Advice for Applicants: How to Apply for the Director of U.S. Office Role at APA (From an International Education Perspective)

Are you an enthusiastic advocate for international education, passionate about fostering cross-cultural learning, and eager to promote transformative opportunities in Francophone countries like France, Morocco, and Senegal? APA (Academic Programs Abroad) is seeking a Director of the U.S. Office to help drive enrollment, strengthen university partnerships across the U.S., and elevate the organization’s impact in study abroad programs. Here’s how you can stand out as an applicant and leverage your international education experience to excel in this exciting role:

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Understanding the Role:

This position offers the chance to combine your expertise in international education, marketing, institutional relationships, and program operations with your passion for Francophone cultures. You’ll collaborate closely with APA’s Paris-based team and key stakeholders to promote culturally immersive study abroad experiences.

To excel, candidates should bring a global mindset, marketing prowess, and strong leadership skills. It’s also beneficial to have firsthand experience living, working, or studying in a French-speaking country. If that’s part of your journey, highlight it prominently in your application.

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Why This Role is Ideal for Global Education Professionals:

At APA, promoting cross-cultural experiences is the foundation of everything we do. If you have years of experience navigating the international education landscape, engaging with diverse student populations, and building institutional partnerships, this is a chance to make a lasting impact. The following attributes will set you apart:

• Deep Understanding of Francophone Cultures: Showcase experiences you’ve had in France, Morocco, Senegal, or other French-speaking regions-even better if you’ve guided students or worked closely with institutions there.
• Marketing Savvy for a Global Audience: International education relies heavily on compelling communication and storytelling. If you’re adept with creating campaigns that resonate with culturally diverse groups, emphasize this skill in your application.
• Commitment to Study Abroad Advocacy: Highlight your ability to inspire students, faculty, and institutions to engage with immersive educational experiences abroad.

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Tailoring Your Application:

For Applicants Located Abroad:

With APA offering a remote setup, this role is accessible to candidates currently based in the U.S. or planning to relocate to the U.S. soon. It’s particularly advantageous if you’re near major airline hubs or based in the Northeast U.S., as frequent travel across the country is required. When crafting your application, pay attention to the following tips:

• Connect Your International Education Expertise: Make direct ties between your past roles in student recruitment, study abroad programming, institutional relations, or cross-border marketing. APA’s mission is rooted in expanding access to Francophone study opportunities, so show how you’ve contributed to similar efforts in the past.

• Highlight Your French Proficiency: While fluency isn’t required, strong knowledge of French or experience communicating in a cross-cultural context will be highly valued. Describe specific instances where bilingual or multilingual skills have helped you engage stakeholders, students, or institutions effectively.

• Share Your Insights on Recruitment: How have you onboarded students with diverse cultural backgrounds? Offer examples of recruitment strategies you’ve implemented that align with APA’s values, such as connecting students deeply to the cultural and linguistic richness of the regions they’ll study in.

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Application Tips:

APA is looking for a self-starter with exceptional communication skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. Below are key ways to refine your application:

1. Craft a Mission-Driven Cover Letter:

In your cover letter, make it clear why you’re drawn to APA’s mission and how your personal and professional story aligns with its objectives. Bring to life your experience with international education, cross-cultural engagement, and promoting diversity through study abroad initiatives.

2. Focus on Relevant Experience:

Rather than listing all your achievements, carefully align your résumé with the job description. Ensure that roles in student recruitment, building institutional partnerships, social media management, and administrative operations stand out. APA values candidates with 10 years of experience, so emphasize leadership roles you’ve held, particularly in areas like marketing, sales, study abroad advising, or program coordination.

3. Demonstrate Familiarity with U.S. Universities:

APA seeks a candidate who can foster partnerships with U.S. colleges and universities. Reflect on how you’ve navigated bureaucratic processes in higher education (e.g., securing program approvals, managing MOUs), attended conferences like NAFSA, or liaised with academic stakeholders to meet enrollment or program goals.

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Stand Out During the Interview:

If selected for an interview, come prepared with anecdotes that illustrate your ability to promote global education and drive student engagement. APA is particularly interested in candidates who balance strategic vision with operational excellence-so speak confidently about initiatives you’ve implemented and the measurable results achieved.

Additionally, highlight your ability to travel flexibly (up to 50 travel days per year) and thrive in a remote work environment. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues across multiple time zones or cultures to steer projects to success.

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How to Apply:

APA is eager to hear from candidates who are inspired by its mission and ready to empower more U.S. students to embrace transformative study abroad programs. To apply:

• Email your résumé and cover letter to aurelie@apaparis.com.
• Ensure your application reflects your enthusiasm for international education and your ability to lead organizational growth.

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Final Thoughts for Applicants:

This role at APA is more than just a job-it’s an opportunity to champion cultural exchange, student growth, and institutional collaboration on a global scale. By aligning your application with APA’s mission, showcasing your strengths in international education, and emphasizing how your U.S.-based perspective complements their Paris team, you’ll present yourself as an ideal candidate to help shape the future of Francophone study abroad programs. Apply today, and let your passion for global education shine!