Customized Program Specialist

 Key Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team of professionals in the development and implementation of customized short-term, intensive faculty-led study abroad programs across various disciplines and global destinations.
• Establish clear goals and objectives aligned with departmental and organizational strategic objectives, define key performance indicators to track progress, and develop comprehensive professional development plans for team members.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations to foster continuous growth and expertise within the team.
• Program Development & Oversight: Provide expert guidance in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing a diverse portfolio of programs, ensuring meticulous alignment with academic learning outcomes, pedagogical philosophies, and institutional requirements.
• Conduct thorough reviews of program proposals, scrutinizing detailed budgets, logistical itineraries, and academic components, providing constructive feedback and final approval to ensure program feasibility, academic rigor, and financial soundness.
• Monitor all stages of program execution, ensuring adherence to established timelines, budget constraints, and quality benchmarks, proactively identifying and mitigating potential challenges to ensure successful program completion and positive participant experiences.
• Budgeting & Financial Management: Assume responsibility for creating, overseeing, and managing detailed program budgets, ensuring long-term financial viability, resource utilization, and transparent financial reporting.
• Lead negotiations with stakeholders, including faculty members, university representatives, and third-party vendors, to establish favorable terms and comprehensive contracts.
• Implement systems for monitoring program expenditures, analyzing financial performance, and implementing cost-control measures to maintain fiscal responsibility and program profitability.
• Process Improvement & Compliance: Develop and refine operational processes, standardized procedures, and best practices to enhance overall efficiency, maximize program quality, and ensure consistent delivery of exceptional study abroad experiences.
• Champion a culture of compliance by ensuring adherence to institutional policies, international regulations, and risk management protocols.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to gather insights, analyze trends, and use data-driven evidence to continuously assess and improve program quality, relevance, and impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for addressing complex issues, resolving conflicts, and providing timely solutions for inquiries and concerns from faculty leaders, partner institutions, and internal teams involved in program delivery.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key personnel within university study abroad offices, fostering open communication, building trust, and ensuring alignment of program goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing and student recruitment teams to provide essential program information and strategic insights that effectively promote our customized program offerings.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in International Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field; a Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in study abroad program management, with a demonstrated track record of success in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including at least two years of direct supervisory experience.
• Substantial experience in developing and managing complex program budgets, including proficiency in financial forecasting, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and cost control strategies.
• Exceptional leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team, foster a positive work environment, and provide constructive feedback.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, adapt communication style to diverse audiences, and build rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of proficiency in utilizing project management methodologies and tools, coupled with strong familiarity and practical experience working with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Unrestricted ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as required to support program operations and represent the organization at professional conferences and events.
• Preferred Qualifications: Personal experience studying, working, or living abroad, demonstrating a firsthand understanding of international education and cross-cultural engagement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organizational structures, academic processes, and faculty engagement strategies prevalent within higher education institutions in the United States and internationally.
• Thorough familiarity with best practices and established protocols related to health, safety, security, and risk management within the context of international study abroad programs.