Granada Center Director

Location: Granada, Spain

Employment Type: Full-time Employee

Reports To: Spain Center Cluster Dean with dotted line reporting to the Senior AVP, Academic Programs based in Chicago, Illinois, USA

Direct Reports: All IES Abroad Granada Department Heads

Overview:

The IES Abroad Granada Interim Center Director oversees the strategy, management, and operations of the IES Abroad Granada Center. This role includes supervising the Center's academic programs and serving as the primary liaison with partner institutions in Spain. The Interim Center Director fosters a wide network of contacts in Granada and across Spain to enhance the Center's activities and align with IES Abroad's goals. They act as the primary point of contact between the Granada Center and IES Abroad headquarters in Chicago, working closely with the Spain Region Center Cluster Dean, to whom they report.

Key responsibilities include hiring and supervising all staff and faculty for the Granada Center, ensuring the health and safety of the students, and representing the Center at IES Abroad meetings, college and university visits in the United States, professional organizations, and conferences. The Interim Center Director collaborates with other IES Abroad Center Directors globally, as well as with staff and faculty throughout the Spain Region. They may also serve on organization-wide committees and task forces as needed.

The ideal candidate combines strong academic credentials with proven experience in administration and management. They should possess a deep understanding of the structure, organization, and culture of higher education in both the United States and Spain, along with experience working in educational contexts in both countries. The role demands effective collaboration with institutions in Spain and the U.S., a commitment to academic excellence, and a passion for educating college students in an international setting while fostering intercultural competence. Native or near-native fluency in both written and spoken Spanish and English is required.

Duties

Administration and Program Management

• Collaborate with the Center Cluster Dean and AVP of Academic Programs to set and evaluate annual Center goals.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the Center's budget; approve expenditures; review financials monthly; and meet all deadlines.
• Strategically plan and manage Center staff with input from the Center Cluster Dean and Academic Affairs leadership.
• Coordinate with the Customized Programs Department to plan and administer programs on-site.
• Maintain regular office hours and be accessible to students, faculty, and staff.
• Conduct annual performance reviews for Center staff.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment among staff, faculty, and resident assistants.
• Develop or revise programs, courses, and intercultural opportunities in consultation with leadership and Chicago Academics staff.
• Oversee collaboration with the Internships Programs team to plan and manage the Center's summer internship program.
• Ensure all staff, faculty, and assistants are trained in and comply with IES Abroad protocols and policies.

Academic Management

• Implement IES Abroad quality standards based on the MAP series, policies, and protocols.
• Collaborate with the Center Cluster Dean and AVP for Academic Programs to enhance and develop academic programs.
• Ensure adherence to guidelines from the IES Abroad Academic Council and Curriculum Committee.
• Work with the Academics Manager to evaluate academic programs and implement improvements in coordination with leadership.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate faculty while ensuring compliance with Spain and legal and other requirements.
• Oversee student registration for courses, internships, and assistantships with support from Center staff.
• Meet regularly with students to discuss academic progress, internships, and intercultural development and provide support.
• Promote effective use of educational technology, including Moodle.
• Ensure academic integrity by enforcing policies, addressing grade appeals, and supporting students with special needs.
• Support professional development opportunities for staff and faculty.
• Collaborate with Spain Cluster colleagues on strategic academic initiatives.

Communication

• Regularly meet via phone or Zoom with the Center Cluster Dean and Academic Affairs Leadership Team to address and improve Center-related matters.
• Stay informed about academic developments in Spain and the U.S. to ensure the Granada curriculum remains current and relevant; provide training to faculty and staff accordingly.
• Regularly share updates with IES Abroad Chicago, including financial reports, promotional materials, societal and educational trends in Spain, labor requirements, and cultural insights.
• Collaborate with Chicago staff, fellow Interim Center Directors, Spain Cluster colleagues, and other stakeholders on workshops, training, intercultural projects, and strategic initiatives in coordination with leadership.
• Oversee the preparation of materials for the Granada Center's annual report

Outreach, Public Relations, and Marketing

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local universities and institutions, serving as the primary liaison between local partners (e.g., U Spain, UC Spain) and the IES Abroad Chicago office.
• Represent the IES Abroad Granada Center to local and regional Spainan authorities and the community.
• Participate in the IES Abroad Annual Conference and Interim Center Directors' meetings, including delivering presentations as needed.
• Visit U.S. colleges and universities to promote the Granada Center's programs and communicate the mission, goals, and practices of IES Abroad.
• Work with Chicago staff and the Center Cluster Dean to develop marketing, pre-departure, visa support, and other student material

Student Life

• Lead local staff in conducting on-site orientation for students at IES Abroad Granada, the Center, and partner institutions.
• Oversee the creation of student activities, field trips, and course-related trips, ensuring alignment with intercultural and academic goals.
• Supervise staff in developing and managing student internships.
• Work with the Student Affairs Coordinator to ensure high-quality student housing, address issues, and improve housing options. Participate in Resident Assistant meetings and handle urgent situations as needed.
• Enforce IES Abroad discipline policies when required.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management

• Develop, review, and implement local crisis management plans following IES Abroad policies.
• Oversee the execution of emergency drills each term in collaboration with the IES Abroad Crisis Management Team.
• Manage 24/7 emergency phone coverage to address student emergencies promptly.
• Respond swiftly to student crises by leveraging local resources and coordinating with the Crisis Management Team, Dean of Students Office, AVP for Academic Programs, and other relevant parties.
• Proactively inform the Crisis Management Team, Dean of Students Office, and AVP for Academic Programs of local emergencies or concerns that may impact the safety of students, staff, and faculty.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., business, humanities, social sciences, STEM) required; doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible managerial experience.
• Experience managing study abroad programs and working with U.S. university students is highly desirable.
• University-level teaching experience is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with higher education systems, organization, and customs in both Spain and the U.S.
• Ability to effectively engage with students from U.S. colleges and universities.
• Near-native fluency in English is required.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams.
• Experience managing complex budgets; not-for-profit budget management experience is a plus
• Demonstrated commitment to international education, intercultural issues, and student affairs is preferred.
• Strong interest in fostering the academic and intercultural growth of university students.
• A student-centered approach with sensitivity to diversity and inclusion issues.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Spain at the time of employment offer.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Spain, the region, and occasionally to the U.S.
• Background check may be required