Entry Level International Relations Specialist Jobs

Assistant Director of International Admission & Student Engagement

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of International Admission & Student Engagement is a key operational leader within the Office of International Affairs, supporting the full lifecycle of the international student experience—from recruitment and admission through arrival, integration, and ongoing community engagement. This position serves as the primary deputy to the Associate VP for International Affairs, managing day-to-day admissions operations and leading non-academic student support, cultural programming, and community-building initiatives. The Assistant Director is expected to exercise independent judgment, coordinate across campus departments, and represent the office in the Associate VP's absence.

Key Responsibilities

A. International Admission & Recruitment Operations

• Serve as the primary operational lead for international admissions, managing applicant inquiries, document collection, initial application review, and communication flow.
• Maintain accurate applicant records in the admissions management system and support the Associate VP in meeting enrollment targets.
• Represent the Office of International Affairs at on-campus recruitment events and select international fairs.
• Develop promotional content—including student testimonials, videos, and social media campaigns—to support recruitment and yield efforts.
• Coordinate with the Business Office and other departments to facilitate smooth deposit, payment, and enrollment transitions for admitted students.

B. Student Engagement & Community Integration

• Serve as the first point of contact for enrolled international students on all non-academic matters, providing guidance, advocacy, and referrals to campus resources (housing, billing, employment, health insurance, meal plans, etc.).
• Develop, launch, and manage the International Host Family Program, including recruitment, screening, matching, and ongoing relationship management.
• Plan and execute comprehensive orientation programs and ongoing cultural transition activities for new and returning students.
• Organize regular cultural, social, and educational events to promote cross-cultural exchange and a sense of belonging.
• Create and distribute digital and print resources (welcome guides, newsletters, event calendars) to support student adjustment and retention.

C. Digital Communications & Social Media Strategy

• Develop and manage the social media presence for the Office of International Affairs across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Create and schedule engaging content—photos, videos, student spotlights, event promotions, and informational posts—that highlights the international student experience and supports recruitment.
• Monitor engagement, respond to messages, and analyze metrics to refine digital outreach effectiveness.

D. Campus & Community Collaboration

• Collaborate with campus partners including Student Life, Residence Life, Dining Services, Campus Ministry, Academic Departments, and the Business Office to ensure coordinated, holistic support for international students.
• Build and maintain relationships with local community organizations, businesses to develop engagement and support opportunities.
• Advocate for international student needs in relevant campus meetings and committees, representing the office when the Associate VP is unavailable.

E. Operational Support & Coverage

• Provide continuity and coverage for the Office of International Affairs during the Associate VP's travel and absence.
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving student issues and escalating matters appropriately.
• Supervise work-study students and/or graduate assistants assigned to the office.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in international education, student affairs, admissions, or a related field.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in program planning, event coordination, or community outreach.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and represent the office across campus.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, International Studies, Communication, or a related field.
• Personal experience living, studying, or working in an intercultural environment.
• Skills in digital content creation (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, social media management tools).
• Working knowledge of F-1 student visa regulations.
• Experience with international student recruitment or admissions processing.
• Supervisory experience.