Executive Director of International Business Development

Role

Northwood University is searching for an entrepreneurial leader to serve as Executive Director of International Business Development (EDIBD), who will be pivotal in guiding and overseeing the university's international partnerships and growth strategy. This role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and execution of four key priorities:

• Cultivation and expansion of strategic alignment with international universities, educational organizations, and industry partners to expand the institution’s global footprint.
• Identifying, developing, and managing key relationships with global universities, corporate partners, and organizations to support the university’s long‑term international vision, including to increase international enrollment and enhance the university’s global reach and reputation.
• Internationalization initiatives across institutional operations in alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Strategic planning and delivery of growth initiatives for the university’s International Program Centers (IPCs).

The EDIBD will report directly to Northwood’s Academic Vice President and Provost while working closely with members of the university’s executive team and academic leadership.

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Collaborate with Deans to enhance global engagement opportunities at Northwood University for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Identify, develop, and manage relationships with international universities, corporations, and other organizations, including negotiating and managing international agreements.
  • Provide leadership in the implementation of internationalization goals to align with the university’s strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate deans to lead the development and execution of innovative and relevant international programs, such as study abroad, international internships, and exchange programs.
  • Establish strategic international partnerships to advance Northwood’s mission and The Northwood Idea in collaboration with Deans and leadership team.
  • Analyze market trends, monitor the competitive landscape and identify emerging opportunities to inform partnership strategy.
• Enrollment Management:
  • Work closely with Admissions and Marketing to increase the number of international students enrolled at the Midland campus.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing department to curate Northwood University digital assets for IPC recruitment growth.
  • Work closely with other campus departments on strategic and recruitment initiatives for international student scholarships.
• International Program Centers (IPCs):
  • In collaboration with university leadership, negotiate and formalize agreements and joint program initiatives to expand student pathways.
  • Work closely with the Deans to establish and expand IPC program offerings.
  • Maintain first point‑of‑contact relationships with key stakeholders at each established IPC.
  • Support the Deans in academic quality assurance and initiatives at IPCs.
• Compliance and
  
  Risk Management:
  
  
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures related to international programs, including SEVIS compliance, health and safety protocols, and travel advisories.
• Departmental Management:
  • Supervise and coordinate staffing.
  • Manage the International Affairs department budget and administrative functions.

• An earned bachelor’s (graduate degree preferred) in a relevant field, including Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7‑10 years of experience in higher education, business development, or institutional partnerships.
• Advanced knowledge of global trends, best practices, and emerging issues in international education.
• Experience in developing and managing international partnerships, exchange programs, and enrollment growth strategies.
• Expertise in international and U.S. immigration regulations.
• Excellent management abilities and a track record of effectively managing and motivating teams.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management principles.
• Excellent international negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in a second language preferred.
• A…