Study Abroad Director - Spain

Overview

ACU Study Abroad seeks the Director of the Valencia International Program. The role will be located in Valencia, Spain, and will provide overall administrative leadership and management of the program focused on educating students for Christian service and leadership worldwide.

• Direct academic and curricular programming, including recruiting, hiring, orienting, and supporting local faculty and faculty-in-residence.
• Provide operational oversight of ACU’s residential facilities abroad, managing local operational staff and maintenance contracts/personnel.
• Plan and coordinate program calendars with ACU Abilene and local university partners.
• Plan and coordinate all program events, including opening and closing events, local excursions, international excursions, and holiday events.
• Liaise with the Executive Director of International Education and the Study Abroad office to plan course offerings, hire adjunct faculty, coordinate internships, and assist with curricular assessment.
• Hire and supervise staff in accordance with local labor law and ACU best practices.
• Support Abilene Christian University’s Faculty-in-Residence by providing guidance, resources, and role clarity.
• Engage students with the local community by developing opportunities and programs that incentivize interaction with local citizens and cooperation with local university partners.
• Plan and coordinate international travel and local field trips, including leadership and annual participation in two educational field trips outside of Spain.
• Plan and coordinate all transportation for student arrival and departure.
• Lead all student development activities, including promoting community bonding, mentoring, upholding community standards, and mediating disputes.
• Serve as the primary disciplinary officer in coordination with ACU IP Disciplinary Council and the Office of Student Life.
• Plan and execute weekly devotionals in accordance with the integrated spiritual formation curriculum.
• Manage all immigration documentation required for student visas, entry, and departure according to local law, and coordinate with ACU Abilene’s domestic visa process.
• Manage and coordinate local transportation passes for students and faculty.
• Oversee and coordinate support for students’ health and well‑being, emergency response protocols, counseling resources, and student accessibility services.
• Support all interns and RAs through mentorship and leadership development.
• Manage the program budget and local payments.
• Oversee the management of local residential and academic facilities.
• Uphold the University mission through work performed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Committed to the Christian mission of Abilene Christian University.
• Spending at least one year living in a country other than the candidate’s country of origin.
• Knowledge of Spanish culture and at least one year of experience living in a Spanish city; a minimum of B2 or C1 Spanish language proficiency is required.
• Collaborative, engaging with students, and committed to serving as an administrator and educator.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Competency in using office software such as Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets); experience with website design preferred.
• Preferred knowledge of Abilene Christian University, private faith‑based institutions, or international programs similar to ACU’s model.
• Ability to articulate a strong commitment to diversity and work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

• Master’s degree required; terminal degree preferred.

• Three years of experience working with students in U.S. higher education; preference for at least one year working with study abroad students.

• Minimum of one year of managerial experience; preference for at least one year managing a study abroad program.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, and a personal statement reflecting on ACU’s Christian mission. Optional: a letter of reference or recommendation may be emailed to mark.barneche.

This position requires international travel and the ability to walk or move long distances on uneven terrain.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law. ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university’s financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

As a current employee, it will be determined if an additional background check is required upon hire.

Human Resources: human resources
Phone: