Application Guidance: Director of Study Abroad Applying for the role of Director of Study Abroad at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington State , United States , is an opportunity to present yourself as a strategic leader in international education who aligns with the institution’s mission and community-focused values. Your application should clearly convey both your professional readiness and your motivation to contribute to Gonzaga University’s global engagement. Positioning Your Experience Frame your background to demonstrate depth in international higher education, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement. Focus on outcomes, scope, and progression rather than task lists. Emphasize how your experience has prepared you to guide a study abroad portfolio within a university context, highlighting collaboration, decision-making, and long-term vision. Use concise examples that show your ability to navigate complexity, support students, and work effectively with faculty and institutional partners. Demonstrating Institutional Fit Gonzaga University values education that is globally engaged and grounded in purpose. Your application materials should reflect an understanding of how study abroad contributes to academic excellence, student development, and institutional identity. Articulate why Gonzaga University’s location in Spokane, Washington State, and its role within U.S. higher education are meaningful to you, and how you see yourself contributing to this environment. Crafting a Strong Cover Letter Your cover letter should go beyond restating your résumé. Use it to tell a coherent story about your leadership journey in international education and your readiness for the Director of Study Abroad role. Clearly connect your experience to the strategic nature of directing a study abroad operation, and explain why this position at Gonzaga University is a logical and compelling next step. Key Themes to Emphasize Leadership in international or globally focused educational settings Commitment to student learning, access, and intercultural development Ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units Strategic thinking and long-term program development Alignment with the values and mission of Gonzaga University Final Preparation Ensure your résumé is clearly structured, achievement-oriented, and tailored to a senior-level role. If invited to interview, be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy, your approach to international education in the United States, and how you would represent Gonzaga University globally. A thoughtful, well-aligned application will position you as a confident and credible candidate for Director of Study Abroad.