Advice on Applying for the Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Role at St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College (SNC) is seeking a visionary leader to take on the role of Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). This is a transformative opportunity to direct and shape international education at a nationally ranked, private Catholic liberal arts institution. If you aspire to lead global initiatives, drive intercultural exchange, and create innovative programs within a supportive and mission-driven environment, this role could be a perfect match for you. Below, we offer practical advice to guide your application process, particularly from an international education perspective.

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Position Highlights

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the College’s Senior International Officer (SIO), responsible for executing comprehensive global strategies, managing international programming, recruiting and retaining international students, and maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. You will also play a vital role in advancing St. Norbert College’s mission to foster intellectual, spiritual, and personal development through its Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts traditions.

This is a wide-ranging leadership role that combines operational management, strategy development, intercultural programming, and direct engagement with international students, faculty, and global partners. You must embrace the opportunity to lead in today’s globally interdependent education landscape, where cultivating relationships across cultural and national boundaries is essential.

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Tips for Applicants: A Global Perspective on Applying

1. Showcase Your Experience in International Education and Leadership:

Every element of this role speaks to your ability to champion and execute complex initiatives in global education. Your application should emphasize:
– Proven experience in managing study abroad or international exchange programs.
– Success in recruiting and retaining international students.
– Familiarity with current trends and challenges in global education.

If you’ve worked as a Senior International Officer (SIO) or held leadership positions related to internationalization strategies, be sure to highlight these experiences prominently in both your resume and cover letter.

1. Highlight Innovative Program Development Skills:

SNC seeks candidates who can create, pilot, and scale revenue-generating programs. If you’ve successfully designed and implemented international education programs-whether faculty-led, student-directed, or institutional partnerships-share clear examples of the programs’ goals, execution strategies, and measurable results.

1. Demonstrate a Multicultural Mindset and Global Perspective:

Showcase how you’ve contributed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and intercultural competence in higher education settings. SNC embraces its commitment to Catholicism, Norbertine values, and the principle of communio-a spirit of mutual esteem, trust, and collaboration. Highlight your ability to lead initiatives that embody these values in global contexts, such as intercultural workshops, service-learning programs, or community-building events for international students.

1. Highlight Compliance Knowledge and Immigration Expertise:

This position requires expertise in federal immigration regulations and systems such as SEVIS. Be clear about your proficiency in managing immigration compliance and advising international students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), I-20 and DS-2019 forms, or other visa-related matters. Experience navigating Department of Homeland Security requirements is highly desirable.

1. Craft a Vision for International Student Recruitment:

A key responsibility involves implementing strategic plans for international recruitment and admissions. Demonstrate how you’ve developed and executed international student enrollment plans, how you engage prospective students through virtual tools, and your success in attending global recruiting fairs or events. Data-driven results that highlight success in meeting enrollment targets or expanding geographic diversity are essential to include.

1. Emphasize Financial Management and Resourcefulness:

Having experience in managing budgets, generating revenue through global programming, and tracking expenditures is critical. If you’ve led complex budgets while maximizing resources, make this clear. SNC prioritizes well-rounded candidates who can balance fiscal responsibility with creating meaningful and innovative global experiences.

1. Prove Your Commitment to Collaboration and Faculty Partnerships:

Faculty-led programs are a highlight of SNC’s global engagement initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to effectively advise and collaborate with faculty members to create meaningful short-term study abroad seminars or other programs. Experiences in pre-departure training, risk management, or building faculty capacity for global learning can set you apart.

1. Tailor Your Cover Letter to SNC’s Mission and Values:

SNC values communio, which fosters mutual respect and collaboration, as well as Catholic and Norbertine ideals. In your cover letter, articulate how your personal and professional values align with this mission. For instance:
– How have you advanced dialogue and collaboration within a global educational framework?
– Describe your role in programs that emphasized intellectual, spiritual, and personal development for diverse audiences.

1. Address Multilingual Competence and Cross-Cultural Communication Skills:

If you are fluent in world languages or possess significant intercultural communication experience, showcase this as a strength. Multilingualism reflects your ability to connect with international students, partners, and families effectively.

1. Prepare a Strategic Vision for College-Wide Global Engagement:

Consider the requirements of the role and prepare a concise narrative in your application that outlines:
– Your vision for expanding global programming.
– Strategies for increasing international student enrollment.
– How you’d enhance study-abroad and cross-cultural learning opportunities.

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Application Steps

1. Submit a Comprehensive Resume:

Your resume should detail your global education experience, including leadership roles, program creation, compliance expertise, teaching experience (if relevant), and skills in budget management and personnel training.

1. Write a Tailored Cover Letter:

A well-crafted cover letter is your chance to tell a compelling story of your career trajectory in international education. Connect your professional experiences, skills, and values to the mission and goals of SNC’s Center for Global Engagement.

1. Leverage International References:

Consider including references from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your ability to navigate and lead international outreach, student support services, or global program development.

1. Demonstrate Enthusiasm for SNC’s Location and Community:

SNC is rooted in the Fox River community in De Pere, Wisconsin, and heavily emphasizes engagement with local, national, and global communities. Acknowledge your interest in contributing not only to global initiatives but also to the dynamic public interface of SNC with its local partners.

1. Apply by July 20 for Priority Consideration:

Applications received by this date will receive full review, although the position will remain open until filled. Early submission demonstrates your enthusiasm and proactive approach.

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Why Apply?

St. Norbert College offers more than a professional opportunity-it provides the chance to lead meaningful work rooted in intellectual, spiritual, and community values. With an exemplary benefits package and a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership, this position invites candidates to make a lasting impact on the global reach of the College.

Step forward confidently with a vision that aligns with SNC’s aspirations and commit to supporting students as responsible citizens in an interconnected world. Your leadership could shape SNC’s global engagement for years to come!