Study Abroad Coordinator

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the coordination, administration, and continuous improvement of the University's study abroad programs. Provides comprehensive advising and support to students, faculty, staff, and families throughout the study abroad process while collaborating with academic departments and external partners to develop, promote, and administer global learning opportunities. Oversees study abroad operations, including student advising, faculty-led programs, application management (Terra Dotta), financial processes, risk management, scholarships, and program assessment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise prospective and current students, families, faculty, and staff regarding study abroad opportunities, program selection, application requirements, course planning, transfer credit, program costs, scholarships, visas, and other related processes.
• Guide students throughout the study abroad experience by coordinating pre-departure orientation, maintaining communication while abroad, assisting with re-entry, and facilitating transcript evaluation and credit transfer upon return.
• Collaborate with academic departments, the Registrar's Office, Financial Services, and other campus partners to ensure appropriate course registration, billing, credit transfer, and academic record processing.
• Develop and implement marketing and recruitment initiatives through campus events, classroom presentations, printed materials, digital communications, social media, the study abroad webpage, and Handbooks.
• Maintain and administer the Terra Dotta study abroad management system, ensuring accurate program information, participant records, application processing, and required documentation.
• Work with the Study Abroad Advisory Committee (SAAC) to develop and update study abroad policies, procedures, handbooks, operational processes, and program records to ensure compliance with university policies and best practices.
• Coordinate the administration of study abroad scholarships, including reviewer assignments, committee support, award processing, and student communication.
• Maintain study abroad budgets, oversee student billing and payment processes, and monitor financial activities associated with study abroad programs.
• Partner with faculty and Academic Affairs to develop, administer, and support faculty-led study abroad programs, including faculty training, financial oversight, contractual processes, and risk management planning.
• Communicate and collaborate with international partners, program providers, and overseas institutions to support study abroad programming.
• Prepare institutional reports and analyze study abroad participation data to support program assessment and strategic planning.
• Develop and coordinate student engagement initiatives, including the Study Abroad Ambassador Program and alumni programming.
• Attend local, state, regional, and national meetings and professional conferences related to study abroad
• Travel domestically and internationally, as approved, in support of study abroad programs and university partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Director of International Programs

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Functional supervision is exercised over study abroad peer advisors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as but not limited to higher education, student services, study abroad.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in study abroad, international education, higher education, student services, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating programs, projects, or student services.
• Experience living, studying, working, or traveling internationally.
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience with budget management and financial reconciliation.
• Evidence of strong organizational, problem-solving, and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands and priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to respond to urgent student or program needs outside of normal business hours, as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in International Education, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, International Relations, or a related field.
• Experience working in a study abroad or international education office.
• Knowledge of visa procedures and international travel requirements.
• Experience living, working, interning, or participating in a semester- or year-long study abroad program.
• Experience with marketing, promotion, or graphic design.
• Experience using study abroad management software, such as Terra Dotta.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• Some weeknights and weekends, including intermittent travel, will be required.
• Part of the work is performed in an office environment, not exposed to adverse conditions, and outside, where there is little protection from the weather, and where shouting is required to be heard.  
• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The university does not provide employment visa sponsorship now or in the future for this job classification. 

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.  

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.  SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
 
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.