Search for the Executive Vice President for Academic Programs Chicago, IL

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Search for the Executive Vice President for Academic Programs Chicago, IL THE SEARCH The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad), the leader in the field of study abroad,

1 Search for the Executive Vice President for Academic Programs Chicago, IL THE SEARCH The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad), the leader in the field of study abroad, seeks a strategic, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Executive Vice President for Academic Programs (EVP). As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, IES Abroad bridges cultural gaps and educates students to become global leaders through premiere study abroad and internship programs. Since its founding in 1950, IES Abroad has set itself apart through its commitment to academic excellence and the quality of the student experience. This relentless commitment to quality and focus on its expanded mission has made IES Abroad one of the largest and most reputable providers in the industry. The next EVP will join IES Abroad at a propitious moment and will provide vision and leadership to a highly respected organization with a rich history, talented global staff and Board of Directors, and bold aspirations for the future. A key member of IES Abroad s leadership team, the Executive Vice President will report directly to the President & CEO. From study abroad programs for U.S. and international college students to one-of-a-kind, customized experiences designed with university staff or faculty, the EVP will collaborate with the President & CEO to shape the strategic direction of IES. S/he will maintain IES Abroad s dedication to excellence by providing leadership and direction to the academic arm of the organization. S/he will be dedicated to preparing students to thrive in a global society through adherence to IES established, published standards, outstanding programming, and continual assessment and program enhancement. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, IES Abroad employs around 360 staff and operates 400 programs throughout the world. Serving an Academic Consortium and international university network of more than 500 top-ranked universities around the globe, IES has provided an unparalleled study abroad experience to over 130,000 students. Committed to providing an international education to all students, IES actively recruits from diverse populations and provides over $5 million in scholarships annually. IES Abroad has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in this important search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications with cover letters may be submitted in confidence to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document.

2 Page 2 of 6 IES TODAY Since its founding, IES Abroad has grown and evolved significantly. A leader in the field of study abroad, IES is trusted to provide the highest quality academic and cultural experiences possible. The organization fulfills its mission of educating global leaders through study abroad programming, internships, customized and faculty-led programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation, a department of IES Abroad located in Indianapolis, Indiana. On study abroad programs students can choose to enroll in courses at one of IES s Centers abroad, at a local university abroad, or in a combination of both. SAF offers study abroad opportunities to university students enrolled at SAF member universities in China, Japan, Korea, and other select Asian countries. IES Abroad Customized Programs works with college/university staff and faculty to build study abroad programs unique to that school. In addition to part-time internships available on study abroad programs, the IES Internships department offers full-time summer and semester internships to students around the world. IES Abroad has been successfully led by President & CEO Dr. Mary M. Dwyer for over 20 years. Prior to IES, Dr. Dwyer was a faculty member in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for 18 years and the campus Executive Associate Vice Chancellor for Research. She was a founder of The Forum on Education Abroad, served as the Board Vice Chair and Nominations Committee chair for 5 years, and as the Board Chair for 6 years. She has been called upon to provide her expertise by an array of U.S. and international organizations across 20 developed and emerging countries, including the World Health Organization, global ministries of health and education, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and national health and professional associations. For six years she chaired the Co-Op Grant Review Committee of NAFSA. IES Abroad is a not-for-profit organization, governed by an active and engaged 20- member board of directors. The board makes strategic planning decisions for the organization. Additionally, IES Abroad has a structured academic governance system composed of elected and appointed faculty and staff representing the IES Abroad consortium. Representatives from member colleges and universities collaborate with IES Abroad staff to set academic policy, develop and approve curriculum, review academic quality, and recommend enhancements and innovations in academic programming. An academic program is offered to students only after receiving the full support of consortium members. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Unparalleled academic excellence is at the core of IES Abroad. Each year, the worldclass staff at IES Abroad facilitate over 260 study abroad programs, offering more than 1,000 unique courses taught by local professors or experts in their fields that integrate cultural learning into the curriculum. The IES courses are supplemented by thousands of U.S. and international partner university courses in which IES students enroll. The

3 Page 3 of 6 top-quality academic experience of IES study abroad programs is available to students in all fields who meet competitive admissions standards, including their academic merit. IES Abroad is an innovator in the field, relying on the development of outstanding programming by experienced academic and study abroad staff, who help to continuously assess outcomes and enhance IES Abroad s pedagogy. IES Abroad consistently sets new standards in academic excellence, including the development of initiatives, such as the IES Abroad Model Assessment Practice (MAP) Series that has become the standard for benchmarks of performance and excellence in the entire field. Also, after a careful review of IES Abroad s internal evaluation policies, the Forum on Education Abroad recognized IES for its achievement in program measurement and improvement. To date, IES Abroad is the only study abroad organization to hold this honor in its category of review. Additionally, IES Abroad is the only study abroad organization to be awarded the GoAbroad.com annual Top Study Abroad Organization award two years in a row. Achieving high standards of excellence requires involvement and participation of their world-class partner schools, institutions, and organizations. For programs offered to U.S. students, IES Abroad is proud to partner with more than 235 prestigious U.S. colleges and universities, nearly 100 distinguished international institutions, and several top organizations. A full list of current partners is available at: The EVP spearheads the academic excellence of IES Abroad programming. Michael Steinberg, the long-serving, outgoing Executive Vice President for Academic Programs has been responsible for all IES programs for over 40 years. Under his leadership, IES grew from seven sites to 31 locations to which it sends U.S. students. He served on the task force that developed the original IES Abroad MAP and was a primary author of the Forum Standards for Education Abroad. He retires this year leaving a strong foundation for the next EVP to bring their unique vision and strengths to IES Abroad. THE ROLE The EVP plays a crucial role in fulfilling IES Abroad s mission of educating global leaders through excellent academic programming. Reporting to the President & CEO, the EVP will lead the Academic Department comprised of approximately 200 people, managing a complex portfolio of academic and customized programming worldwide. Reporting to the EVP are the VP of Academic Programs, the AVP for Academic Affairs and Assessment, the AVP of Customized Programs, as well as 3 IES Centers. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES The EVP's overarching challenge is to provide strategic vision, business and financial sophistication, and effective direction to the division, against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive environment with rapidly shifting user demands. The EVP s overarching opportunity is found in the dynamic nature of study abroad and the

