OVERVIEW The Academic Travel Director serves as the senior leader for Normandale Community College’s academic travel program, providing institution-wide direction for academic and non-curricular travel. This role oversees travel activities in Minnesota, across the United States, and internationally, with responsibility for policy, resources, and operational effectiveness. The position is a full-time, limited two-year appointment with the possibility of extension. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Provide strategic leadership for the college’s academic travel program – Direct policy development related to academic and non-curricular travel – Oversee resource allocation for travel activities – Provide operational oversight for all academic and non-curricular travel in Minnesota, the United States, and abroad – Serve as the institution’s lead expert on academic travel – Collaborate across divisions to ensure program quality – Ensure compliance and risk management related to travel activities – Align academic travel with institutional goals – Advance equity, global competencies, and student success through travel programming REQUIREMENTS WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Academic travel plays a critical role in expanding access to global learning and experiential education, particularly within community college settings. This role ensures that travel opportunities are well-governed, equitable, and aligned with institutional priorities while managing risk and compliance. By coordinating efforts across the college, the Academic Travel Director helps translate global engagement into meaningful outcomes for students and the institution. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Emphasize experience leading complex programs that involve multiple stakeholders and institutional coordination – Highlight any background in academic travel, study abroad, or global learning initiatives, focusing on leadership and oversight – Demonstrate familiarity with policy development, compliance, and risk management in an educational context – Provide examples of how your work has supported equity, access, or student success through experiential learning – Tailor application materials to reflect an understanding of community college missions and institutional alignment – Clearly articulate your ability to serve as a campus-wide expert and collaborative partner