(Hybrid) Education Abroad Program Coordinator - Global Affairs

The Department of Global Affairs at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Education Abroad Program Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

Student Education Abroad advisors are responsible for providing one-on-one academic counsel (advising) to students in multiple advising pathway(s) (i.e. Exploratory; Behavioral and Social Sciences; STEM; Healthcare; Business and Communications; etc.) who want to incorporate a study abroad experience into their curriculum. This position analyzes academic information provided by students and synthesizes it with their social needs to create a curated list of program recommendations. Working closely with the Director of Education Abroad, international admissions, WVU academic departments and support units, and representatives of other university departments (including directors, advisers, and faculty and staff) this position develops a curated student abroad offer for each student that meets their academic, financial, and personal needs. They advise both in-coming and out-going students on exchange, faculty-led programs, international internships, and research abroad. This position co-coordinates the unit's initiatives on program outreach and recruitment and evaluates student needs, objectives, interests, and previous academic performance to direct students in the design and implementation of an achievable international academic plan.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Outgoing Program Management

• Strategically oversees recruitment, advising, and administration of outgoing international programs
• Analyzes and evaluates course offerings at international partner institutions, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of academic equivalencies and alignment.
• Analyzes academic information provided by students and synthesizes it with their social needs to create a curated list of program recommendations.
• Maintains continuous communication and support for outgoing students throughout the entire application process, demonstrating a proactive and engaged approach to ensuring a smooth and successful study abroad experience.
• Serve as a support resource for students throughout their time abroad, offering guidance and addressing challenges.
• Advises students on the academic implications of studying abroad, demonstrating discernment among numerous program options.
• Cultivates and sustains strong partner relations abroad by actively engaging in virtual presentations for partner institutions, coordinating with international colleagues to promptly address student concerns, and ensuring seamless collaboration for a successful study abroad experience.

Information Management and Coordination

• Maintains an intricate understanding of scholarship, financial aid, and registration deadlines at both WVU and international partner institutions.
• Discerns knowledge gaps among students, directing the development and maintenance of the program website with a keen attention to detail. Ensures that identified gaps are addressed and incorporated into the student-facing program brochure for comprehensive information dissemination.
• Collaborates with internal and external staff to execute precise data management practices, emphasizing strategic coordination.

Academic Advising and Compliance

• Advises incoming international exchange students prior to campus arrival, requiring perceptive understanding of individual needs.
• Collaborates extensively with International Admissions to process and assess incoming exchange applications, involving nuanced, case-specific evaluations of English proficiency as needed.
• Analyzes reports to monitor students' academic registration and progress, ensuring adherence to federal immigration requirements.

Financial and Administrative Liaison

• Establishes strategic liaison with Mountaineer Hub, resolving complex payment, registration, and enrollment concerns.
• Prepares ongoing electronic communication, requiring an understanding of U.S. immigration concerns and WVU policies.

Policy and Procedure Communication

• Communicates nuanced Education Abroad policies and procedures to other WVU advisors, demonstrating an understanding of complex regulations.
• Serves as a mediator and advocate for on-campus and overseas exchange students, requiring diplomacy and problem-solving skills.
• Presents orientation programs to incoming and outgoing student participants, staying abreast of dynamic domestic and international guidelines.

Information Sessions and Training Development

• Designs and executes information sessions for students and departments on diverse international programs, orchestrating outreach initiatives that engage over 3,000 individuals annually, reflecting strategic planning and implementation skills.
• Develops advanced training and informational materials-both print and digital-to empower students and faculty in pursuing international exchange and faculty-led options.
• Tailor presentations to align with the unique interests and concerns of different academic disciplines, showcasing adaptability.

Professional Development and Event Planning

• Designs and executes intercultural programming events, showcasing a nuanced understanding of wider University initiatives through partnerships with offices such as Humanities Center, Service and Learning, and numerous academic units.
• Develop detail reports post-conference or international site visits that share comprehensive insights with the OGA staff, fostering an informed and collaborative approach to program enhancements.

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor's degree required
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience:
  • Higher education
  • Student Advising
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive cross-cultural experience and experience working with students of varying English language ability is essential.
• Professional conduct and style are vital in serving students and interfacing with various academic departments, University offices, and international partners and service providers.
• Substantial and continually refreshed knowledge of financial assistance rules are critical in advising students on travel costs and academic requirements.
• Proven ability to work effectively with students and others who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
• Exceptional level of organization skill and attention to detail to manage multiple on-going relationships with numerous international institutions.
• Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills to properly advise domestic and international students on most-advantageous academic program.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced office setting while effectively balancing competing priorities.
• Excellent intercultural communication skills with demonstrated ability to provide advising and presentations to groups of individuals from many different nationalities and backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field
• International Higher education experience
• International Student advising experience
• Experience working within immigration and travel regulations

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.