The Department of Global Affairs at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Education Abroad Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

Student Education Abroad advisors are responsible for providing one-on-one academic counsel (advising) to students in multiple advising pathway(s) (i.e. Exploratory; Behavioral and Social Sciences; STEM; Healthcare; Business and Communications; etc.) who want to incorporate a study abroad experience into their curriculum. This position analyzes academic information provided by students and synthesizes it with their social needs to create a curated list of program recommendations. Working closely with the Director of Education Abroad, international admissions, WVU academic departments and support units, and representatives of other university departments (including directors, advisers, and faculty and staff) this position develops a curated student abroad offer for each student that meets their academic, financial, and personal needs. They advise both in-coming and out-going students on exchange, faculty-led programs, international internships, and research abroad. This position co-coordinates the unit's initiatives on program outreach and recruitment and evaluates student needs, objectives, interests, and previous academic performance to direct students in the design and implementation of an achievable international academic plan.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible, classified staff position)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

Pay Grade: 15

What you'll do:

• Strategically oversee recruitment, advising, and administration of outgoing international programs within assigned regions.
• Analyze and evaluate course offerings at international partner institutions, ensuring rigorous scrutiny of academic equivalencies and alignment.
• Analyze academic information provided by students and synthesizes it with their social needs to create a curated list of program recommendations.
• Maintain continuous communication and support for outgoing students throughout the entire application process, demonstrating a proactive and engaged approach to ensuring a smooth and successful study abroad experience.
• Maintain an intricate understanding of scholarship, financial aid, and registration deadlines at both WVU and international partner institutions.
• Discern knowledge gaps among students, directing the development and maintenance of the program website with a keen attention to detail.
• Ensure that identified gaps are addressed and incorporated into the student-facing program brochure for comprehensive information dissemination.
• Advise incoming international exchange students prior to campus arrival, requiring perceptive understanding of individual needs.
• Collaborate extensively with International Admissions to process and assess incoming exchange applications, involving nuanced, case-specific evaluations of English proficiency as needed.
• Establish strategic liaison with Mountaineer Hub, resolving complex payment, registration, and enrollment concerns.
• Communicate nuanced Education Abroad policies and procedures to other WVU advisors, demonstrating an understanding of complex regulations.
• Serve as a mediator and advocate for on-campus and overseas exchange students, requiring diplomacy and problem-solving skills.
• Design and execute information sessions for students and departments on diverse international programs, orchestrating outreach initiatives that engage over 3,000 individuals annually, reflecting strategic planning and implementation skills.
• Design and execute intercultural programming events, showcasing a nuanced understanding of wider University initiatives through partnerships with offices such as Humanities Center, Service and Learning, and numerous academic units.

• Bachelor's degree required, master's degree in related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  
• Two or more years experience:
  • International Higher education
  • International Student advising
  • Working within immigration and travel regulations
• Extensive cross-cultural experience and experience working with students of varying English language ability is essential.
  
• Professional conduct and style are vital in serving students and interfacing with various academic departments, University offices, and international partners and service providers.
  
• Substantial and continually refreshed knowledge of financial assistance rules are critical in advising students on travel costs and academic requirements.
  
• Proven ability to work effectively with students and others who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
  
• Exceptional level of organization skill and attention to detail to manage multiple on-going relationships with numerous international institutions.
  
• Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills to properly advise domestic and international students on most-advantageous academic program.
  
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced office setting while effectively balancing competing priorities.
  
• Excellent intercultural communication skills with demonstrated ability to provide advising and presentations to groups of individuals from many different nationalities and backgrounds.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.