Programmes Coordinator (CGS)

Boston University Global Programmes – Study Abroad, a division of Boston University Global Programs, is responsible for developing and providing opportunities for undergraduate study around the world. BU Study Abroad offers students from Boston University and over 100 other colleges and universities 170+ programmes, 30+ cities, and 20+ countries. Boston University was one of the first universities in the United States to send students abroad, and the first university to offer study abroad internship opportunities on several continents.

The range of subjects covered in the London internship programme includes Advertising, Marketing and PR, Management, Computer Science, Film and Television, Journalism, Economics, History, English, Psychology, and Health Sciences. BU Study Abroad London also delivers other academic programmes in collaboration with the College of General Studies (CGS) and the College of Communication. This role’s primary responsibility will be with the CGS summer programme, while supporting and working alongside Academic Affairs colleagues in the delivery of the other London programmes.

Mission Statement

The mission of Boston University Study Abroad is to offer excellent, innovative, and diverse cross-cultural learning experiences for all students. Our study abroad programs cultivate the intellectual, professional, and personal qualities necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Job Overview

The CGS Programme Coordinator supports the delivery of academic and student support services at BU London, including the delivery of a high standard of academic programmes, student and learning resources, engagement activities, welfare provision, and housing for approximately 1,200 students per year. The CGS Programmes Coordinator acts as the main point of contact for academic enquiries for incoming and current students on all the BU London Programmes – primarily the CGS (College of General Studies) Freshmen Programme over the summer. The CGS Programmes Coordinator has regular day-to-day interaction with faculty to deliver first-class administrative support for academic classes, field trips, and guest lectures. The post holder will also contribute to a high standard of academic support and pastoral care along with colleagues in the Student Affairs Office team.

Primary purpose of job

• Lead, coordinate, and support delivery of the academic programme on-site, which includes coordinating field trip bookings, arrivals & departures, and attendance monitoring.
• Support the Academic Affairs leadership team in the management of the study abroad programmes with partner universities: Royal College of Music, LAMDA, and the Courtauld Institute of Art.
• Collaborate closely with the London Programmes Coordinator in supporting the day-to-day delivery of all BU London programmes to drive best practice and consistency in academic administration including semester planning, course syllabi, field trips, and examination administration.
• Provide appropriate academic support for students and faculty members, including the CGS summer visiting faculty.
• Collaborate with colleagues from London and Boston and external partners to design and create year-round dates and calendars for future programmes.
• Participate in planning and delivering the orientation day for all programmes, including ensuring Academic presentation slides for the mandatory orientation session are updated, monitoring attendance, and supporting optional sessions delivered by faculty and external partners.
• Collaborate with the Librarian to set up and monitor virtual learning environment course spaces ensuring students and faculty have access to course materials.
• Be familiar with class AV and related technical equipment in order to assist faculty members with simple queries or issues if appropriate.
• Support student visa process, assisting the coordination of academic verification checks for visa compliance with UK Visa & Immigration regulations.
• Be aware of and remain compliant with several required procedures and laws including incident reports, Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, NDAA etc.
• Undertake occasional travel to Boston to meet with colleagues, promote academic programmes, and deliver presentations to faculty and students.

Qualifications & competencies

Essential:

• The successful candidate must be educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrable experience coordinating and delivering similar programmes/projects and working within a small team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to hold compelling dialogue with senior stakeholders.
• Well organised and meticulous attention to detail.
• Calm, professional manner, working well under pressure with a flexible, proactive, and responsive approach.
• Solution driven and ability to identify serious issues and work in confidential situations.
• Able to balance multiple projects and priorities to meet demands and deadlines.
• High standard of IT skills, including awareness of learning technologies in higher education, supporting the use of actual and Virtual Learning Environments.

Desirable:

• Experience in the HE sectors, preferably US study abroad.
• Good understanding of academic administration processes.
• Experience of working in a culturally diverse environment.
• Good understanding of pressures faced by students studying and living abroad.
• Understanding of the UK student visa system.

Benefits

Critical Illness cover, Life Assurance, CashPlan scheme, Pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme.

Position reports to: Assistant Director for Academic Affairs.