Program Advisor

USAC is a non-profit, university-affiliated study abroad organization headquartered on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Since 1982, USAC’s vision is a world where differences are appreciated and respected. Our mission is to inspire international learning and engage global citizenship through affordable, culturally authentic academic experiences.  USAC has provided opportunities for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the global society of the 21st century. USAC sends students to study abroad in more than 50 programs around the world. 

USAC’s success is a product of our staff, both in the U.S. and abroad. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best and seek high-energy individuals who believe in the importance of international education and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, who is looking to work for an organization that values diversity.   

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Advisor acts as the U.S./central office-based USAC program expert and is responsible for preparing students to study abroad in a particular location. This includes advising on topics ranging from visa, travel, and culture to specific program details such as housing. The Program Advisor primarily works directly with students, parents, on-site staff, host university staff, and, on occasion, domestic U.S. universities from the time of the student’s acceptance into the program through return. Most of the responsibilities refer to pre-departure advising. The position is focused on preparing the student for the study abroad experience, managing expectations and accuracy, providing excellent customer service, addressing issues, and solving problems creatively and promptly. The position requires significant cross-departmental collaboration across USAC, follow-through, and results for their individual responsibilities and the department and organization as a whole. This position requires strong verbal and written communication with customers of diverse backgrounds and who have a variety of international experiences, as well as regular communication with program staff abroad and Central Office staff. In addition, the Program Advisor is responsible for additional projects as assigned.  

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position and will be paid on a salary basis. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and may fluctuate or additional work hours may be required. Weekend and evening work hours may also be required. Preference for a hybrid work arrangement; however, open to considering fully remote.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate a deep knowledge, familiarity, and enthusiasm for assigned programs and program locations  


• Overall general knowledge of all USAC programs, processes, and the organization as a whole  

• Pre-departure: advise prospective and enrolled USAC students and parents on multiple assigned programs (approximately 7-10 abroad programs)  


• Provide advising/informational support to Central Office staff about relevant programs  


• Communicate with program staff abroad or occasionally with students once abroad   


• Act as program expert within the Central Office, and central point of knowledge for your programs (to multiple audiences or sources of questions)  


• Create, edit, and distribute to students in various mediums all pre-departure advising materials in a timely and accurate fashion, including documents regarding housing, visa, arrival, flight, calendars, host university guides, culture etc.  

• Accurately and punctually facilitate and input data for student forms related to the department   


• Monitor and maintain thorough knowledge of all visa trends and procedures for assigned programs, and ensure all students receive a visa if necessary, including facilitating and submitting accurate and timely group visa materials as it pertains to assigned programs   


• Liaise with a student travel agency affiliated with USAC    


• Collaborate with program-specific teams made up of staff from various departments   


• Monitor student enrollment/engagement progress before departure and proactively discuss potential cancellations with the program team   

• Collaborate with colleagues throughout USAC as well as students and parents; serve as a member of cross-departmental committees, as necessary   


• Show interpersonal and communication skills (including in writing, public speaking, and presentations) to present information to diverse groups of students, parents, staff, faculty, and administrators in a variety of settings  


• Help prepare and participate in USAC promotional and advising events 


• Identify and show initiative in addressing problems collaboratively, quickly, and appropriately within the department, inter-departmentally, and program teams on short and long-term organizational/departmental goals, when they arise   

• Take initiative, follow through, and produce results in all aspects of the role


• Demonstrate strong communication skills and effective problem-solving skills   


• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate information both independently and for the program team and department   


• Exercise a high degree of independence and judgment in solving problems, making decisions, and completing projects based on existing policies  


• Self-direct assigned work and any unassigned duties and responsibilities  

• Seek out opportunities to provide students with more in-depth information in an easily digestible manner to ensure the most successful study abroad experience  


• General reception duties required, such as answering the main phone line as needed  


• Work with other advisors to delegate, create, organize, and implement ideas to ensure special projects are completed 


• Special projects as assigned   

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience, or master’s degree and one year of experience    


• Significant experience living, studying, or working abroad.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Demonstration in application materials and interview of the following competencies, typically acquired through a bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or a master’s degree and one year of relevant experience:   

• Effective problem-solving skills and good decision quality; results-oriented; strong organizational abilities; ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively prioritize; customer focus, which includes students, faculty, staff, and external partners; composure in stressful situations; and strong interpersonal and communication skills.  Adaptability, follow-through, and resourcefulness. Detail-oriented, with the ability to adjust to changing conditions in a high-pressure situation. Experience working with diverse groups and with college students or similar populations.  Experience working well in a team-environment.  Ensure professional demeanor in all activities and interactions. Computer operation in word and data management.  


• Prior experience advising, working within an organization/office setting, and addressing international student/parent needs and issues  


• Previous experience working in international or higher education, preferably in a study abroad office  


• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Foreign language skills are helpful but not required.    


• USAC alumnus   


• No visa sponsorship; must be able to work legally in the U.S.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Currently, this position is hybrid working, both remote and in person at the USAC Advising Center on the University of Nevada, Reno’s campus in Reno, Nevada; however, open to considering fully remote. This position will require the employee to have their own working computer and reliable internet access. The in-person duties of this job are mainly performed in a regular office environment with occasional small trips outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the building. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

BENEFITS

University Studies Abroad Consortium offers a comprehensive benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and LTD, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. On the first day of employment, the employee is eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. In addition, employees have the following paid leaves: sick, annual, and 13 company holidays.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, the employment application, three references, and a cover letter summarizing why you think you would excel at this position through BambooHR.

Selection Procedure

Review of Application: After submission, the application will be reviewed to determine if it is complete and if the qualifications are met. Applications must include detailed information regarding education and experience to enable evaluation of the application.

Interview Process: Only the most qualified applicants will be considered for an interview. The interview process may include an initial panel interview, followed by subsequent assessments, to determine suitability for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University Studies Abroad Consortium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].