Director of Graduate & International Student Life at Fairfield University

# Director of Graduate & International Student Life at Fairfield University by Andrew Shimura | Jul 5, 2026
* US International Higher Education Jobs
* Fairfield, Connecticut
* Posted 2 hours ago
* Competitive Salary GBP / Year Website
** Fairfield University
** OVERVIEW Fairfield University is seeking a Director of Graduate & International Student Life within the Office of Student Engagement in Fairfield, Connecticut. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students, this position provides strategic leadership for graduate and international student life initiatives. The role focuses on supporting the transition, engagement, and retention of graduate, second-degree, and international students through programs, services, and community-building efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Provide strategic leadership for graduate and international student life initiatives – Support the transition, engagement, and retention of graduate, second-degree, and international students – Develop programs, services, and initiatives that enhance the student experience – Lead onboarding and orientation efforts for graduate and international students – Foster community through engagement opportunities – Serve as an advocate for graduate, second-degree, and international student populations – Maintain digital resources related to graduate and international student life – Manage budgets associated with programs and initiatives – Chair the Graduate & International Student Life Committee – Collaborate with academic program directors – Assess student needs and experiences – Plan engagement programs for graduate and international students REQUIREMENTS – Ability to provide strategic leadership for student life initiatives – Experience supporting graduate, second-degree, and international student populations – Ability to develop programs, services, and student engagement initiatives – Experience leading onboarding and orientation efforts – Ability to collaborate with academic program directors and campus stakeholders – Experience assessing student needs and planning engagement opportunities – Ability to manage budgets and maintain digital resources – Strong advocacy and community-building skills WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Graduate and international students often navigate unique academic, social, and cultural transitions that require targeted support and engagement opportunities.

A leadership role dedicated to these populations helps institutions strengthen student retention, improve campus connection, and create a more inclusive student experience. By coordinating programs, resources, and advocacy efforts, this position contributes to student success and institutional community-building. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Highlight experience working with graduate, international, or adult learner populations in higher education settings – Include examples of orientation, onboarding, or student engagement programs you have developed or managed – Demonstrate collaboration skills by describing partnerships with academic departments or campus offices – Showcase experience with program assessment, student support initiatives, or community-building efforts – Emphasize organizational skills related to budget management, event coordination, and digital resource oversight – Tailor application materials to reflect a commitment to student engagement, inclusion, and student success
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