Custom Study Abroad Operations Director

Job Title: Custom Program Operations Manager

Job Description:
This is a highly challenging and rewarding leadership role that requires a unique blend of business acumen, strategic thinking, and cultural competence. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the development, planning, and execution of high-quality study abroad programs tailored to the specific needs of partner institutions.

Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Management: Provide leadership, mentorship, and direct management to a team of dedicated program coordinators, fostering a collaborative work environment where innovation and proactive problem-solving are encouraged. Establish clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and success, and develop comprehensive professional development plans to foster continuous growth and expertise of team members.
Program Development & Oversight: Provide expert guidance in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing short-term, intensive faculty-led study abroad programs spanning various academic disciplines and global destinations. Conduct thorough reviews of program proposals, providing constructive feedback and final approval to ensure program feasibility, academic rigor, and financial soundness. Proactively monitor all stages of program execution, ensuring adherence to established timelines, budget constraints, and consistently high-quality benchmarks in all aspects of program delivery.
Budgeting & Financial Management: Assume responsibility for the strategic creation, oversight, and management of detailed program budgets, ensuring long-term financial viability, maximizing resource utilization, and maintaining transparent financial reporting. Lead negotiations with stakeholders, including faculty members, university representatives, and vendors, to secure favorable pricing and comprehensive contracts. Implement robust systems for monitoring expenditures, analyzing financial performance against budget projections, and implementing cost-control measures as necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and program profitability.
Process Improvement & Compliance: Spearhead the continuous development and refinement of operational processes, standardized procedures, and best practices aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency, maximizing program quality, and ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional study abroad experiences. Actively champion compliance by ensuring all programs adhere to relevant policies, procedures, and risk management protocols designed to safeguard participant well-being and organizational interests.
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary point of contact and escalation point for addressing complex issues, resolving conflicts, and providing timely solutions for inquiries and concerns originating from faculty leaders, representatives of partner institutions, and internal teams involved in program delivery. Cultivate strong relationships with university study abroad offices, fostering open communication, building trust, and ensuring alignment of program goals and objectives.

Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in study abroad program management, with a demonstrated track record of success in all aspects of program development, implementation, and evaluation. Direct supervisory experience leading and developing a team of professionals is required. Strong leadership skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and proficiency in project management methodologies and tools are essential. Unrestricted ability and willingness to travel internationally as required to attend meetings, conduct site visits, support program operations, and represent the organization at professional conferences and events.

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