Director of FSU London

Director, Florida State University London

About Florida State University, FSU International Programs, and FSU London

Florida State University is a public research university based in Tallahassee, Florida. The University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. The university strives to instill the strength, skill and character essential for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustained achievement within a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity. Our robust student support infrastructure fosters success, as evidenced by our 96% retention rate and 76% graduation rate within four years. FSU’s research expenditures exceeded $414 million for FY 2023.

Florida State University has a rich history as a global institution, offering programmes abroad since 1957. Among US public universities, the University was recently ranked 1^st for the number of long-duration study abroad students, and 10^th overall for the total number of study abroad students.

FSU International Programs administers four year-round campuses/sites in the Republic of Panama, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as numerous faculty-led programmes in other locations. The university is exploring new ways for the year-round campuses/sites to serve as portals for FSU’s internationalization efforts beyond teaching.

Established in 1971, FSU London owns its current facility, which is comprised of eight 18^th Century row houses in the heart of Bloomsbury. FSU London typically hosts approximately 700 students each year. We maintain a cadre of local faculty who teach during the fall and spring semesters, and we typically host around 35 faculty from the US each summer. FSU London has a team of approximately 22 local staff who support students, faculty and operations. In addition to our own FSU programmes, we host and/or manage study abroad programmes for other US universities. FSU London is administered through a UK charity, and is supervised by FSU International Programs, as part of the Division of Academic Affairs.  

Job Summary

The Director provides leadership of FSU London including strategic planning, academic oversight, finance and compliance responsibilities, and supervising the leadership team. This position is also responsible for developing new partnerships, programmes, and academic opportunities. The Director will spearhead efforts to seek and foster institutional relationships, which align with and support FSU’s teaching, research and creative endeavours. The Director is responsible for staying abreast of and managing compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, Charity Commission requirements, and internal policies applicable to FSU London and making FSU International Programs in Tallahassee aware of any coming law changes that might affect the Charity.

Reporting Relationships

• The FSU London Director reports to the Director of FSU International Programs, Tallahassee, Florida, USA The FSU London Director implements guidance provided by the FSU IPA UK charity Management Councils The FSU London Sr. Associate Director, Associate Director, and Director of Theatre Academy London report to the Director

Responsibilities include:

Leadership, Policy, and Strategic Planning

• Partner with Florida State University faculty and staff colleagues to expand and improve the University’s globalization efforts, international reputation and global outreach 
• Contribute to the development of strategy, policy, and practice with London and Tallahassee leadership teams
• Collaborate with International Programs Executive Team to develop, assess and implement new opportunities In collaboration with the London Associate Director, stay abreast of issues and best practices in the field of education abroad in the UK
• Maintain regular and consistent communication with Director of International Programs and report any issues in a timely manner
• Partner with the Director of International Programs and the Assistant Dean of Development to establish and maintain alumni and donor relations

Partnerships and Programme Development

• Develop relationships across Florida State University, with a view to identifying ways FSU London can support faculty, research, and student engagement initiatives from the home campus
• Develop relationships and partnerships across the UK (particularly in London and the Southeast) to support/facilitate potential research and creative collaborations with faculty at FSU London and Florida State University
• Develop relationships and partnerships with other US institutions to enhance offerings and to support/facilitate potential research and creative collaborations
• Manage relationships and liaise with existing partners
• Collaborate with FSU London team to plan and host visits from dignitaries, FSU colleagues and partners

Management

• Direct supervision of the FSU London leadership team that oversees academic standards and integrity, faculty relations, student conduct, student engagement, health and safety, building and facilities, finance and budgeting, programme development and planning, housing, and IT responsibilities
• Ensure the team is meeting deadlines and operational objectives
• Ensure adequate and appropriate staffing
• Ensure staff appraisals are conducted annually and in accordance with UK and FSU standards
• Work with senior management to disseminate relevant information to staff, students, and partners as appropriate
• Facilitate team building/retreats/trainings to support communication, exchange ideas, and implementation of FSU International Programs policy
• Provide leadership when needed in response to student emergencies and behavioural concerns
• Ongoing review and assessments of all programme and operating aspects
• Liaise with FSU International Programs leadership and staff, as well as other international directors to ensure appropriate implementation of and adherence with relevant Florida State University, International Programs, and FSU London policies and procedures
• Organise meetings and provide reports as needed to the Management Councils for FSU London’s legal entity, FSU IPA UK (The Charity) Serve as an active participant in and leader of an energetic team that represents FSU London and Florida State University locally and throughout the region, including hosting visits and exploring partnerships with other Universities and organizations.

Finance and Compliance

• Assist in developing annual programme budget and participate in forecasting process
• Provide leadership to the building and facilities team who have responsibility for daily operations, project planning, and project management
• Compile information and reports necessary for planning, directing, and reporting financial activity at the study centre Implement procedures designed to ensure the efficient financial operation of the study centre
• Oversee the accurate reporting of financial accounts and exercise appropriate control over programme delivery costs
• Ensure proper financial documentation is maintained in accordance with FSU London’s established policies and procedures
• Oversight of budget requests and monthly reports to the CFO and Director of International Programs Respond and actively participate in all audits
• Ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations including Charity Commission requirements
• Stay abreast of everchanging UK Visa and Immigration guidance and responsibilities, working collaboratively with team members who manage daily compliance of the UK Visa and Immigration Sponsor License
• Ensure compliance with UK, US, and FSU data protection requirements
• Consult with legal counsel as necessary, in conjunction with International Programs’ executive team Manage resources to support new programme development

Academic Oversight

• Ensure compliance with FSU policies, accreditation requirements and protocols
• Foster professional and academic relationships with the broader academic community in London and support recruitment of new faculty as necessary In collaboration with the London Senior Associate Director and FSU London Academics Team, stay abreast of academic issues and best practices in the field of education abroad in the UK Curriculum development in conjunction with International Programs and respective departments, as necessary Potential to teach in area of expertise, with appropriate approvals and as time/calendar demands allow

Travel

• Travel to US, typically once a year for meetings with FSU Tallahassee staff Potential travel within Europe for meetings and conferences
• This position occasionally requires working during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays

Profile and Requirements

• Successful candidate will display enthusiasm, initiative, and motivation to work as part of a team that establishes respect and trust with FSU London colleagues, as well as faculty and administrative colleagues across Florida State University
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in an environment that requires significant collaboration and cooperation
• Must be flexible and be able to respond quickly to changing circumstances
• Must have a high tolerance for ambiguity
• Understanding of the US higher education system; experience in study abroad is desirable
• Understanding of the UK higher education system; preference given to those with knowledge of and/or connections within the research community Innovative thinker with desire to seek new approaches and improvements
• Proven ability to establish an appropriate mentoring/advising relationship with college age students
• Existing legal right to work in the UK Terminal degree or Postgraduate degree Ample relevant experience in higher education, preferably in both the US and the UK systems and/or within the field of Education Abroad
• Excellent written and spoken English Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records of expenditure and understanding of budget and accounting practices

Salary

Salary is commensurate with skills and experience

Location

Florida State University London, 99 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LH

Work arrangement

Full-time, office-based, with hybrid work opportunities for limited/specific time periods based on programme/calendar needs

To Apply

Please send a CV and a cover letter detailing your previous experience, and why you feel you are a good fit for the role to Dr Chris Carroll via the button below.