Director of Customized Programs, Global Education

About the role

Summary of Position The Director of Customized Programs provides strategic, operational, and programmatic leadership for CGEE's customized programming portfolio, with sole responsibility for programs serving external partners and shared responsibility for programs serving Augsburg partners.

The Director supervises the customized programs team, leads business development and relationship management, collaborates with CGEE's marketing team to identify new opportunities and expand customized offerings, and oversees portfolio strategy, resource allocation, financial management, and program delivery.

Working with external partners, CGEE staff, and consultants, the Director ensures high-quality educational experiences while overseeing select Augsburg programs and contributing to CGEE-wide strategic and financial planning.

Primary Responsibilities

Customized Programs Leadership & Portfolio Management Provide strategic and operational leadership for customized programs, ensuring program quality, effective staffing, financial sustainability, and alignment with CGEE and Augsburg priorities. Oversee the customized programs portfolio, team priorities, resource allocation, workflows, and continuous improvement.

Business Development & Relationship Management Develop and maintain relationships with colleges, universities, nonprofits, community organizations, and other external partners to strengthen CGEE's partner network. Collaborate with CGEE Marketing and Recruitment, the CGEE Leadership Team, and the Associate Provost to identify new programs, partnerships, locations, and opportunities for sustainable portfolio growth.

Program Design & Development Lead the design and development of customized international programs in collaboration with faculty, partners, CGEE staff, international personnel, and consultants. Translate academic and partner goals into high-quality programs and oversee program structure, scheduling, pricing, implementation, and leader preparation.

Supervision & Team Leadership Supervise Program Managers, selected field staff, contractors, and student employees, providing clear expectations, coaching, professional development, and performance management. Monitor team capacity, adjust assignments and resources as needed, and foster accountability, communication, and collaboration across CGEE.

Financial Management & Sustainability Develop and manage program budgets, monitor financial performance, forecast revenue and expenses, and provide regular financial reporting. Oversee program pricing and contribute to long-term financial planning, staffing decisions, and sustainable portfolio growth.

Operations, Risk Management & Documentation Oversee systems, policies, procedures, MOUs, and documentation supporting program logistics, participant information, travel, and financial operations. Ensure appropriate privacy, confidentiality, safety, and risk-management practices in accordance with CGEE and Augsburg policies and protocols.

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Collaboration Serve on CGEE Leadership Team and related committees and contribute to strategic planning, organizational development, budgeting, staffing, and new initiatives. Collaborate with CGEE senior leadership on organizational strategy and the continued growth and development of CGEE's customized programming model.

• Additional Responsibilities Participate in or convene ad hoc committees and working groups within CGEE and Augsburg University.
• Represent CGEE in professional associations, conferences, and other settings as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands Primary work environment is an office setting involving prolonged periods of sedentary work and regular use of computers, telephones, and other office technology. May require extended, evening, or weekend hours for program-related events, meetings, travel, or on-call response.

Local, national, and international travel may be required for program development or leadership, assistance, evaluation, partnership development, conferences, and other professional responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree. Seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in education abroad, study abroad, experiential education, international education, higher education, or a related field, including at least one (1) year of significant supervisory or management responsibility. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing educational customized programs.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant logistical and financial considerations. Strong foundation in experiential education and place-based learning, with the ability to translate academic and organizational goals into effective program design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in international education, higher education, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Proficiency in a second language.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of critical, experiential, and intercultural learning pedagogies.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, forecasting, financial analysis, and program pricing.

• Strong relationship-management skills, with the ability to cultivate partnerships and sustain long-term partner relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to develop new programs and assess opportunities for portfolio growth and sustainability.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, delegation, and team-development skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups representing diverse cultures, identities, institutions, and professional roles.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, manage competing priorities, and work effectively within a complex organizational structure.
• Excellent organizational and project-management skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and follow-through.

Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, problem-solving ability, discretion, and professionalism.