Assistant Director for Health and Safety, Study Abroad

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description:

• Provides leadership on establishing practical and effective international health and safety standards, protocols, site reviews, and resources for Study Abroad programs and College students traveling with Summer International Travel Grant (SITG) support.
• Helps develop best practices for pre-departure preparation and student resources related to health and safety abroad.
• Monitors emerging trends, world events, and travel advisories in areas where Study Abroad students and summer grant recipients are present and provides information to the Director and other Study Abroad staff members to guide program planning.
• Stays informed of University and higher education policy related to student health and safety in the international setting, including best practices from NAFSA and the Forum on Education Abroad.
• Participates in relevant professional organizations and working groups (e.g., Overseas Security Advisory Council Academic Working Group, Pulse International network of higher education international health and safety professionals).
• Drafts updates and warnings for inclusion on the Study Abroad webpage.
• As the Chair of the Study Abroad Risk and Security Assessment Committee (SARSAC), conducts travel advisory meetings with students, reviews student petitions, and communicates the committee decisions.
• Builds and maintains productive alliances with on- and off-campus stakeholders (e.g., local program staff, embassy and consular personnel, International SOS, Risk Management, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students, College Dean of Students staff, Pulse International, and Ivy Plus institutional counterparts).
• Liaise with the Office of Risk Management on travel and emergency insurance services.
• Tracks student health and safety incidents abroad and prepares reports and analyses of incident data for partner offices.
• Manages portfolio of faculty-led study abroad programs and/or grants.
• Manages all aspects of assigned direct enrollment programs and represents the office in program consortia.
• Develops and updates location- and program-specific materials.
• Chairs selection committees for assigned programs and evaluates student applications.
• Communicates admissions decisions to students, managing occasionally complex reactions of students and their families, and manages wait lists for each program.
• Works closely with on-site staff to share pertinent student and faculty needs; establish the program calendar, schedule, and excursions; identify and secure student housing, faculty housing, Graduate Assistant housing, and classroom space; and develop contingency plans.
• Liaise with on-site partners regarding complex student needs, including mental health, physical health, and Student Disability Services accommodations.
• Works with new on-site partners to develop and review program proposals in consultation with Study Abroad office leadership, the relevant faculty director, if appropriate, and University Procurement.
• Develops cost proposals and budget-related information for the Associate Director.
• Communicates with faculty to facilitate programming and logistical arrangements for their courses.
• Solicits weekly reports from on-site staff and shares this information during weekly program manager and staff meetings, responding to emergent issues as needed in consultation with the Deputy Director.
• Creates and maintains all program informational and pre-departure materials, including a comprehensive program Canvas site or handbook.
• Works with the Project Coordinator on program and student materials as needed.
• Conducts site visits for assigned programs and writes comprehensive program analysis reports.
• Manages process of identifying and vetting on-site partners and service providers.
• Leads search and hiring process for program Graduate Assistants, as necessary.
• With faculty director, oversees the process for identifying program instructors and/or solicits course proposals from UChicago and partner institution faculty.
• Leads promotional and student recruitment efforts for new or undersubscribed programs, which may include visits to relevant language classes and departmental events and open houses.
• Monitors and assesses programming in volatile locations and manages relocation process, if necessary.
• Reviews program evaluations and reports and makes recommendations to Director.
• Acts as the initial point of contact for concerns that come to the office from parents and families.
• In partnership with Study Abroad and on-site staff, develops and maintains emergency preparedness and response plans for each program location.
• Ensures appropriate information and systems are in place to enable effective emergency response.
• Serves as the first responder to all emergencies or perceived emergencies for Study Abroad students and faculty, immediately reporting any incidents to the Director and other University staff members as needed.
• Provides recommendations to the Director and other relevant stakeholders on execution of emergency response and contingency plans in the event of an emergency.
• Provides support to affected students or faculty members and their families in the event of an emergency.
• Maintains systems for reporting incidents and analyzes trends over time.
• As a member of the senior leadership team, participates on Study Abroad and other University committees.
• Represents the office at international education conferences.
• Works with the Director on the preparation of program-specific reports, data, and stewardship materials.
• Develops and delivers presentations on study abroad to various audiences, including parents, prospective students, and University staff.
• Contributes to study abroad admissions and registration processes. Assists in setting up new partnerships.
• Advises students on international study and exchange opportunities, including on academic requirements. May advise students participating in international exchange programs with the University .
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree.
• Masterâ™s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in a related job discipline.
• Background living or working abroad.
• Crisis/emergency management, preferably in an international setting.
• Working in higher education.

Technical Skills or Knowledge :

• Proficiency in Mac or PC environments.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and online organizational tools.
• Proficiency in a foreign language strongly preferred.

Preferred Competences

• Proven record of successful emergency management and ability to support stakeholders in crisis situations.
• Remain calm under pressure and handle dynamic and stressful situations abroad that require immediate action and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated record of sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Use professional judgment and initiate solutions in situations where answers to problems are not readily apparent.
• Nuanced understanding of University policy and local laws that may impact Study Abroad programming and emergency response.
• Familiarity with and actively represent UChicago within Pulse International, the higher education international health and safety professionals network.
• Handle matters confidentially and exercise discretion with sensitive topics.
• Evidence of engagement in international education and appreciation for the value of supporting undergraduates as developing global citizens, particularly among students who are historically under-represented in study abroad.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey the appropriate tone for different audiences, such as students, faculty, parents, and staff.
• Comfort with public speaking and presentations.
• Work cooperatively with University students, faculty, and staff, as well as with international partners and scholars.
• Represent the University in a professional manner at conferences, events, and to international partners.
• Handle multiple concurrent tasks in a professional manner while also meeting deadlines.
• Outstanding organizational skills and follow-up on unresolved issues.
• Strong sense of teamwork and genuine collegiality with colleagues and students.
• Take initiative to complete tasks and work both independently and cooperatively.
• Responsive to direction from supervisors.
• Critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• On-call emergency response.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Some domestic and international travel.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Push carts with up to 40 lbs. of material.
• Sit at a computer for 2-4 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Walking in other domestic and international settings.
• Climbing up to 5 flights of stairs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, showing interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)