Job Opening at Univ. Wisconsin at Whitewater:  Travel Study Coordinator

Faculty-Led (Travel-Study) Programs Coordinator

Working Title:  Travel Study Programs Coordinator

The Faculty-Led (Travel-Study) Programs Coordinator assists faculty and academic departments in the design, implementation and administration of short-term, university-sponsored, faculty-led education abroad programs. Specifically, the Coordinator will work directly with faculty concerning the travel and logistical portion of the academic courses offered through the Program.  The Coordinator will coordinate and oversee the travel services bidding process.  He/she will also negotiate travel services contracts and make all flight, hotel and on-the-ground logistical arrangements on behalf of course faculty.  The Coordinator will prepare service contracts for review and signature by the Director or other University fiduciary official and will provide program invoices and billing documentation to the Office secretary in a timely manner.

In addition to overseeing the travel study bidding process and group travel arrangements negotiation, the Coordinator will, in conjunction with the course faculty, develop preliminary course budgets for review by the Director and the Chief Budget Officer.  The Coordinator will work with UW Whitewater units and UW System offices so as to insure institutional compliance with regard to travel services, procurement services, expenditures of university funds, travel expense reimbursement processes, and other aspects of program financial management.  The Coordinator, in cooperation with the Office secretary, will register and bill travel study program participants.  The Coordinator will also schedule and facilitate pre-departure orientations, insure student and participant registration with the U.S. Department of State, and support the budget reconciliation & end-of-year budget close-out process, as needed.  This role also oversees the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program for both incoming and outgoing students and coordinates the International Education Week celebration each November.

Position Qualifications:  Bachelor's degree in a related field and two (2) years of experience in education abroad, international education, or the travel industry is preferred.    Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.  Basic budgetary management experience is strongly preferred.  Experience working in a highly-regulated fiscal environment is recommended.

Preferred Qualification:

*          Demonstrated ability to build coalitions between departments and units and collaborate effectively with faculty.
*          Demonstrated commitment to providing seamless service to students, faculty and the university community.
*          Knowledge of best practices in study abroad program management; experience studying or working abroad.
*          Ability to carry out the university's internationalization mission via a central programmatic emphasis.
*          Because of the busy nature of the Office of International Education and Programs and the volume of travel study courses serviced, the ability to multi-task and provide clear and effective communication and leadership is critical.
*          Basic knowledge of office/administrative procedures including basic computer skills (MS Word and MS Excel), student billing, budgetary processes.
*          Ability to follow and comply with institutional and UW System procedures.
*          Attention to detail; spirit of pro-activity, collegial demeanor are all key personality traits that are needed for this very busy role.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Persons interested in the position should mail a credential package to:
Linda Reid, Chair
Finance & Business Law Department
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
800 West Main Street
Whitewater, WI  53190
Tel. (262) 472-1326

A complete credential package consists of a letter of application, resume, one letter of recommendation, and copies of all college transcripts.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  May 29, 2009.

The position as described is full-time and benefits eligible.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an AA/EEO employer.

We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

A criminal background check of finalists will be conducted.