The Senior Coordinator for Programs Abroad provides leadership and strategic oversight for the University of Tennessee’s education abroad portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Programs Abroad, this role manages a broad range of global learning initiatives, including program development, student enrollment, international partnerships, and risk management functions that support the university’s Global Vision Forward.

The Senior Coordinator ensures that study abroad opportunities are academically sound, financially viable, safe, and accessible to all students. The position collaborates extensively with campus partners, academic units, international institutions, and student organizations to enhance global engagement. Key responsibilities include overseeing program portfolios, managing enrollment and transfer credit processes, implementing advising and outreach strategies, and contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen global learning pathways.

This role also supports operational excellence by maintaining compliance with university and international education standards, participating in emergency response rotations, and representing UT in external engagements. The Senior Coordinator brings strong communication skills, global education expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex projects in a dynamic environment.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in international studies, education, student services, or a related field required.

Experience: Minimum of three years’ experience in international education, student services, or global learning.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience evaluating budgets and agreements.

• Knowledge of higher education global programs, standards, and best practices.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion while achieving strategic goals.

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills; able to communicate effectively with international partners.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in emergency situations.

• Willingness to work periodic evenings, weekends, and travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree preferred, along with experience managing education abroad programs and cross-cultural initiatives.

Experience: Five + years’ experience in international education, student services, or global learning.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies and regulations related to student enrollment, financial aid, and risk management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-campus initiatives and engage stakeholders.

• Experience living, studying, or working abroad.

• Proficiency in a non-English language.

• Experience with education abroad systems such as Terra Dotta, Banner, or related platforms.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR11
• Anticipated hiring range: $65,000 - $75,000 (depending on education and experience)
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before January 5, 2026.

• Resume

• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) leads, coordinates, and supports the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s global education, research, and engagement strategies, operating under the Office of the Provost. CGE’s work spans international partnership development, support services for international students and scholars, the facilitation of study abroad and global learning opportunities, and the creation of intercultural programming that fosters cross-cultural awareness and global citizenship on campus and in the broader community. The division is organized into six units—the English Language Institute, Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, Global Security, Risk, and Resilience, the International House, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Programs Abroad Office. With a staff of more than 40 professionals, CGE serves approximately 1,200 international students from over 100 countries, 500 international scholars, and more than 2,000 UT students studying abroad each year, ensuring that UT remains connected and engaged globally.

Program Portfolio & Enrollment Management

• Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of direct enroll, exchange, faculty-directed, and affiliate programs.
• Develop and maintain frameworks for evaluating program safety, academic integrity, financial viability, and student experience.
• Liaise with academic departments to identify new program options and establish course equivalencies.
• Support the Director in developing and processing memorandums of agreement for new partnerships.
• Manage student enrollment processes, including acceptance letters, placeholder course enrollment, transcript processing, and discipline checks.
• Oversee the request-for-transfer-credit process in collaboration with academic advising offices.

Student Advising, Advocacy, & Outreach

• Partner with the Director and Assistant Director to implement the advising framework and staff training.
• Develop and deliver student engagement materials, outreach campaigns, and pre-departure/orientation content.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with academic departments, colleges, and student organizations to promote study abroad participation.
• Support scholarship and financial aid initiatives to expand access to global programs.
• Manage the student engagement budget and evaluate engagement outcomes.
• Foster a campus culture that values global learning, inclusion, and student success.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Support implementation of university and CGE global risk management practices.
• Maintain documentation related to program safety, emergency planning, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as part of a 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to international emergencies involving UT students or faculty.
• Conduct international site assessments and attend education abroad conferences as budget and schedule allow.
• Ensure that programs and operations reflect best practices in international education and student safety.

Strategic Initiatives & Leadership Support (Additional Duties)

• Contribute to the implementation of the Programs Abroad Office’s strategic vision and operational goals
• Support initiatives such as virtual Collaboration for Online International Learning (COIL), Vol Edge integration, and a Programs Abroad First-Year Experience program.
• Represent the university to foreign partners and external organizations to advance UT’s global reputation.
• Other duties as assigned