Dean of International Education
Dean of International Education
Our client seeks an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the Dean of International Education. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean will oversee all aspects of the university’s international education programs, including study abroad, international student services, and global partnerships. The Dean will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing a vision for international education that aligns with the institution’s mission, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and advancing the university’s global presence.
This is a senior leadership role that requires both strategic vision and operational capability. The successful candidate will have a track record of building and sustaining international partnerships, supporting student success across cultural boundaries, and leading teams in complex, multi-stakeholder university environments.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Dean of International Education will lead the development and management of the university’s global initiatives, ensuring high-quality programming and strong support for international students and scholars. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Strategic Vision and Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for international education, integrating global perspectives across the university’s academic and co-curricular offerings.
- Program Oversight: Provide leadership for study abroad programs, exchange agreements, and international student services, ensuring these programs meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Build and sustain relationships with international universities, government agencies, and other organizations to enhance global partnerships and expand opportunities for students and faculty.
- Support for International Students: Oversee services that support international student success, including visa processes, cultural orientation, and academic advising.
- Faculty and Staff Development: Promote faculty and staff engagement in international education through professional development, collaborative opportunities, and curriculum innovation.
- Budget and Resource Management: Manage the budget for international education initiatives, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Advocacy and Representation: Represent the university’s interests in global education at conferences, consortia, and other external forums.
Education, Experience, and Skills
Education and Experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated expertise in global program development, cross-cultural competency, and international student support
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements related to international students and study abroad programs, including SEVIS compliance
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders
- Experience managing budgets and securing funding for international initiatives
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a welcoming environment for all students and staff
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a large, urban university setting
- Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English
- Proven success in developing and maintaining international partnerships and agreements
What We Are Looking For
Ability to develop and execute a long-range international education strategy aligned to institutional mission and evolving global priorities.
Proven capability to lead teams, support students, and build partnerships across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
Deep understanding of SEVIS, visa compliance, study abroad liability, and the evolving federal and institutional regulatory landscape for international programs.
Track record of building and sustaining productive relationships with foreign universities, government agencies, and international organizations.
Experience managing significant program budgets, securing grants and partnerships, and allocating resources efficiently across a complex portfolio.
Ability to represent the institution’s international interests at conferences, consortia, and in public forums with clarity and credibility.
- Global Strategic Vision: ability to develop and execute a long-range international education strategy aligned to institutional mission
- Cross-Cultural Leadership: proven capability to lead teams and build partnerships across diverse cultural and institutional contexts
- Regulatory Fluency: deep understanding of SEVIS, visa compliance, and study abroad regulatory requirements
- Partnership Development: track record building relationships with foreign universities, government agencies, and international organizations
- Resource Management: experience managing significant program budgets and securing grants for international initiatives
- Communication and Advocacy: ability to represent the institution’s international interests at conferences and in public forums
Salary and Benefits
The university offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. The institution is committed to providing an environment that supports professional development and work-life balance.
How to Apply
Excelon Associates is conducting this search on behalf of our client institution. Nominations and expressions of interest are welcome and will be handled with complete confidentiality.
- Submit a letter of interest and current curriculum vitae or resume via the Excelon Associates candidate portal
- Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your international education leadership experience
- Selected candidates will be invited for an initial confidential conversation with the Excelon Associates search team
- Finalists will be invited to the campus for presentations and interviews with the search committee and institutional leadership
For nominations or confidential inquiries, contact Excelon Associates at +1 (828) 417-7094 or via the Start a Search page.
For colleges and universities committed to fostering global engagement and academic excellence, Excelon Associates is your trusted recruitment partner for finding the Dean of International Education your institution needs.
Need to Hire a Dean of International Education?
Excelon Associates recruits academic deans, international education directors, and senior administrators for colleges and universities nationwide. Whether your goals are to enhance global partnerships, support international student success, or integrate cross-cultural perspectives across campus, we connect you with the candidates who can deliver. Headquartered in Asheville, NC. Retained search since 2007.