Study Abroad Advisor

Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar stands upon the homelands of the Munsee Lenape.

Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically underrepresented groups.

Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.

Vassar College offers a comprehensive benefits package for administrators which includes:

• 22 vacation days for full time employees - prorated if not full time, unlimited paid personal and sick time for use at the supervisor's approval.

• 14 paid holidays per year which includes the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

• A choice of three health plans (EPO, PPO, High Deductible), Participation in FSA, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.

• Voluntary, employee paid dental insurance plan.

• Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance

• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability programs.

• 403(b) defined contribution plan after one year of service. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/retirement/

• New hires will be automatically enrolled in the SRA at a 4% employee contribution per paycheck.

• Tuition benefits for undergraduate programs: Eligible after applicable waiting period. For more information, visit: https://offices.vassar.edu/human-resources/benefits-and-wellness/tuition/

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Vassar College is seeking a full-time Study Abroad Advisor who will report to the Associate Director in the Office of International Programs (OIP).

By facilitating meaningful student and faculty engagement in learning opportunities outside the United States, the OIP contributes to Vassar's mission of nurturing intellectual curiosity, creativity, respectful discourse and engaged citizenship from a global perspective. The Advisor will join an experienced, creative and inclusive team that supports 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. At Vassar, nearly 50% of 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, Kyoto, 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.

This position works collaboratively with on-campus and off-campus stakeholders to administer the education abroad application and enrollment processes. The advisor supports facilitation of the student learning process during all phases of study abroad and will sustain and advocate for the College's values regarding access, inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth advising to students on study abroad opportunities with an understanding of Vassar degree plans and Vassar's student learning goals for study abroad participants.

• Advise on study abroad scholarships.

• Regularly lead programming to promote study abroad.

• Develop and coordinate study abroad re-entry programming; engage returnees in peer-advising.

• Support the Associate Director with application management.

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

• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.

• 2+ years experience working with college or university students.

• 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.

• Motivation to work proactively, independently, and simultaneously on a wide variety of tasks.

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

• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency in software such as Microsoft 365, Google suite; high comfort with technology use and demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies.

• 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.

Preferred

• Experience with Canva, social media platforms and familiarity with study abroad data and application managements systems (especially Terra Dotta).

Compensation

The starting annual base salary range for this position is $58,459-$60,000.

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 Instructions to Applicants

To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by Anticipated Start Date Anticipated End Date Quicklink for Posting https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/3887 Open Until Filled Yes