Company Background

INTO University Partnerships collaborates with leading universities to provide international students with a personalized and highly supportive learning environment in which to acclimate to life on a US university campus and prepare for long-term academic success. Since 2006, INTO has launched partnerships to internationalize 20 universities in the US, UK and Asia, including Oregon State University, University of South Florida, George Mason University, Drew University, Saint Louis University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Suffolk University and Hofstra University.

Job Overview

The Director of Student Experience is directly responsible for the non-academic student programs and services areas of the partnership (INTO UAB Center) including, but not limited to the following: housing and dining, health and wellness, transportation, activities/programming, arrival, orientation and transition programs and services, student success initiatives and partnerships with academic programs and other university resources, and communication with parents, families, sponsors, and educational agents.

The Director of Student Experience, as part of the INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham administrative leadership team, will develop processes and systems throughout the INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham Center. This includes making decisions regarding the establishment of the INTO UAB Center and the student experience department, and working directly with key administrators at The University of Alabama at Birmingham in these areas. In addition, the position will work closely with INTO recruitment managers and directors throughout the world, the applications processing center in San Diego and colleagues at other INTO partner universities. The Director of Student Experience will be responsible for making decisions involving interpretation of university policies as they relate to student life. These decisions will be made in conjunction with the INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham management team, the office of student affairs, international student services, and other university personnel.

Key Responsibilities

This is a valued role in a growing, dynamic organization, so the responsibilities of the position may change over time but will include the following:

• As a member of the INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham senior management team, will develop strategic priorities to further the goals of the INTO UAB Center, and ultimately enable the progression of well-prepared international students to The University of Alabama at Birmingham as fully-admitted undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop policies, processes and systems needed to manage student life areas throughout the INTO UAB Center and oversee the management and implementation of the above.
• Work with INTO UAB center team in pre-arrival activities including student outreach, pre-arrival webinars, and arrivals outreach
• Track and report on employment status of INTO UAB students upon graduation.
• Align areas of responsibility with the broader institutional vision of campus internationalization.
• Ensure overall student experience meets the vision and mission of INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
• Act as the point of contact and in collaboration with the student affairs office in all matters relating to or involving INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham students. Consult as necessary with the appropriate authorities in emergency matters involving INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham students. Develop strategies for the integration of students in existing student affairs services and programs; work with The University of Alabama at Birmingham to ensure a positive experience for all students.
• Work closely with the INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham Finance Business Partner on all financial processes and procedures in the student experience arena and manage the unit within the agreed budget. Includes reconciling reports on housing, dining and meal plans, and insurance.
• Lead and manage a team which will include INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham employees and university employees to encourage an environment of retention of staff and students.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with partner universities and peers and colleagues within the INTO network of partners and regional offices worldwide. Provide appropriate documentation, service and advice to new INTO North America partners and act as a resource for the establishment of the student experience at new centers.
• Participate in events hosting education counselors and INTO staff such as “familiarization” tours of the university.
• Provide timely and accurate management information and reporting as required by the executive director, INTO North America, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and the joint venture board.
• Oversee management of the INTO UAB Center facility in the Sterne Library. This includes working with UAB Physical Security, Housekeeping, and UAB facilities.
• Oversee the supervision and leadership of the Welcome Desk operations and student employees.
• Serve as first point of contact with team for student emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five or more years’ professional work experience in Student Affairs in Higher Education in a leadership role (assistant, associate, or director)
• Experience planning, developing and implementing programs and activities for international students
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
• Previous work with international students or experience living or studying abroad
• Experience with building and managing relationships with peers, senior managers, key stakeholders, parents and students from a range of cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a team in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Eligibility to work in and travel freely to and from the U.S.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work under pressure and, when necessary, with minimal resources
• Prior experience with staff supervision and development

Preferred

• Advanced degree in student affairs, higher education or related field
• Budget management experience
• Experience working with student affairs programs at The University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Understanding of issues pertaining to proactive risk management, emergency response, and crisis intervention
• Experience in a start-up or evolving environment
• Proficiency in second language other than English

Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage teams
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or sensitive situations
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work under pressure and when necessary, with minimal resources
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

Reporting Line

This position will directly report to the Executive Director for INTO The University of Alabama at Birmingham (INTO UAB).

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full time, exempt position. Salary commensurate with experience. INTO takes care of their employees and ensures they are well and thrive with a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Health Benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous paid time off (PTO) – starting at 22 days/year
• Paid Maternity and Partner Leave
• Paid Adoption Leave
• 11+ paid holidays annually
• Paid Volunteer Days
• 401(k) retirement plan – up to a 6% company match
• Educational assistance
• Wellness rewards and programs
• Two robust employee assistance programs
• LinkedIn Learning/ professional development
• Campus perks

Location

This position is based at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in Birmingham, Alabama.

How to Apply

Please click here to apply.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is expressly committed to maintaining and promoting nondiscrimination in all aspects of recruitment and employment of individuals at all levels throughout UAB. In accordance with applicable law, UAB prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in any personnel actions, UAB programs, and UAB facilities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability unrelated to job performance, veteran status, or genetic or family medical history. In addition, UAB prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. UAB also complies with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act which prohibits employment discrimination against persons 40 years of age or older. UAB will not tolerate any conduct by an administrator, supervisor, faculty, or staff member which constitutes any form of prohibited discrimination. All personnel actions, programs, and facilities are administered in accordance with UAB’s equal opportunity commitment and affirmative action plan.

INTO University Partnerships provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. INTO University Partnerships complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.