What are the responsibilities and job description for the Study Abroad Program Manager position at Principia The?
Title: Study Abroad Program Manager
Department/Location: Study Abroad, Elsah, IL
Position Type: Full-time, 12-month
Summary
The Study Abroad Program Manager is responsible for the coordination and day-to-day execution of Principia College’s study abroad and field programs. Working closely with the Assistant Director of Study Abroad, this role ensures that all logistical, administrative, and operational components of assigned programs are implemented effectively and efficiently.
The Program Manager serves as a key point of contact for students, faculty, and program partners, supporting the successful delivery of high-quality global learning experiences.
Who We Are
At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.
At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.
Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Logistics
- Coordinate the logistical implementation of 2–5 study abroad and field programs annually.
- Arrange travel, housing, excursions, and on-site services in collaboration with international partners and vendors.
- Manage program timelines and ensure all logistical components are executed on schedule.
- Prepare and distribute program materials, including itineraries and pre-departure information.
Student Support & Communication
- Serve as a primary contact for students throughout the application, pre-departure, and return phases.
- Manage student applications, enrollment processes, and documentation.
- Provide guidance on program requirements, timelines, and general preparation.
- Support and help facilitate pre-departure orientations and re-entry programming.
Financial Processing & Budget Tracking
- Process program-related payments, invoices, and financial transactions in coordination with the Assistant Director and Accounting Office.
- Track program expenses and maintain accurate financial records.
- Assist in monitoring program budgets and flag discrepancies or concerns.
Program Operations & Administrative Support
- Maintain program records, databases, and reporting systems.
- Assist in coordinating contracts and documentation for faculty and program personnel.
- Support the implementation of policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Assist with marketing materials, website updates, and program communications
Risk Management Support
- Support implementation of health and safety protocols for all programs.
- Monitor student compliance with required documentation (e.g., insurance, waivers, travel forms).
- Assist in incident reporting and documentation.
- Communicate emerging issues to the Assistant Director and support response efforts as directed.
Office Operations
- Assist with general office coordination, including student workers, shared resources, and administrative processes.
- Support special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.
Core Competencies
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
- Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
- Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
- Resource Stewardship: Manages budgets, time, and resources responsibly and strategically to achieve departmental and institutional objectives.
- Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
- Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Student of Christian Science preferred
- Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 2–4 years of relevant experience in program coordination, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in study abroad, student services, or experiential education.
- Experience working with international logistics, vendors, or travel coordination.
- Familiarity with student information systems or program management platforms.
- International experience and/or foreign language skills.
- This position may require occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during peak program periods. Responsibilities may evolve based on departmental needs
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $50,225 - $58,450 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:
- Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
- Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
- Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.
Equal Opportunity
Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.
In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.
Salary : $50,225 - $58,450