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CEA CAPA Education Abroad · 1 month ago

Director, Custom Program Development

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$100K/yr - $110K/yr

6+ years exp

CEA CAPA is a premier provider of transformative international education experiences, committed to empowering students to become thoughtful and thriving leaders through living and learning abroad. The Director of Custom Program Development will lead the team in designing and developing custom study abroad programs that align with academic goals and foster strong institutional partnerships, while ensuring program quality and innovation.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership to the Custom Program Development team, fostering a high-performance culture that aligns with CEA CAPA's mission, vision, and values

Manage, mentor, and develop a team with varied roles focused on custom program development, fostering professional growth and maintaining a focus on performance, productivity, and engagement

Contribute to the development and execution of departmental strategic plans and initiatives, including integration efforts as the organization evolves and scales

Oversee team workload, setting clear goals and expectations while holding the team accountable for meeting established deadlines and producing high-quality program proposals

Serve as the liaison between the team and senior leadership, advocating for resources and providing insights into departmental needs, challenges, and achievements

Provide strategic direction in the development of custom programs and consult with senior leadership for approval of program model, budget, and pricing exceptions

Partner with the Institutional Relations leadership team to assess custom program pipeline needs, prioritize requests, and align departmental objectives

Act as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, providing solutions and strategic direction in complex or sensitive situations

Engage regularly with key stakeholders across the organization to align efforts and ensure the operational viability of custom program offerings

Support process optimization efforts and contribute to continuous improvements in program development, from the proposal stage through transition to program management

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish policies and workflows that ensure effective and timely delivery of custom programs

Ensure alignment with The Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice

Champion access, opportunity, and impact (AOI) principles in program design and development

Use data-driven insights to assess program performance and recommend improvements that enhance program quality, student outcomes, institutional partnerships, and organizational success

Contribute to the innovation and evolution of the custom program offerings by staying informed of trends and best practices in international education

Qualification

Custom program developmentInternational education experienceLeadership experienceProgram designBudgetingPricingData analysis toolsDiversityInclusionMicrosoft ExcelSalesforce proficiencyCommunication skillsNegotiation skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in a related field

6+ years of experience in international education, including 2+ years focused on custom program development

Proven track record in program design, budgeting, and pricing within the context of international education

Significant experience collaborating with faculty, advisors, and institutional leaders to develop tailored academic programs

Strong leadership and people management experience, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and guide teams toward high levels of performance and professional growth

Expertise in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the development and delivery of custom programs

Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Salesforce (or similar CRM)

Preferred

Master's degree in a related field

Significant experience in a leadership position in the education sector

Direct experience living, working, or studying in multicultural environments

Advanced proficiency with Salesforce and data analysis tools for reporting and performance tracking

Benefits

Wellness & Snacks (In-Office): Fresh Fruit Wednesdays, coffee bar, wellness room, and ergonomic workspaces.

Time Off & Giving Back: 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, and up to 8 hours paid volunteer time—because balance matters.

Support for Your Whole Life: Benefits coverage for domestic partners and optional pet insurance, helping you care for everyone who matters most.

Perks & Discounts: Save at 35+ vendors, including Apple, HelloFresh, Walt Disney World, T-Mobile, and more.

Fun & Community: We encourage team connection and celebration, from office events to informal get-togethers and virtual hangouts—exact activities vary by team.