Assistant Director for Fellowships

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details

The Fries Center for Global Studies ( FCGS ) is Wesleyan’s hub for all things international and intercultural, with special emphases on student and faculty mobility, language education, and global engagement.
Reporting to the Director of the Fries Center for Global Studies, the Assistant Director for Fellowships has primary responsibility for identifying, promoting, and managing fellowship opportunities, with a particular focus on national fellowships requiring university nominations; and offering insight and advice to Wesleyan undergraduates, recent alumni, and faculty related to fellowships and international professional experiences.

The Assistant Director will develop this key range of opportunities for the purpose of advancing Wesleyan’s intercultural objectives. The Assistant Director provides strategic support in pursuit of the mission and goals of the FCGS and works in close partnership with other FCGS and campus colleagues.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinate and oversee the prestigious national fellowship application processes for the range of programs for which Wesleyan students regularly apply, including but not limited to the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Watson fellowships.

Advise students and alumni regarding the relevance of these opportunities to their specific interests and abilities; recruit and cultivate viable candidates for competitive opportunities requiring university nomination.

Support students as they complete their applications for national fellowships, including working with them on essay drafts.

Manage faculty committees related to nationally prestigious fellowships: plan, organize, and schedule all committee meetings, collect and distribute relevant applications for committee members, foster community, provide insight, information, and guidance to faculty, chair committees and facilitate high-level discussions related to candidates.

Maintain a curated list of fellowship opportunities beyond those requiring university nomination; collaborate with colleagues in the Gordon Career Center, the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, the Resource Center, the Office of Student Affairs, and other partners to share this information with students and advise them appropriately.

Develop and implement a comprehensive program of informational meetings and workshops supporting applicants interested in nationally prestigious fellowships, and as appropriate also covering other fellowships and international experiential learning and professional opportunities.

Support program development in an effort to create additional international volunteer or professional experiences in collaboration with colleagues in the FCGS and the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships.

In collaboration with other FCGS Staff, support Center-wide programs such as International Education Week or the Global Engagement Minor.

Interact as needed with other administrative offices, such as the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, the Office of Communications, and the Office of the President.

Maintain and develop the relevant sections of the Fries Center for Global Studies Web site.

Participate in networks of relevant professional organizations in order to further Wesleyan’s global interests and to represent Wesleyan in the professional community.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience in international education, study abroad or a similar program or an equivalent combination of education, training and work experience.

Experience advising students

Demonstrated knowledge of MS office, Web content management, Google suite, and social media technologies.

Excellent written communication, editing, data management, and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, including meeting deadlines established by external agencies.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Work experience in an academic setting.
Experience in international program management and advising and/or knowledge of the experience related to Fulbright Grants, and the Watson Fellowship.
Experience in university fellowship processes.
Prior experience studying, living, and/or working abroad.
Knowledge of a second language.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application close date is July 16, 2021

Additional Information

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.