Managing Director, Global Partnerships and Support

Managing Director, Global Partnerships and Support

Boston University seeks a talented and motivated leader to serve in the role of Managing Director, Global Partnerships and Support. Reporting to the Vice President and Associate Provost for Global Programs (VP/AP), the Managing Director will be a key member of the leadership team within Global Programs, developing and managing opportunities to execute BU’s global strategy and working closely with the VP/AP and other Global Programs leadership to ensure the excellence and effectiveness of Boston University’s deep and diverse portfolio of global initiatives.

Global Programs advances Boston University’s global strategy and serves as a champion for global initiatives at home in Boston and abroad. We work to support a stronger, larger, and ever more diverse portfolio of global activities that builds on BU’s strengths: academic excellence; entrepreneurial ideas; a professional approach including financial, legal, and ethical responsibility; and a commitment to being a good global citizen wherever we work. Global Programs oversees a budget of over $75M and includes approximately 400 administrative and instructional staff members in Boston and throughout the world at twelve international sites.

With the VP/AP, the Managing Director will be responsible for collaborating with individual schools and colleges and University administrative units to create a systematic approach to developing international partnerships and programs, encouraging collaboration across the University, and reviewing, implementing, and expanding on partnerships with international institutions in the areas of research, teaching, and service, in accordance with the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan. Working with other members of Global Programs and the University in the US and abroad, the Managing Director will oversee and manage Global Programs’ international health, safety, and security responsibilities to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are safe and supported while away from BU’s Boston campuses, including its study abroad locations and especially during crises such as terror attacks, serious health issues, or natural disasters.

The Managing Director will represent Global Programs on strategically important University-wide committees and directly supervise an initial team of three professionals. Additionally, the Managing Director will work closely with the VP/AP and other senior members of Global Programs to help support operational activities, the flow of communication, and compliance and safety within the Global Programs structure and its divisions, which consist of Study Abroad, International Students & Scholars Office, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs, the Global Support team, and special initiatives overseen by the VP/AP, including EUSA LLP.

In addition, the Managing Director will provide leadership and oversight in the following areas:

  • In collaboration with BU’s schools, colleges, and the Study Abroad division, develop and expand global partnerships in support of BU’s academic priorities. Build relationships with partners to enhance global academic and research partnerships. Oversee the creation and implementation of partnership agreements in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel and other academic and administrative units as necessary. Continually review and evaluate existing global partnerships to ensure they are meeting their stated objectives.
  • Manage the global health, safety, and security functions to ensure best practices are implemented and followed to minimize risk to students, faculty, and staff while they are outside of Boston. Act as a key leader responding to health and safety incidents outside of Boston and primarily overseas. Oversee training for travelers as well as a comprehensive Travel Risk Management System. Lead the Global Travel Risk Advisory Committee.
  • Form key relationships within the BU community to support those leading global programs and initiatives with the tools and resources needed to manage and grow their activities. Help to promote and illuminate these programs. Collaborate with Global Programs outreach and university relations teams to market existing and new global programs in order to expand participation. Manage the process for review and approval of global program activity proposals for Provost’s Office approval through the Electronic Curriculum Approval Process (ECAP).
  • Represent Global Programs on University-wide committees as assigned by the VP/AP, such as the Global Travel Risk Advisory Committee, the University Council Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures committee, and Student Information Systems efforts.

Required Qualifications, Skills, Abilities:

  • Master’s degree required in relevant field; PhD or other terminal degree strongly preferred.
  • At least 7 years of professional experience in fast-paced international operational environment, with knowledge of the higher education sector.
  • Supervisory experience required, with evidence of progressively responsible leadership within complex organizations.

Please review the full position prospectus here: https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/boston-university-md-global-partnerships/

For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications (including CV and cover letter), electronically and in confidence, to:

Ruth Shoemaker Wood, Ph.D., Managing Director

Erin Meissner, Senior Search Associate

BUGlobal@storbecksearch.com  

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the employment application, please contact the BU Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796 or eoo@bu.edu