Director of International Students and ESL Programs

Position Number: 1.6.4 Date: 05/21/2026Position Title: Director of International Students and ESL ProgramsDepartment: Student Life Division: Student LifeNumber of hours per week for which this position is budgeted: 40Number of months per year for which this position is budgeted: 12Reports to: Dean of Students FLSA Status: ExemptPOSITION SUMMARYThe Director of International Students and ESL Programs provides comprehensive leadership for all international student services, compliance, recruitment, and retention efforts, while serving as the primary architect and administrator of the University's ESL (English as a Second Language) program. This role ensures institutional compliance with federal regulations, fosters holistic care for international students, and strategically integrates ESL programming into the university's enrollment, retention, and academic success initiatives.This position combines operational excellence (compliance, student care, coordination) with program leadership (ESL development, advising, and strategic growth).Employee must possess a vibrant, personal Christian faith including a clear testimony of Christian conversion and be actively involved in an evangelical, preferably Southern Baptist, church.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESInternational Student Compliance and OperationsMaintain SEVIS records, issue I-20s, and ensure full institutional compliance with federal regulationsOversee admissions documentation, maintain student records, and assist Registrar with transcript evaluationAssist students with immigration-related processes including OPT, CPT, Social Security, and related needsServe as liaison with Financial Aid, Business Office, and other campus departmentsESL Program Leadership (Primary Distinctive Emphasis)Provide direct leadership, oversight, and strategic development of the ESL program.Supervise placement testing (entrance/exit exams) and ensure appropriate language-level progressionDirectly oversee academic advising and course scheduling for ESL students, particularly in their first year or through associate-level completionDevelop, assess, and refine ESL curriculum in collaboration with Academic Administration to ensure alignment with institutional academic standardsProduce ongoing recommendations to Academic Administration regarding ESL structure, delivery, and improvementTrack ESL student outcomes (retention, progression, completion) and use data to improve program effectivenessStudent Success and CareProvide mentoring for international students, including academic, personal, and cultural transition supportMonitor academic progress and track student goalsClearly communicate scholarship expectations and renewal requirements to studentsSupport host home programs, airport logistics, and student life integrationRecruitment and Enrollment StrategyAssist in international student recruitment effortsRespond to inquiries and manage prospective student communication pipelinesCollaborate with Athletics on international recruiting processes and scholarship complianceRecommend scholarship structures based on market conditions and enrollment goalsProgram Administration and CollaborationMaintain accurate retention reporting and provide data to institutional leadershipEnsure international student web content and communications are currentContribute to administrative committees, disciplinary processes, and institutional initiativesSupport PR and storytelling for international student engagementDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS* Works closely with Academic Administration, Enrollment, Athletics, Financial Aid, Student Life, and external recruiting partners to ensure a coordinated international student experienceKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESStrong knowledge of international student regulations and complianceDemonstrated ability to lead academic or ESL programmingOrganizational leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaborationIntercultural communication and student development skillsCommitment to the University's mission and valuesEDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAININGMaster's degree required (preferred in TESOL, Higher Education, or related field)Minimum 3-5 years experience in international education, ESL, or student servicesExperience with ESL program oversight or instruction strongly preferredTo apply, please submit an application, including a cover here.Disclaimer* This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required. HLGU reserves the right to revise or change job duties, required skills, or qualifications as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.