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Job Summary
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Reporting to the Executive Director, Belonging and Engagement Strategies, the Senior Director for Global Programs and Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Study Abroad and Away (SAA). The Senior Director oversees a broad portfolio serving more than 3,000 international students and scholars, including matriculated students, study abroad students, and visiting scholars. The Senior Director is responsible for setting the long-term vision, direction and operational priorities for global programs that support student success and equity, while ensuring alignment with the university's broader internationalization strategy.
In partnership with academic and external stakeholders, the Senior Director advances the university's internationalization strategy by translating institutional goals into actionable, inclusive practices that integrate global engagement across academic and co-curricular pathways. This position strengthens the academic and co-curricular experience of international students and expands global and domestic exchange opportunities. Working closely with the AVP for Student Equity and Belonging/Senior International Officer, this role aligns global initiatives with student success, workforce readiness, and community impact.
The Senior Director designs and implements high-impact global learning opportunities that expand access and mobility for all students, with a focus on historically underserved and underrepresented populations. This includes embedding equitable practices across programs and services, addressing barriers to participation, and fostering an inclusive campus environment where all students can engage meaningfully in global experiences.
The Senior Director ensures institutional compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as CSU and campus policies governing international students and scholars. The Senior Director also advances sustainable financial models, including fee structures and revenue strategies. They will also be responsible for managing staff and resources; and using data-informed practices to drive continuous improvement and strategic growth in global initiatives.
Serving as a key advisor to the Associate Vice President for Equity and Belonging/Senior International Officer, the Senior Director provides insight on global trends, geopolitical risks, and emerging opportunities. As a member of the Equity and Belonging leadership team the Senior Director contributes to Student Affairs divisional strategic planning, implementation, and assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides overall leadership of international student and scholar advising, global program development, Study Abroad and Away programs, and SEVIS-related functions.
• Oversees departmental operations, budgets, fee structures, and revenue streams to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Develops financial and resource strategies to support program growth, scholarship development, and operational effectiveness.
• Cultivates a high-performing, inclusive team environment through staff supervision, coaching, professional development, and performance management.
• Oversees a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services supporting the enrollment, academic success, retention, and lawful status of international students and scholars.
• Serves as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), holding institutional authority and accountability for SEVIS and exchange visitor program compliance.
• Ensures institutional compliance with applicable laws, and policies by establishing and maintaining effective procedures and internal controls.
• Enhances operational effectiveness through process improvement and the strategic use of technology.
• Establishes and advances a comprehensive vision and long-range strategy for international education programs and services, supporting institutional internationalization, growth, and sustainability.
• Leads the development of strategic priorities, goals, and key performance indicators for ISSS and Study Abroad and Away (SAA), aligned with divisional, campus, and CSU priorities.
• Ensures global programs and services are integrated with university priorities, including enrollment strategy, student success, and equity and belonging.
• The Senior Director develops, negotiates, and manages strategic partnerships and agreements including bilateral exchange, vendors and third-party provider contracts to expand global learning and exchange opportunities. The role oversees all partnership agreements and service contracts, including technology platforms and related services.
• Serves as chief story teller for Global Programs, communicating impact through compelling narratives and an annual impact report.
• Uses data and program performance insights to inform decision-making, program development, and resource allocation.
• Leads assessment and evaluation efforts using findings to improve program quality and student outcomes.
• Represents the university in local, national, and international forums and maintains awareness of global trends, policies, and emerging issues.
• Collaborates across the institution to advance internationalization and global engagement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop and implement strategic, operational, and financial plans that support program growth and sustainability.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives in a complex environment.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and represent the university effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across academic and administrative units and with diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff and cross-functional teams to achieve institutional and program goals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and manage risk in dynamic situations.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply university, CSU, state, and federal policies and regulations related to international education, including immigration requirements for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Knowledge of risk management and crisis response principles, with the ability to support students and staff during critical incidents.
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international education, global studies, higher education leadership, international relations, etc.) from an accredited institution.
• Seven years of experience administering Global Programs and Services as a senior level administrator (e.g., assistant/associate director or director) in higher education.
• Five years of experience advising and/or counseling international students in higher education.
• Five years of experience serving as a DSO/PDSO/RO/ARO or experience overseeing staff serving in those roles.
• Experience leading teams to develop a strategy to achieve a set of identified goals and objectives.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing equity, inclusion, and access in a university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative, cross-divisional initiatives and maintain effective partnerships across university departments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strategic thinking and decision-making ability.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in higher education administration or educational leadership, or related field.
• Experience living and/or studying abroad.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $12,084/month - $12,917/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by July 13, 2026.

Please direct nominations and inquiries to Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Charlene Aguilar, Ed.M.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is ...