Dean of International Affairs

Roles

Northwood University is searching for a Dean of International Affairs (DIA) to be pivotal in guiding and overseeing the University's international endeavors. The DIA will be instrumental in shaping and expanding our global initiatives, fostering a culture of international awareness, and promoting cross-cultural understanding among our students and faculty. This role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and execution of four key priorities:

Supervising and nurturing the growth of Northwood's International Program Centers (IPCs).

Enhancing the enrollment of international students at Northwood's flagship campus in Midland, Michigan.

Steering efforts to internationalize all university operations.

Assisting academic departments in advancing educational programs and industry partnerships related to relevant subjects and scholarly interests.

The Dean of International Affairs will report directly to Northwood's Academic Vice President and will collaborate closely with various members of the University's executive team. This role requires close association with faculty, staff, and students to boost international enrollment and extend Northwood's global partnerships, focusing on countries where Northwood has established IPCs. The DIA will also work with Northwood's academic departments to advocate for, support, and ensure academic excellence and integrity within the international context, covering course offerings, degree programs, faculty, students, and associated support services. This position is campus-based in Midland, Michigan with an expectation of regular international travel.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and drive the strategic vision for international programs, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators to enhance global engagement opportunities at Northwood University.
• Enrollment Management: Collaborate closely with Northwood's Admissions Offices, including International Admissions to increase the number of international students enrolled at the Midland campus.
• International Program Centers (IPCs): In addition to managing existing IPCs, establish new IPCs with the goal of operating 10 IPCs by 2026 and increasing IPC student enrollment by 100% by 2028.
• Program Development: Lead the development of innovative and relevant international programs, including study abroad, international internships, and exchange programs.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establish international partnerships to advance Northwood's mission and The Northwood Idea philosophy.
• Budget Management: Oversee budget planning and achieve financial targets for international programs while ensuring efficient and effective allocation of resources to attain program goals.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures related to international programs, including SEVIS compliance, health and safety protocols, and travel advisories.

Qualifications

• An earned master's or doctoral degree (doctorate preferred) in a relevant field, such as International Education, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in leading a successful international area in an institution of higher education, other non-profit, or related business sector.
• Demonstrable experience in increasing international enrollment within higher educational institutions.
• Strong knowledge of global trends, best practices, and emerging issues in international education, cultural competency, and intercultural communication.
• Experience in developing and managing international partnerships and exchange programs.
• Excellent leadership abilities and a track record of effectively managing and motivating teams.
• Proficiency in a second language is desired.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management principles.

Expectations

• The Northwood Idea Philosophy and Institutional Values: Demonstrably support the Northwood Idea with a commitment to advance the University's Mission, Vision, Values, Code of Ethics, and Strategic Goals.
• Collaborative Leader: Effectively lead and support all colleagues associated with the International Affairs Department and collaborate with officers, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and international partners to grow and develop the institution's international partnerships and footprint.
• Accountability: Understand and execute relevant goals and objectives of the University's Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan while achieving yearly financial targets.
• Collaboration: Commit to a management philosophy of transparency, excellent communication, and relationship-building efforts with relevant domestic and international organizations.
• Academic Operations: Serve as an educational and instructional leader, supporting program quality, curricular growth and innovation, effective pedagogy and teaching practices, faculty effectiveness, and evaluation.
• Intellectual Freedom: Create and maintain a climate that celebrates intellectual freedom, inquiry, reflection, and respect for those who offer a diversity of thought.
• Governance: Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are current and understood by all department employees.

Northwood University embraces an institutional philosophy that emphasizes free enterprise within the context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will share a strong affinity for Northwood University's mission and core values.

At Northwood University, we recognize the profound impact of international education in preparing our students for success in a globalized world. If you are a forward-thinking, experienced, and passionate leader with a strong commitment to international education, we invite you to apply for the position of Dean of International Affairs and join us in our mission to provide students with a truly global education experience.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University's outcomes at www.northwood.edu/aboutus/ and be prepared to discuss their philosophy regarding these outcomes.