Senior Director of Academic Affairs, Madrid Center

5419

The Madrid Center is the centerpiece of the University of San Diegos global footprint. Residing in the International Center it works in close collaboration with the Office of International Studies Abroad (OISA). The Madrid Center receives over 220 undergraduate students during the academic semesters hosts short-term graduate courses from across the university and supports faculty conferences and professional workshops. A dedicated team of six full-time staff members provides comprehensive university services to all program participants manages facility maintenance and operations and supports approximately 20 local faculty.

The University of San Diego an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972 USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any or no religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanitys urgent challenges.

This recruitment is open to current University of San Diego employees only. Only current USD employees are eligible to apply and be considered for this position.

The Senior Director of Academic Affairs of the USD Madrid Center in collaboration with the Associate Provost is responsible for the recruitment supervision scheduling and evaluation of adjunct faculty teaching within the program. This role involves recommending course offerings ensuring they align with USDs academic standards and continuously monitoring program quality. The Senior Director also provides academic advising to faculty students engages with parents when necessary and upholds the academic integrity of the program while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.

The Senior Director is responsible for planning and overseeing a range of academic events including lectures conferences and guest speaker engagements ensuring they support the objectives of the programs hosted at the USD Madrid Center. A central function of this role is to act as the primary liaison between USD and its academic partners including the Comillas Pontifical University and other higher education institutions in Spain. The Senior Director plays a critical role in fostering strong institutional relationships facilitating academic collaborations and ensuring that all initiatives align with USDs educational mission and strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Faculty staffing and academic administration for the USD Madrid Center

Provides administrative and professional support functions

• Supports the Associate Provost in attaining goals and objectives related but not limited to:
• Hire evaluate and retain a professional efficient and productive adjunct faculty serving as their main point of contact.
• Assures the academic integrity and rigor of the Madrid Center Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (semester summer and intersession).
• Reviews proposals for potential courses and makes recommendations to the Associate Provost for International Affairs and OISA.
• Continuously assesses programs and recommends solutions regarding program quality control issues and student/faculty feedback.
• Meet regularly with faculty to ensure academic quality meeting their required office hours following USD guidelines and policies etc.
• Leads on-site faculty orientations.
• Oversees the planning and execution of diverse academic events including lectures conferences and guest speaker engagements.
• In collaboration with the Associate Provost for International Affairs develop and implement new policies and procedures and ensure that these are implemented.
• Implements and monitors open door policy for faculty throughout the program to ensure student access during office hours.
• Actively participates and contributesto academic committees identified by USD as essential for the successful implementation and continuous improvement of its study abroad policies ensuring alignment with institutional goals and academic standards.
• Ensure that the goals of equality diversity and inclusion are met across all academic areas of the USD Madrid Center in alignment with the policies and guidelines actively promoted by the University of San Diego.
• Foster meaningful community engagement by integrating activities into the courses offered at the USD Madrid Center and organizing impactful events throughout the semester. Work closely with the Center for Community Awareness and Social Action to enhance student involvement and ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Support for Students USD Madrid Center
Support student success and being a point of contact for their immersion activities

• Review complicated or questionable student applications
• In collaboration with administration in the International Center make decisions on student eligibility to participate in the Madrid Center semester program
• Attend to and find solutions for student and parental concerns/complaints
• Provide 24-hour crisis management support for faculty and students participating in the Madrid Center Semester program
• Student success: facilitates access to academic support resources including tutoring services and skill building coaching.

General USD Madrid Center Academic Oversight
Facilitate and oversee management of the USD Madrid Center

• In collaboration with administration in the International Center establishes the academic calendar and travel seminar program
• Offers advice makes recommendations and initiates projects for the improvement of all the academic programs and other activities that impact successful functioning of the USD Madrid Center.
• Provides leadership and coordinates Madrid Center-wide projects when requested by the Associate Provost for International Affairs.
• Provides academic support for faculty led programs recommending activities and assisting with coordination (inviting guest speakers local lecturers and other educational enrichment opportunities).

Academic partners collaboration
Serves as the primary liaison between USD and its academic partners in Spain

• Serve as the primary liaison with Comillas Pontifical University overseeing the following key aspects:
• Course Integration: Oversee and coordinate the inclusion of Comillas courses in the USD Madrid Centers academic offerings to ensure alignment with USDs curriculum.
• Student Enrollment: Supervises the enrollment process for USD students in Comillas courses facilitating smooth registration and course selection.
• Faculty Collaboration: Act as the main liaison with Comillas faculty to support the academic success and seamless integration of USD students.
• Student Support: Provide ongoing academic guidance and support to USD students enrolled at Comillas ensuring their academic success and well-being.
• Academic Records: Oversee the processing and management of academic transcripts for students participating in Comillas courses.
• Student Engagement: Coordinate USD students participation in academic cultural and athletic events at Comillas to enhance their international experience.
• Institutional Compliance: Ensure adherence to the partnership agreement between Comillas and USD guaranteeing students access to Comillas facilities and resources.
• Strategic Collaboration: Serve as the primary contact with Comillas Internacional exploring new opportunities for collaboration and academic initiatives between the two institutions.
• Institutional Coordination: Provide guidance and support to the USD International Center facilitating effective communication and academic coordination with Comillas University.
• Act as the primary contact with other Spanish universities and other U.S. universities operating programs and centers in Spain to share experiences and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
• Actively engage in meetings and events organized by APUNE (Asociación de programas universitarios norteamericanos en España) strengthening the USD Madrid Centers presence within the international academic community in Madrid and throughout Spain.
• Responsible for establishing academic connections with Spanish universities and other academic institutions to explore potential collaboration opportunities for both semester-long programs and shorter summer or intersession programs designed for undergraduate and graduate students.

Community Engagement Responsibilities

• Serves as the person responsible for developing implementing and monitoring Community Engagement initiatives
• Develops and maintains relationships with local organizations and the wider community.
• Creates opportunities that align with USDs culture and are meaningful for the local community.
• Supervises the CE coordinators initiatives evaluates and makes recommendations.

Teaching and research responsibilities

• Teaches three courses per year for the undergraduate program depending on program needs. These courses include but are not limited to: SPANand 394; ENG 364; PHIL 110.
• As needed prepare and deliver lectures within the Senior Directors area of expertise for other undergraduate or graduate programs hosted at the USD Madrid Center.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree required.
• Minimum of ten years relevant experience required including experience in higher education.
• Qualified to teach in the Madrid Center Semester Program.
• Must have personal study/research abroad experience.
• Knowledge of USA academic standards.
• Must have Spanish and English language proficiency.
• Strong leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree preferred.

Performance Expectations- Knowledge Skills andAbilities:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Effective workflow management
• Problem solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Sensitivity to student and parent needs
• Strong computer skills (MS Office programs Internet Desk-top publishing)
• Experience with publication design and layout
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Self-motivator

$10784 - $11515 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical dental vision a retirement contribution given to you by the University and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience education and other factors including departmental budget.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Closing date:November 26 2025

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information visit Experience:

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