Director, Center for Global Education - UT Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga seeks an innovative leader to serve as its next Director for the Center for Global Education. The Director advances UTC’s strategies related to the internationalization of the campus student population. This position supervises three units: the Office of Study Abroad programs, Undergraduate and Graduate International Admissions, and Immigration and International Student and Employee Services. The role also serves as the University’s authority for immigration matters and compliance.

Leadership

Responsible for units’ leadership in fiscal management, strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and staff performance management.

Responsible for the financial stewardship of the Center budget; and for developing the annual budget with clearly defined parameters and resource allocation between units.

Analyzes and interprets data, identifies areas of concern, and recognizes when there is a problem related to major Global Education initiatives.

Leads and advocates for academic projects in the development and monitoring of the campus strategic plan that align with Global Education.

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with stakeholders.

Immigration

Serves as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, including the issuing of I-20/DS-2019 documents and maintenance of SEVIS records.

Advises the University on student and employee related issues regarding the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.

Maintains and oversees policies and procedures governing the J-1 Visiting Scholars and Faculty program.

Serves as main campus liaison with U.S. foreign governmental sponsors, international foundations and agencies, and international offices in the University of Tennessee System.

Establishes Center procedures for governing I-20/DS-2019 (F1 & J-1).

Risk Management

Oversees risk management for all international University travel (employees and students).

Establishes risk management procedures, including international crises management procedures, for UTC in collaboration with university stakeholders.

Collaboration

International student recruiting liaison in association with undergraduate and graduate admissions

Ability to secure funding through effective major gift solicitations, creative sponsorship opportunities, grants, and/or effective donor cultivation events.

Application Review

Application review will begin November 2, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration may be given to applicants who submit complete application materials by the initial review date. To be fully considered, please submit a resume/CV and cover letter.

Salary

Starting at $85,000 annually

Questions regarding the Director for the Center for Global Education may be directed to Dr. Kathleen Wheatley at Kathleen-Wheatley@utc.edu .

Minimum

Master’s degree

5 years progressively responsible management/leadership in the field of international education and student services within higher education.

Preferred

Doctoral degree

7+ years progressively responsible management/leadership in the field of international education and student services within higher education.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is in the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. As a national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first and only university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands-on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.