International Student and DEIB Program Manager

Primary Purpose

The Manager of International Student Programs and Belonging advances Mounds Park Academy's commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming school community. This position oversees the International Student Program while also supporting and implementing school-wide diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives.

The manager serves as the primary resource and advocate for international students and host families, while also partnering with students, faculty, staff, and families to develop programs, educational opportunities, and community-building experiences that promote belonging, intercultural understanding, and student success. The position combines strategic leadership, student support, program management, compliance oversight, and community engagement to ensure that all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their MPA experience.

Representative Responsibilities of this Position

General Responsibilities

• Advance the mission, vision, and values of Mounds Park Academy.
• Model professionalism through punctuality and attendance at meetings, conferences, school events, and programs.
• Supervise and maintain positive contact with students and staff throughout the school day.
• Attend student co-curricular activities and support school events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Ensure student safety and assist in responding to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and leadership within the MPA community.
• Communicate respectfully, clearly, and effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Support implementation of the school's strategic plan and participate in committee and community work.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the director of DEIB.

Position-Specific Responsibilities

International Student Recruitment and Enrollment

• Partner with the Admission and Communication department to recruit and enroll a diverse population of international students and coordinate communication with both students and families throughout the admission process.
• Establish and maintain relationships with educational institutions, agencies, and recruitment partners both domestically and internationally.
• Attend recruitment fairs, conferences, and outreach opportunities as needed.
• Coordinate communication and follow-up with prospective students and families throughout the admission process.
• Collaborate with admission staff and division leaders during application review, interviews, and enrollment decisions.
• Maintain and update international student enrollment materials, handbooks, policies, contracts, and related documentation.
• Design and facilitate orientation programs for new international students and families.

International Student Academic and Social Support

• Provide academic advising, support, and transition assistance for international students.
• Deliver or coordinate Advanced Language and Culture course instruction and other language-based supports as needed.
• Monitor academic progress and collaborate with faculty, advisors, counselors, international and host families, and division leadership to promote student success.
• Support students in meeting graduation requirements, service expectations, standardized testing requirements, and college preparation processes.
• Assist students in navigating cultural transitions and adapting to the American educational environment.
• Serve as the primary liaison between MPA, international students, natural families, and host families.
• Promote the well-being, inclusion, and engagement of international students throughout the school community.

Host Family Recruitment and Program Management

• Manage all aspects of the host family program.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support host families.
• Coordinate home visits, background checks, documentation, agreements, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate host family records and facilitate placement decisions.
• Monitor placement success and provide ongoing support to students and host families.
• Coordinate respite care, emergency placements, and transitions between host families as necessary.
• Create opportunities for host family engagement within the MPA community.

International Student Compliance and Documentation

• Serve as an MPA's Designated School Official (DSO).
• Maintain compliance with all federal regulations governing international student enrollment.
• Manage SEVIS records, I-20 documentation, student transfers, enrollment reporting, and status changes.
• Collect and maintain student records, including academic, health, legal, and emergency documentation.
• Support and train designated staff involved in international student compliance processes. 

Student Belonging, Equity, and Community Programming

• Collaborate with the director of DEIB to coordinate, implement, and promote student-centered programs that advance belonging, intercultural learning, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with student leaders to develop educational initiatives, clubs, and leadership opportunities focused on equity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.
• Support faculty and staff advisors leading affinity groups and student organizations.
• Track participation and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and events. 

Student Advocacy and Support

• Serve as a resource and advocate for students navigating identity-related concerns, cultural adjustment, belonging challenges, and bias-related incidents.
• Provide guidance and support to students and families when concerns related to discrimination, exclusion, or cultural misunderstandings arise.
• Partner with faculty, school counselors, division directors, and other student support personnel to address student needs.

Community Engagement and Education

• Participate in community engagement and education.
• Partner with the director of DEIB to develop and facilitate educational opportunities for families, faculty, and staff.

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Support

• Assist with implementation and assessment of school-wide DEIB and belonging initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty to strengthen culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive learning environments.
• Recommend improvements that support inclusivity, belonging, and student success.
• Represent the department on committees, task forces, and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Serve as a thought partner to school leadership on emerging issues related to equity, belonging, international education, and student support. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three or more years of relevant experience in education, student services, DEIB programming, international student programming, and/or related areas.
• Experience developing and facilitating educational programs and group learning experiences.
• Strong intercultural competency and commitment to fostering inclusive communities.
• Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and student information/database systems.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Mounds Park Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, student development, intercultural studies, equity and inclusion, counseling, communication, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in an educational setting.
• Experience supporting international students, multilingual learners, or host family programs.
• Experience with SEVIS, PDSO/DSO responsibilities, and federal international student regulations.
• Experience planning and facilitating DEIB initiatives and educational programming.
• Independent school experience preferred.