Director of International Studies
- Employer
- Catawba College
- Location
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- Salary
- up to $85000
- Closing date
- Apr 22, 2025
View more categoriesView less categories
- Specialty
- Academic Affairs, Global Affairs & Engagement, Global Education
- Knowledge Communities
- International Enrollment Management, International Student and Scholar Services
- Position Type
- Director
- Hours
- Full-time
- Employment Type
- Permanent
- Organization Type
- College / University
Position: Director, Center for International Studies
Department: Academic Affairs
Position Status: 12-Month
Reports To: Vice Provost
Position Summary
The Director of the Glenn and Addie Ketner Center for International Studies provides strategic guidance and expertise to advance Catawba College’s commitment to global education. This position plays a key role in shaping and expanding the College’s portfolio of international study opportunities while ensuring comprehensive, equity-minded support for international students on campus.
The Director oversees the design and delivery of academically rigorous and culturally immersive international programs, including short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and language immersion opportunities. The Director also collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure that international education initiatives align with Catawba’s mission of holistic student development and academic excellence.
By developing innovative programs and creating a welcoming, supportive environment for international students, the Director fosters global citizenship and prepares all Catawba students to thrive in an interconnected world.
Essential Responsibilities
Program Design, Development, and Coordination
• Collaborate with academic leadership and faculty to conceptualize, implement, and promote impactful global learning opportunities, including short-term, faculty-led study programs and semester-long exchanges.
• Oversee all program logistics, including administrative approvals, budgeting, itineraries, risk management, course schedules, accommodations, academic excursions, and travel arrangements, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for study abroad programs, addressing challenges, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and safeguarding the health and safety of participants.
• Provide individualized advising and support to students throughout the study abroad process, including application assistance, pre-departure preparation, and post-return reintegration.
• Maintain and update a comprehensive database of internal and external opportunities for international and domestic travel, ensuring program quality and alignment with academic goals.
• Conduct program assessments and evaluations, using data to continuously improve offerings and report outcomes to stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison with international partner institutions, fostering relationships that enhance student exchange opportunities and align with institutional goals.
Comprehensive International Student Support
• Design and implement a robust orientation program for international students that addresses academic, cultural, and social transitions.
• Provide ongoing academic and personal advising to international students, including guidance on visa and immigration compliance, cultural adjustment, and campus resources.
• Develop and maintain programming that supports international students’ mental health, wellness, and overall integration into campus life.
• Advocate for international students across departments to ensure equitable access to academic and extracurricular resources.
• Regularly assess the needs and experiences of international students, using feedback to inform and improve services and programs.
Administrative Management and Compliance
• Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the College, maintaining full responsibility for compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of SEVP tasks, including updates to Form I-17, issuance of Form I-20, and compliance with all monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office to support international student recruitment and retention, ensuring seamless transitions from admission to enrollment.
• Stay current with changes to federal regulations and best practices related to international education, providing updates and training for relevant staff as needed.
• Develop clear policies and procedures for risk management in study abroad programs, ensuring participant safety and compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
Campus and Community Engagement
• Coordinate and host events that celebrate cultural diversity and enhance students’ global awareness, such as International Education Week, cultural festivals, and speaker series.
• Build partnerships with community organizations to provide international students with opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement beyond the campus.
• Actively participate in campus-wide committees and initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity.
• Support efforts to integrate global perspectives into the broader curriculum, collaborating with faculty to develop interdisciplinary approaches to international education.
Expanded Global Opportunities
• Explore and develop new international partnerships to expand the College’s global footprint and offer students a wider range of academic and cultural experiences.
• Support international internships and language immersion programs, working closely with Career Services and academic departments to align opportunities with student goals and academic requirements.
• Design and implement workshops and seminars that prepare students for global careers, focusing on intercultural competence, professional skills, and global job market trends.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
• Master’s degree in International Education, International Affairs, International Development, or a related field is required.
Experience:
• A minimum of three years of progressive leadership experience in developing and managing international education programs, preferably within a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in international student support, program coordination, and compliance with federal regulations related to international education.
Skills and Competencies:
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with faculty, staff, and administrative leaders across campus.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage budgets, track outcomes, and coordinate complex logistical arrangements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms; familiarity with Banner and CRM systems is preferred.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, and willingness to travel internationally as required.
About Catawba College:
Founded in 1851 in Newton, North Carolina, Catawba College was established by German pioneers. In 1890, Catawba became a coeducational institution. In 1925, the College moved to its current location in Salisbury, North Carolina, strategically located just 45 minutes from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem and within two hours of the mountains and fours from the coast.
Catawba’s 276-acre wooded campus houses 41 buildings, including an 189-acre ecological preserve. Recognized as one of the best colleges in the South, Catawba offers 70 academic programs to about 1,300 students from 40 states and 26 countries. The College is home to 24 NCAA Division II athletic teams and features more than 40 student-led clubs and organizations. Nearly 90 full-time faculty and 200 full-time staff provide holistic student support.
Catawba received three transformational gifts in three years to its endowment, the most recent being a $200 million gift. This follows another $200 million gift in 2021 and a $42 million gift in 2022, pushing Catawba’s endowment to more than $580 million. The per-student endowment approaches $500,000, which is among the highest in the Southeast. The College is undergoing a time of significant development on campus, with multiple projects underway that align with their commitment to sustainability, community, and student experience. The Smokestack, a reclamation of the College’s old coal power plant, will be renovated according to Living Building Challenge stands and will provide an additional 10,000 square feet of student space. A new 150-bed residence hall is scheduled for completion in August 2026, and two additional residence halls are being renovated.
Catawba’s educational philosophy is rooted in a liberal arts foundation that emphasizes broad knowledge, intellectual and practical skills, and individual and social responsibility. The college’s mission is to provide “students an education rich in personal attention that blends the knowledge and competencies of liberal studies with career preparation,” enabling them to reach their highest potential and become responsible citizens. More information about Catawba College is located at catawba.edu.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants shall submit the following materials, in a single file, pdf version only, to employment@catawba.edu :
- A letter of application; Resume or Curriculum Vitae; and Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Review of completed applications begins January 31st, 2025 and continues until the position is filled.
Catawba College is an equal opportunity employer. As such, Catawba is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, unless allowed by law and deemed necessary to Catawba operations. Candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug screening before employment begins, and Catawba complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination.
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