4 Page 4 of 6 historically important role IES has played in this field. Specific opportunities and challenges for the EVP include: Provide Strategic Leadership The success of IES Abroad has been driven by initiating effective strategies, innovative programming, developing new business lines, award-winning marketing, and a commitment to academic excellence worldwide. In order to maintain market leadership and provide students with the highest quality study abroad experience, the next EVP will work collaboratively with the consortium, leadership, and program staff in setting and maintaining academic standards, regularly reviewing all curricula and encouraging new developments that reflect changes in student interest and backgrounds. S/he will be expected to diversify offerings and revenue streams through expanded internship, customized, and international student programming. The successful candidate will be expected to understand and implement complex financial plans in order to permit IES Abroad to continue thriving financially in the future. Additionally, the EVP will develop a department annual plan that includes special event programming, such as faculty seminars, familiarization trips, staff workshops, and inter-center programs. Represent IES Abroad Externally The EVP position is highly visible. The next EVP will serve as a public face for the organization and excel at networking and negotiating with partner organizations. While IES operates on a global scale, its success is grounded in the collected impact of individual relationships. The EVP must build and enhance relationships with international partners, schools, and consortium members, and look for and identify solutions that align with their needs and interests. S/he will actively visit and engage in conferences, as well as meet with representatives of partnership institutions, and outside advisors. The EVP also will maintain senior level industry contacts and be engaged in national membership organizations in the field and give national presentations, enhancing IES Abroad s knowledge base and its leadership position in the study abroad field. Lead Large, Global Teams IES consists of a deeply committed and passionate team of interculturally competent professionals who believe in putting their students first in order to provide the best study abroad and internship experiences possible. They are a diverse community of global leaders that recognizes their differences in skills and background are just as important as their shared passion for international education and mission. The long tenures of the IES staff reflect the positive and supportive work environment upheld by the senior leadership. Overseeing a large, complex and international enterprise, the EVP will be a strong manager who will work to maintain and contribute to this strong culture of loyalty and collegiality. S/he will be expected to empower others and advocate for professional development at all levels.

5 Page 5 of 6 Promote IES Abroad s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Student demographics attending college and university are changing. The student populations are increasingly diverse, as are their interests and needs. In 2008, IES launched the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA), the first of its kind in the study abroad field. As part of its commitment to making study abroad accessible to underrepresented students, IES is proud to offer Diversity Scholarships, country-specific diversity resources, and personalized support from our Diversity team. IES actively recruits students from diverse populations and provides over $5.1 million in total scholarships year after year. The EVP will bring a personal commitment to diversity and will be responsible for thinking of new ways to engage with IES Abroad s commitment to diversity externally and internally, as well as improve the IES curriculum to maximize the benefits of a more diverse student body for all IES Abroad students learning. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE For this critical role, IES Abroad will search nationally and internationally for a demonstrated leader and academic who truly embraces the organization s mission, principles, and values. While no one candidate will meet all the desired criteria, the successful candidate will bring most of the following qualifications and attributes: Strong academic credentials. Master s degree is required, terminal degree strongly preferred. An understanding of the study abroad enterprise, academic trends, and today s campus culture. Experience in curriculum design and/or teaching experience is favored. Internationally-minded and culturally sensitive. Fluency in another language is ideal. A demonstrated ability to provide successful oversight of a sizeable budget and management of large, international teams Success leading complex international educational programs. A broad understanding of the regulatory context, compliance requirements, crisis and risk management of study abroad programs. Track record of providing visionary and innovative leadership and effective management of a large and complex private or public organization. Outstanding demonstrated skills in team building and staff development coupled with a track record of effective line management. Entrepreneurial-bent and proven business acumen. Discipline and focus in setting realistic priorities, developing new business opportunities, and running a fiscally sound operation. Public presence. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to be a persuasive external spokesperson and ambassador for IES and the study abroad enterprise. An outgoing and positive personality. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with the full range of constituents across many world cultures.

6 Page 6 of 6 Willingness and availability to travel domestically and internationally, while based in Chicago, Illinois. Fundraising and/or successful grant-writing experience is a plus. Imagination, tenacity, gracious self-confidence, flexibility, good humor, and high energy. High emotional intelligence and impeccable integrity. TO APPLY IES Abroad has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, for this important search. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Nominations, inquiries, and applications, including a letter of interest describing the individual s qualifications for the position and resume/cv, should be sent in confidence to: Ponneh Varho, Vice President Carmen Delehanty, Associate Isaacson, Miller To apply: Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged. IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, national origin, citizenship, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or genetic information or veteran status and/or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Michigan State University (MSU), the nation s premier land-grant university, invites applications and nominations for