Executive Director, Office of International Engagement

The Office of International Engagement is the result of the merging between the Office of International Studies and Programs and the International Pathways units. Although functioning as one unit this fiscal year, the official rebranding of the Office of International Engagement will go into effect July 1, 2022. The Executive Director will be responsible for introducing the new unit to internal and external stakeholders. This position presents a unique opportunity for an individual with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to build upon the existing strengths of the institution while also exploring new opportunities for supporting internationalization efforts both at Illinois State and around the world.

Reporting to the Associate Provost, the Executive Director will demonstrate strong leadership and management of international programs and partnership development, utilizing effective intercultural, interpersonal, and entrepreneurial skills. This includes reconciling the twin imperatives of delivering high-quality academic programs in a university context while working with a “for-profit” organization and maintaining an efficient business operation. This position will be responsible for negotiating and writing international agreements and memoranda of understanding; and budget development and management in addition to university international grant/contract program development, implementation, data management, and reporting.

The Office of International Engagement is currently staffed by 18 full-time staff members, four full-time non-tenure track instructors, three graduate assistants, and undergraduate student workers and tutors as needed. The Office of International Engagement is composed of the main office, International Pathways, International Admissions, International Student and Scholar Services, Study Abroad, Management Development International, International House and Special Programs, Academic English, and Business and Financial Services. The Office of International Engagement includes the Study Corner which is a tutoring center for students enrolled in academic English or a pathway.  Employees focus their work on providing leadership, implementation, and sustained growth of international initiatives as supported by the University’s International Strategic Plan.  

The Office of International Engagement is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and supporting the University's core values of diversity and inclusion. Illinois State University recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed to apply. Veterans, persons with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

• Actualize the University International Strategic Plan goals and activities.
• Through excellent communication skills, articulate a clear vision for growing international programs and provide compelling intellectual and administrative leadership to realize this vision.
• Develop and maintain high quality international partnerships and programs that support the goals of the International Strategic Plan.
• Promote the institutional values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and create a positive climate within the unit, staff and the University community in which excellence and creativity are fostered and recognized.
• Provide leadership and direct supervision of all personnel and activities of the office. Ensure compliance and record-keeping for all SEVIS/Immigration activities, maintain up to date statistics and provide reports as requested. Manage, maintain reporting compliance, and ensure accuracy for the Office of International Engagement records, reports, budgets, and accounting activities.
• Execute responsible budget planning and management of fiscal and human resources. Prepare Office of International Engagement budget requests, records, and reports. Oversee Office of International Engagement internal and external grant activities.
• Interact consistently with international partner universities, Department Chairpersons, School Directors, Unit Directors and staff, the Office of International Engagement Advisory Council, University Administrators and Deans to facilitate Office of International Engagement goals and activities.
• Liaise with INTO and work with Admissions and other units to promote international student recruitment and retention.
• Encourage campus and community participation in international programs and initiatives.
• Promote Office of International Engagement entrepreneurial opportunities, including grants and contracts.
• Regularly review risk management policies and procedures for safety and ensure that they are consistent with legal and ethical requirements.
• Set performance measures for Office of International Engagement programs and evaluate them annually. Oversee and directly facilitate communication and marketing of Office of International Engagement
• Facilitate program evaluation activities as assigned.
• Possess a valid passport and have the ability and willingness to travel internationally
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. D. or other Terminal Degree.
2. Minimum of five years of increasing responsibility in higher education international programs including but not limited to, international program or partnership negotiation, development, and management; international recruitment; effective leadership and supervision of staff to achieve unit objectives; leadership in achieving strategic and operational objectives, and/or effectiveness in managing complex budgets.
3. Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience with State, Federal and global or international policies, regulations, processes, and protocols including but not limited to fiscal policies, risk management, immigration rules, data-informed decision-making, and/or study abroad and international exchange programming.
4. Minimum of five years of experience working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including international partners, third-party providers, university administrators, personnel across university offices, and a wide variety of university faculty, staff, and students, while also demonstrating evidence of a strong commitment to promoting the institutional values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging among students, faculty, and staff.

Application Process:

Initial review of applications will begin on January 26, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae/résumé, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described, and the names and contact information of five references with titles, addresses, business telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval from candidates. These materials should be submitted electronically via Illinois State University’s application portal. The direct link to apply is as follows:  https://careers.pageuppeople.com/1028/cw/en-us/job/512714/executive-director-office-of-international-engagement

Questions and nominations may be directed to Donna Long at dllong@ilstu.edu or 309-438-1742. 

Illinois State University:

Illinois State University, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. Illinois State is a co-educational, residential university committed to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities and promoting the highest academic standards in teaching, scholarship, and community service. Serving more than 20,000 students, our six colleges offer 178 undergraduate majors, 77 minors, 102 master’s programs, 18 doctoral degrees, and 42 certificate options. We have repeatedly been named a “Great Place to Work” by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Illinois State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our mission.

Bloomington-Normal Community:

Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a population of approximately 132,000 and conveniently located approximately two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis. The community is home to GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, State Farm Insurance Headquarters, Rivian, Illinois Wesleyan University, Lincoln College, Heartland Community College, and OSF and Carle Hospitals. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, economic opportunity, and low crime. Forbes magazine, in a review of the best places for business, ranked Bloomington-Normal the 15th best place for business out of 168 small metros listed. Bloomington was also placed on CNNMoney's list of the 100 Best Places to Live.  Expansion Management Magazine rated Bloomington-Normal as one of two metro areas with a five-star quality of life, giving the community high rankings in such areas as standard of living, quality of schools, traffic and commute.  Please visit the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.visitbn.org and Bloomington-Normal Advantage as www.bnadvantage.com for more information. 

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer