[Hiring] Study Abroad Advisor @CIEE

Role Description

The Study Abroad Advisor (SAA) has primary responsibilities for meeting and exceeding enrollment targets for College study abroad programs in the assigned region, while providing excellent customer service to ensure students are prepared for their study abroad experience. This role maintains constant contact with students on various types of programming throughout the year, advising them throughout the application review process and pre-departure procedures, including advising on complex immigration processes. The SAA is responsible for proactive outreach and conversion of applicants and accepted program participants.

What you’ll do

• Meet or exceed enrollment targets by maximizing the conversion of applicants to paid participants during the application review and pre-departure process for a specific CIEE program region.
• Review applications for admission efficiently and administer admission decisions to CIEE programs for a specific program region.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of each CIEE program and location and proactively discuss components (academics, housing, etc.) of each with applicants.
• Develop and execute strategies to fully prepare students for their onsite experience and to improve student conversion.
• Initiate regular, proactive, and timely contact with applicants, participants, parents, and institutional study-abroad advisors throughout the pre-departure process with the goal of improving student conversion.
• Advise students on complex visa and immigration processes; liaise with foreign consulates and CIEE’s third-party visa broker; keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations relating to immigration across portfolio sites.
• Manage the editing process for pre-departure materials, visa instructions, and other information in collaboration with CIEE onsite staff.
• Address and resolve all levels of escalated situations and emergencies that arise during the pre-departure process, exercising professional discretion.
• Manage enrollment database, including maintenance of student application information, editing and building new application tasks, and processing application documents (e.g. transcripts), which included the scanning, uploading, and filing of materials.
• Collaborate with Institutional Relations, Admissions, Study Marketing, and Global Operations to contribute to program efforts in recruitment, marketing, and program development for the region.
• Serve as backup contact when other advisors are out of the office.
• Provide superior student-centered customer service throughout the pre-departure process.
• At all times, exercise good professional judgment and consideration in promptly addressing problems and questions that arise with students, parents, and CIEE staff.
• Represent CIEE with integrity, accuracy, and in the spirit of its mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent).
• 2-3 years of work experience in a sales and/or customer service-oriented field. Demonstrated interest in education abroad or higher education is preferred.
• International study or work experience is required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving sales or enrollment targets strongly preferred.
• Strong service skills and the ability to resolve issues fairly and expediently. Must be able to exude empathy and control over the phone and in email.
• Must be a team player and self-starter able to exercise sound judgment on time use and the handling of sensitive materials.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.
• Strong experience working with Microsoft Office Programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with Salesforce CRM system preferred. Must be comfortable with learning new databases and technology.
• Ability to learn new processes quickly, take initiative, and provide suggestions for efficiency and improvements.
• Available for occasional domestic or international travel as needed to provide logistical or programmatic support.
• Readiness to grow and develop yourself, our client group, and our company.
• Ability to embrace CIEE’s Core Values (Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Inclusion and Problem Solving) and culture.

Benefits

• Paid time off and Parental leave
• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-term & Long-term Disability
• 6 floating Fridays (based on our eligibility rules)
• CIEE Study Abroad programs
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Insurance Coverage (life, travel, medical, dental and vision)
• Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Account (medical and dependent)
• Voluntary Benefits (identity theft protection, pet insurance, accident, and critical illness)

Company Description

CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations through study abroad and international exchange experiences that help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and multi-cultural world.