Study Abroad Advisor

Department

Job Family

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected].

Job Description

Position Summary

Vassar College is seeking a full-time, entry- level Study Abroad Advisor, reporting to the Associate Director in the Office of International Programs (OIP). Joining an experienced, creative and inclusive team, the Study Abroad Advisor collaborates with on-campus and off-campus stakeholders to administer the education abroad application and enrollment processes, support students during all phases of study abroad, and promote the College’s commitment to access, inclusion and belonging. The Advisor will support the College’s global engagement, a key aspect of Vassar’s liberal arts education. The core function of OIP is to steward student participation in education abroad. 

Nearly 50% of Vassar students study abroad for a full semester or an academic year prior to graduation; additional students participate in short-term programs associated with on-campus classes or special programs. The OIP partners with faculty to administer Vassar-only programs in London and Clifden, and consortial programs in Berlin, Bologna, Paris, and Madrid. OIP also manages Vassar's exchange partnerships with institutions in Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, Exeter, Toulouse, and Singapore. In addition to Vassar programs, the office manages a list of approximately 130 other approved programs that students may access. OIP also supports a number of other global partnerships and initiatives. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide in-depth study abroad advising to students with an understanding of Vassar 

degree plans and Vassar’s student learning goals for study abroad participants.

• Learn and maintain detailed knowledge of the Office of International Programs' portfolio of study abroad programs and partnerships, specifically Vassar-approved programs.

• Lead advising on study abroad scholarships.

• Regularly lead programming, spanning from study abroad promotion to re-entry.

• Support the Associate Director with application management.

• Assist the Associate Director with general and program-specific communications to students; manage e-newsletters for students in the pre-departure and while abroad phases.

• Assist the Associate Director with the program evaluation collection and analysis process.

• Maintain relationships with institutional and program provider representatives for effective day to day communications related to application, enrollment, and advising processes.

• Participate in international education conferences and program site-visits as necessary.

• Regularly engage in the field of international education to stay up to date on innovative study abroad engagement and advising practices.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 

• Intercultural training, cross cultural experience, and/or experience living abroad

• Demonstrated motivation to enhance inclusion in education abroad or other settings

• Ability to advise students from diverse backgrounds on experiences of transition, adjustment, and navigation of a new environment

• Ability to work proactively and independently, while also collaboratively as part of a team while managing a wide variety of tasks and priorities

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills 

• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Capacity to manage a high volume of detailed information with frequent interruptions 

• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders

• Proficiency in Google suite 

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to participate in conferences and conduct program site visits.

• Ability to periodically flex hours for evening or weekend programming.

• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.  

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Experience working in higher education, international education, or a related field. 

• Experience with Canva, social media platforms, and familiarity with study abroad data and application management systems (such as Terra Dotta)

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $62,353.20 - $70,000 per year.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

Special instruction to applicants: 

To complete your application, you will be required to attach your resume and cover letter.

If you are excited about this role but you feel unsure that your experience aligns perfectly, please still consider applying. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skills as you may have experience outside of the requirements that add value to your candidacy.