroad process.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and international partners.
• Assist in risk management, compliance, and assessment.
• Manage scholarship programs and external funding opportunities.
• Plan and promote events like Education Abroad Fair and International Education Week.
• Maintain records in Terra Dotta/M Compass and related systems.
• Contribute to the university's internationalization strategy.

Skills

Advising students

Program management

Risk assessment

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (desired)

Tools

Terra Dotta

CRM software

Job description

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer, the Global and Experiential Learning Program Manager will lead the development, coordination, and administration of education abroad programs. The Global and Experiential Learning Program Manager will provide comprehensive advising and support to students throughout the education abroad process while collaborating with faculty, staff, and international partners. This role will also contribute to the university's internationalization strategy.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer, the Global and Experiential Learning Program Manager will lead the development, coordination, and administration of education abroad programs. The Global and Experiential Learning Program Manager will provide comprehensive advising and support to students throughout the education abroad process while collaborating with faculty, staff, and international partners. This role will also contribute to the university's internationalization strategy.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Development (25%)

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Global Learning offerings, including traditional education abroad, faculty-led programs, exchanges, internships, and research opportunities, from development through evaluation.
• Partner with faculty and international institutions on program design, budgeting, logistics, risk management, and university approvals.
• Assess and analyze the education abroad portfolio and recommend program additions, revisions, or closures based on enrollment, outcomes, and institutional vision and mission.
• Serve as the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and Designated School Official (DSO).

Student Advising & Support (20%)

• Advise students on program selection, applications, funding, and academic planning related to education abroad, exchange opportunities, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Guide students through the practical and personal aspects of international travel, including visas, health and safety, and cultural transition.
• Develop and deliver information sessions, orientations, and reentry programming.

Risk Management, Compliance & Assessment (15%)

• Ensure program compliance with university policy and international travel standards, including health, safety, and risk management requirements.
• Collect and analyze program data to evaluate effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.

Scholarship Program Management & Grants (10%)

• Manage institutional participation in scholarship and grant programs, including Gilman and Fulbright.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities to expand access to global learning.

Events, Outreach & Marketing (10%)

• Plan and promote signature events, including the Education Abroad Fair and International Education Week.
• Develop recruitment strategies and promotional content to broaden participation, particularly among underrepresented students.
• Represent the Center for Global Engagement at campus and community events.
• Maintain the Education Abroad website and social media.

Office Administration & Finance (10%)

• Maintain accurate program, scholarship, and financial records using Terra Dotta/M Compass and related systems.
• Manage the education abroad operational budget and serve as liaison to academic and administrative units.

Comprehensive Internationalization & Professional Engagement (10%)

• Contribute to the university's internationalization strategy by integrating global learning into academic and career-readiness initiatives.
• Represent the university in relevant professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two (2) or more years of professional experience in education abroad, international education, or a related area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international risk management, traveler health and safety, emergency protocols, and visa and immigration processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience advising students and developing and delivering presentations.
• Experience designing and facilitating pre-departure orientations, workshops, or other student programs.
• Knowledge of education abroad standards, practices, and student-support principles.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated experience with database management systems and/or customer relations management software.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally.
• To comply with Homeland Security regulations, applicants must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in international education, higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• At least three years of professional experience in education abroad or international education.
• Experience developing risk-mitigation strategies and responding to student health, safety, or emergency situations.
• Experience studying, working, living, or traveling extensively abroad.
• Knowledge of international academic systems, course equivalencies, credit articulation, and transfer-credit processes.
• Experience using education abroad management systems, such as Terra Dotta.
• Experience collaborating with faculty, campus partners, overseas institutions, and third-party program providers.