A Guide for International Applicants Applying for the Director of Study Abroad and International Programs Position at Soka University of America
Are you a driven and internationally minded professional passionate about advancing global education within a liberal arts curriculum? Soka University of America (SUA), an institution dedicated to fostering global citizens, is seeking a Director of Study Abroad and International Programs. As this position is crucial in shaping students’ global learning experiences, we encourage international applicants with expertise in higher education and a strong student-centered ethos to apply. Here’s how to showcase your qualifications and interest from an international education perspective:
Step 1: Understand the University’s Mission for Global Citizenship
SUA places a strong emphasis on fostering global citizenship and intercultural competency. As an applicant, use your cover letter to reflect how your background aligns with SUA’s mission. Share your experiences managing or enhancing study abroad programs that intertwine academic rigor with cultural immersion, and show how you can contribute to the liberal arts context. If you’ve lived, studied, or worked abroad, be sure to highlight how those experiences shaped your philosophy of international education.
Step 2: Demonstrate Leadership in International Education
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership in shaping the university’s study abroad and international initiatives. Applicants should prepare to illustrate their leadership in developing globally-relevant academic programs, managing international partnerships, or ensuring student success on global platforms. Ensure your resume highlights prior accomplishments in:
- Establishing or assessing sustainable partnerships with global institutions.
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within international education contexts.
- Designing policies that align international programming with institutional goals.
Step 3: Highlight Experiences with Diverse Populations
SUA values professionals who have the competence to support students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. For international applicants, emphasize your ability to navigate multicultural environments. Have you mentored students across borders or helped them transition into global learning environments? Share specific examples, particularly those reflecting cross-cultural communication skills or support for marginalized and underrepresented students.
Step 4: Showcase Your Academic Coordination Skills
The incoming Director will serve as a liaison between the Faculty Study Abroad Committee and other stakeholders to ensure that academic credit transfer, curriculum integration, and faculty collaboration remain seamless. Applicants should demonstrate familiarity with managing academic review processes across different education systems. If you’ve worked in interdisciplinary or liberal arts settings, this is a key area to spotlight.
Step 5: Demonstrate Proficiency in Compliance and Risk Management
SUA is committed to ensuring that its programs meet U.S. and host country regulations, promote safety, and effectively assess risk. Showcase your ability to navigate regulations, legal requirements, health and safety planning, and crisis management within global education. If you have experience managing compliance or traveling extensively to monitor international programs, bring those details forward.
Step 6: Emphasize Your Financial and Program Management Expertise
You’ll be tasked with managing budgets, assessing programs for impact, and leading a team of professionals. Make sure your resume and cover letter clearly outline your ability to manage program finances and resources, particularly within a study abroad or international education office. Supervisory responsibilities, such as managing personnel and developing a collaborative office culture, are an additional area to address.
Step 7: Exhibit a Tailored Interdisciplinary Approach
This position involves collaborating with university leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders to enhance interdisciplinary education through international initiatives. If you’ve worked in faculty-led study abroad programs, or have experience integrating co-curricular opportunities like internships or service-learning into study abroad, highlight these achievements.
Educational and Professional Background Recommendations
- A Master’s degree in International Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required. If you hold additional credentials or certifications in intercultural relations, risk management, or global project management, list them to distinguish your candidacy.
- Experience living, working, or studying outside your home country demonstrates credibility-don’t hesitate to include details, especially if you possess multilingual fluency or regional expertise.
- Applicants with experience navigating education systems globally or working within a liberal arts curriculum will find their background advantageous.
Key Competencies for Success
Tailor your application materials to provide examples of how you embody the following:
- Intercultural Communication Skills: Share your approach to bridging cultural gaps in advising, student support, or partnership-building.
- Program Assessment and Data-Driven Insights: Highlight how you’ve used data to enhance program outcomes and shape future strategies.
- Leadership in Collaboration: Discuss your ability to unite stakeholders-administrators, faculty, and students-with clear communication and shared goals.
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers a salary range of $90,000-$96,000, commensurate with your qualifications and experience. SUA also offers excellent benefits, and international staff should inquire whether immigration or visa assistance can be accommodated.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a complete application:
- Prepare Your Documents:
– A compelling letter of interest that reflects your international education philosophy and qualifications.
– An updated resume that details progressive leadership and achievements in the field.
– A list of three professional references who can speak to your international program experience, leadership, and educational vision.
- Apply Online: Submit your application materials via this link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so submit your documents promptly.
- For Questions: Direct inquiries to: jobs@soka.edu
This is an opportunity to make a profound impact in shaping the global perspectives of SUA students while representing the university’s commitment to global citizenship. If you are passionate about international education, inclusive programming, and high-impact learning, apply today!
Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.