SENIOR MANAGER, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS, Study Abroad

About the Organization

BU Study Abroad, part of Boston University Global Programs, offers more than 170 programs in over 30 cities across 20+ countries. We partner closely with BU academic departments to deliver transformative global learning experiences for both BU students and visiting students from institutions nationwide. As a long-standing leader in global education, BU Study Abroad operates 11 study abroad centers worldwide and maintains a robust network of domestic partner institutions.

Position Summary 

The Senior Manager, University Relations is responsible for leading outreach efforts in the recruitment of non-BU/visiting students to BU Study Abroad (BUSA) programs. Serving as the primary representative for BU Study Abroad, this role strategically manages a portfolio of partner institutions and develops and implements data-informed recruitment strategies. The Senior Manager cultivates relationships with advisors, faculty, and institutional leaders to expand program participation and strengthen partnerships.

Reporting to the Associate Director, University Relations & Campus Outreach, the Senior Manager also collaborates on the creation and management of communications and marketing initiatives. In addition, the role collaborates cross-functionally with the Enrollment Services team to ensure alignment between enrollment targets and the visiting student experience, supporting efforts related to admissions, pre-departure initiatives, and billing processes.

This position requires extensive travel and the ability to work effectively and independently within a complex higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions: 

Recruitment & Outreach Strategy (35%)

•  Lead recruitment efforts at institutions around the country, serving as the primary representative for BU Study Abroad to non-BU institutions. This may include, but is not limited to: study abroad fairs, informational sessions, class visits, faculty and administrator meetings, panels, conferences, and other study abroad events. These may be in person, virtual, or hybrid.
• Serve as main point of contact for any questions, inquiries, or challenges that need to be addressed from prospective and partner institutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with study abroad advisors, faculty, and other key stakeholders via regular communication and visits, as needed with ongoing assessment of such efforts.
• In consultation with the Associate Director, develop individualized strategies for institutions based on enrollment data, partner history, and growth potential. Provide feedback on methods of recruitment and promotion of BUSA.

      Partnership Development & Management (30%)

• Manage a designated portfolio of partners to maintain and grow (where possible) visiting student enrollment
• Identify additional programming opportunities within existing partner institutions to further support academic needs and interests of their students.
• Under guidance of the Associate Director, negotiate terms of agreements with partners to maintain and increase, when possible, the number of non-BU/visiting students in BUSA programs.
• Provide the highest level of customer support to all partner stakeholders
• Participate, as appropriate, in industry conferences to meet with partners to strengthen these relationships

Enrollment Coordination & Visiting Student Experience (15%)

To support successful recruitment outcomes and partner relationships, the Senior Manager collaborates with the Enrollment Services team to ensure alignment across the visiting student enrollment process.

•  Collaborate with Enrollment Services and Program Management team to align recruitment projections with enrollment targets prior to each admissions cycle.
• Coordinate with Associate Director, Enrollment Services on billing communications and partner invoicing processes related to visiting student accounts.
• Contribute to the development of pre-departure resources and assist with delivery of Pre-Departure Conference programming. 
• Serve as an additional advising resource for prospective and admitted visiting students as needed to ensure continuity from recruitment through enrollment.

Marketing & Communications (15%)

• Support recruitment strategy through targeted marketing & communications initiatives
• Create and assist in marketing & communications campaigns, along with promotional materials, and social media, in consultation with the Associate Director of the GP of Strategy & Communications team. 
• Initiate new types of collateral as constituent needs are identified, including writing and editing copy, creating and updating presentations, newsletters, and oversee the updating of BUSA content on Terra Dotta (as used by partner institutions)

Professional Engagement & Strategic Contributions (5%)

• Participate in professional conferences and industry networks to maintain awareness of trends in study abroad and visiting student recruitment.
• Contribute to long-term recruitment strategy and program development discussions within BU Study Abroad.
• Support special initiatives and strategic projects related to visiting student enrollment and institutional partnerships.

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Two to four years of direct experience in higher education.
• Two to four years of study abroad recruitment, admissions, or other international education recruitment experience.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve issues fairly, expediently, and cost-effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated success in relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. higher education system and institutional culture.
• Ability to work through and resolve a wide range of issues and be an exemplary ambassador of BU Study Abroad and its mission and programs, as well as Boston University more broadly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM/databases, and social media platforms.
• Must be able to travel extensively throughout the academic year, work some evenings, and weekends, with a high degree of independence.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.