Director of International Students and ESL Programs

Director of International Students and ESL Programs Position Number:

1.6.4

Date:

05/21/2026

Position Title:

Director of International Students and ESL Programs Department:

Student Life Division:

Student Life Number of hours per week for which this position is budgeted: 40 Number of months per year for which this position is budgeted: 12 Reports to:

Dean of Students FLSA Status:

Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of International Students and ESL Programs provides comprehensive leadership for all international student services, compliance, recruitment, and retention efforts, while serving as the primary architect and administrator of the University's ESL (English as a Second Language) program. This role ensures institutional compliance with federal regulations, fosters holistic care for international students, and strategically integrates ESL programming into the university's enrollment, retention, and academic success initiatives. This position combines operational excellence (compliance, student care, coordination) with program leadership (ESL development, advising, and strategic growth). Employee must possess a vibrant, personal Christian faith including a clear testimony of Christian conversion and be actively involved in an evangelical, preferably Southern Baptist, church.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

International Student Compliance and Operations Maintain SEVIS records, issue I-20s, and ensure full institutional compliance with federal regulations Oversee admissions documentation, maintain student records, and assist Registrar with transcript evaluation Assist students with immigration-related processes including OPT, CPT, Social Security, and related needs Serve as liaison with Financial Aid, Business Office, and other campus departments ESL Program Leadership (Primary Distinctive Emphasis) Provide direct leadership, oversight, and strategic development of the ESL program. Supervise placement testing (entrance/exit exams) and ensure appropriate language-level progression Directly oversee academic advising and course scheduling for ESL students, particularly in their first year or through associate-level completion Develop, assess, and refine ESL curriculum in collaboration with Academic Administration to ensure alignment with institutional academic standards Produce ongoing recommendations to Academic Administration regarding ESL structure, delivery, and improvement Track ESL student outcomes (retention, progression, completion) and use data to improve program effectiveness Student Success and Care Provide mentoring for international students, including academic, personal, and cultural transition support Monitor academic progress and track student goals Clearly communicate scholarship expectations and renewal requirements to students Support host home programs, airport logistics, and student life integration Recruitment and Enrollment Strategy Assist in international student recruitment efforts Respond to inquiries and manage prospective student communication pipelines Collaborate with Athletics on international recruiting processes and scholarship compliance Recommend scholarship structures based on market conditions and enrollment goals Program Administration and Collaboration Maintain accurate retention reporting and provide data to institutional leadership Ensure international student web content and communications are current Contribute to administrative committees, disciplinary processes, and institutional initiatives Support PR and storytelling for international student engagement

DEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS

Works closely with Academic Administration, Enrollment, Athletics, Financial Aid, Student Life, and external recruiting partners to ensure a coordinated international student experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of international student regulations and compliance Demonstrated ability to lead academic or ESL programming Organizational leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration Intercultural communication and student development skills Commitment to the University's mission and values

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

Master's degree required (preferred in TESOL, Higher Education, or related field) Minimum 3-5 years experience in international education, ESL, or student services Experience with ESL program oversight or instruction strongly preferred