Associate Director for International Safety and Security

Associate Director - International Safety and Security (Hybrid)
Illinois International - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Vision 2030 Global Strategy is comprised of five key strategies that will support the university in realizing its vision to be the pre-eminent public research university with a global impact. Illinois International will directly support several activities and initiatives related to the global strategy in the coming years. Learn more about Vision 2030 Global Strategy .

International Safety and Security at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for an Associate Director.

International Safety and Security supports the health, safety, and security of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students, faculty, and staff through detailed traveler and program preparation and comprehensive incident response 24/7. International Safety and Security collaborates with units and departments on campus-including the Office of Risk Management, University Counsel, the education abroad offices, and others-to assist students and travelers in engaging in safe and productive international experiences. Learn more about International Safety and Security . International Safety and Security is a unit of Illinois International. Learn more about Illinois International .

Primary Position Function/Summary:

The Associate Director for International Safety and Security leads major operational components and strategic initiatives that support the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff engaged in university-related international travel. The role is directly responsible for 24/7/365 emergency management, intelligence analysis and risk assessment, training, and core International Safety and Security (ISS) programs and operations. Serves as a subject-matter expert on designated topics or regions and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to maintain global safety awareness and preparedness. Leads all ISS functions in the Director's absence.

Statement of Duties & Responsibilities:

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Lead ISS review of study abroad programs and independent student travel abroad.

• Monitor major global events and trends to assess the potential impact on the health, safety, and security of university travelers.
• Lead ISS review of new programs and program sites for education abroad activities to ensure programs meet institutional standards appropriate for the location, activities, and participants. Consult with location-specific experts and external resources as necessary.
• Provide expert guidance on program planning to colleges and study abroad units. Identify program- or site-specific risks and recommend mitigation strategies to align proposed programs and travel with the university's risk tolerance.
• Guide travelers to appropriate pre-departure health and safety resources based on individual concerns or risk profiles.

Incident Response and Crisis Management

Initiate emergency protocols and support university travelers during emergencies abroad

• With the Director's oversight, maintain unit response plans for all levels of incidents abroad, including illness, injury, mental health, crime, unrest, natural disaster, and other threats to safety and security.
• Oversee the unit's 24/7 on-call program, emergency responder training, and afterhours protocols.
• Serve as an incident manager in the unit's afterhours on-call rotation.
• Collaborate with university units and external partners to implement emergency protocols and support affected travelers abroad and upon re-entry.
• Connect travelers to appropriate support services and resources.
• Conduct welfare checks of travelers during critical incidents.
• Partner with campus communications units to provide timely updates during critical incidents to travelers and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in after-action reviews to strengthen future responses.

Operation and Administration

Oversee daily operations for the unit and supervise civil service staff.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of ISS strategies, plans, and procedures.
• Daily supervision of unit civil service staff, to include training, delegating tasks, and evaluating staff.
• Assist with insurance cases, enrollment, claims, and vendor management, as required.
• Contribute to the development of annual unit plan.
• May represent ISS on committees or working groups.
• May lead or participate in occasional RFP or procurement processes.

Training and Outreach

Lead safety and preparedness training program for study abroad students, faculty, and staff.

• Lead in-person and online training for students, faculty, and staff as part of a rotating schedule.
• Establish the direction of ISS training to reflect current policies and best practices.
• Assist in university-wide outreach related to international travel safety and unit initiatives.
• Manage the development and delivery of emergency preparedness drills for internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant internal offices for coordination and outreach on cross-functional topics.

Professional Development and Industry Engagement

Stay informed of evolving trends and best practices in Interantional health, safety, and security.

• Participate in relevant professional organizations such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and Pulse International.
• Attend conferences and trainings, both domestic and international, to support professional growth and represent the university.
• Travel internationally as needed to support unit initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.

• Three years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.

• Experience in international safety and security or a related field affording relevant professional experience such as corporate or government security and intelligence, risk management, education abroad, student programs. Demonstrated supervisory experience that includes oversight of daily activities, setting performance standards, delegating tasks, team building, and evaluating staff.

(NOTE: A Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)

Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in an area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Preferred: (Successful candidates will have):

• - Master's degree

• - Experience living, studying, or working abroad.

• - Experience working with students, faculty, or other entrepreneurial travelers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of international risk assessment, mitigation strategies, emergency preparedness, and/or crisis response protocols in higher education or related settings.
• Ability to assess and synthesize health, safety, and security information to aid decision-making and produce timely travel recommendations.
• Knowledge of geopolitical, social, and cultural issues as they pertain to education abroad and/or international travel.
• Excellent problem-solving and strong analytical skills with proven ability to strategize, prioritize, and multi-task to meet goals and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with individuals from all backgrounds and with differing opinions or priorities.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately to sensitive, high-stakes, or emergency situations where conditions are changing or established procedures may not exist.
• Professional working proficiency in at least one foreign language strongly preferred.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• May work nights and weekends as part of the on-call rotation. The incumbent will be on call from close of business to opening of business approximately once every three weeks for a period of at least seven consecutive days.

• May work occasional nights for training presentations, approximately three times per year for two hours.
• May work unscheduled nights and weekends to support emergency response and crisis management.

Travel Requirements:

• Domestic and/or international travel up to three times per year for operational needs and professional development opportunities.

Campus and Community

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and major public land-grant university (Doctoral/Research University-Extensive) that is ranked among the best in the world. Chartered in 1867, it provides undergraduate and graduate education in more than 150 fields of study, conducts theoretical and applied research, and provides public service to the state and the nation. It employs about 3,000 faculty members who serve over 33,000 undergraduates and 17,000 graduate and professional students. More information about the campus is available at . The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana (total population 226,000) in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 170 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution. For more information about the community, visit: Living in Champaign-Urbana , Visit Champaign County , or Champaign County Chamber of Commerce .

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The salary for this position is competitive and based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity within Illinois International. The budgeted salary range is $80,000 to $90,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Civil Service employees may earn up to 28 days of vacation leave per year, depending on length of service. The University offers 11 annual paid holidays , 12 cumulative sick leave days, plus an additional 13 non-cumulative sick leave days, if needed, each year. For more information about campus holidays , vacation leave , and sick leave .

Health insurance is available to employees (with the option to purchase coverage for spouse and dependents), required participation in State Universities Retirement System (SURS), with several options for participation in additional retirement plans. Learn more about employee benefits at the University of Illinois . Newly hired employees are covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security and are subject to this deduction.

The University of Illinois has is strong committed to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff: Work-Life Balance & Family-Friendly Programs and Other Work-Life Programs .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 03/26/2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Please include application, cover letter, resume, academic credentials, including required bachelor's degree (unofficial transcripts or diploma may be acceptable), and (3) professional references, including name, email, and phone number. Academic credentials will be verified before hire. Applicants are encouraged to specifically relate their background and experience to the requirements of the position as outlined above Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Illinois International Human Resources at [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1035118

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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