Director of International Partnerships - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota : Job Details

Overview and Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of International Partnerships to lead our strategic efforts in recruiting international students. This role is pivotal in managing and expanding our global network of partnerships with recruitment agencies, educational institutions, and other international stakeholders. The Director will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies to attract high-quality international students to the University, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission and enrollment goals. This position will serve the university with an emphasis on graduate degree programs and partnerships.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Implementation (10%)

* Collaborate with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and other stakeholders to craft a comprehensive international recruitment strategy in support of our overall enrollment objectives

* Identify and prioritize key markets for international student recruitment

* Collaborate with senior leadership team to set annual recruitment goals and develop strategies to achieve these goals

Partnership Development and Management (40%)

* Establish, cultivate, and maintain relationships with international recruitment agencies, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders

* Negotiate contracts and agreements with recruitment agencies, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.

* Regularly evaluate and assess the effectiveness of partnerships, making recommendations for improvements or changes as needed.

* Develop and manage budgets for international partnership initiatives, ensuring effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.

* Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between international partners, addressing cultural differences and promoting understanding.

Market Research and Analysis (5%)

* Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in international student recruitment.

* Analyze data and provide reports on recruitment efforts, market performance, and ROI of partnerships.

* Use insights from research to adapt strategies and maximize recruitment outcomes.

Outreach and Engagement (20%)

* Represent Saint Mary's University at international education fairs, conferences, and recruitment events.

* Deliver presentations and provide training to recruitment partners to ensure accurate representation of the University's programs and values.

* Collaborate with the University's marketing team to develop targeted promotional materials and campaigns for international markets.

Compliance and Risk Management (10%)

* Ensure all recruitment activities and partnerships comply with international and local laws, as well as University policies.

* Monitor and address risks associated with international partnerships, including legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Team Leadership and Collaboration: (5%)

* Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with admissions, marketing, student services, and other departments to support international students.

* Research best practices, models, and other information to advance the progress of projects.

* Write and edit internal communications.

Reporting (5%)

* Create weekly and monthly reporting to document project progress, outcomes, successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

* Collaborate with other stakeholders to track the effectiveness of marketing and recruitment activities, including progress to goal, and shepherd conversations to respond accordingly

Performs other duties, as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND FUNCTIONS

* Exercise considerable discretion and maintain confidentiality about sensitive matters in carrying out responsibilities

* High level of judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism

* Demonstrated ability to think strategically, problem-solve, and drive process improvement initiatives.

* Exceptional written, presentation, and verbal communication skills for various audiences.

* Strong understanding of international student recruitment markets and trends

* Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills

* Ability to analyze data and develop actionable strategies

* Cultural competency and sensitivity in dealing with diverse international partners

* Ability to deliver excellent student service

* Must have knowledge of general university processes and procedures, rules, and regulations

* Develops and maintains good working relationships and communications at all levels of the organization.

* Comfortable working autonomously and with limited direction to a clear objective

* Willingness to travel internationally as needed

* Support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic university.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

* A Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field of study or equivalent work experience is required; a Master's Degree in a related area is preferred.

* Mastery in knowledge of regulations related to international recruitment is required

* 5+ years' experience in international student recruitment, partnership management, sales, sponsorship, or account management roles

* Proven track record of successfully managing partnerships with international recruitment agencies strongly preferred.

* Experience working in complex, highly matrixed, collaborative work environments

* Experience in higher education or similar academic environment is strongly preferred

* Management experience, and/or experience in working with an external vendor to achieve clearly defined objectives

Application Requirements

Apply online at and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.