Program Supervisor, International First-Year Programs

The N.U.in Program is one of Northeastern’s signature global first-year experiences and truly embodies the university’s experiential approach to education. Launched in 2007, The N.U.in Program exemplifies Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning, offering students the chance to begin their college journey with a transformative semester abroad. 

Students admitted to The N.U.in Program embark on a unique journey. They study abroad in their first semester with other Northeastern first-year students at the N.U.in location of their choice and begin their studies on the Boston campus during their spring semester. Partner institutions deliver academic courses while Northeastern staff provide on-site leadership and support services during the program. In 2025, The N.U.in Program will host 9 N.U.in locations across Europe. 

Through rigorous academics and immersive cultural engagement, students gain invaluable personal, academic, and intercultural skills through their participation in The N.U.in Program. Supported by a professional on-site team, students become more confident, curious, globally minded, and prepared to thrive in their studies and beyond. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Supervisor oversees the on-the-ground operations of The N.U.in Program, serving as the primary point of contact and liaison between Northeastern University and one of our global partner institutions. The Program Supervisor ensures the efficient and effective delivery of program services through daily program management. The Program Supervisor collaboratively fosters a community that encourages students to challenge their assumptions and develop mutual respect for individuals from different cultures, life experiences, and beliefs. In collaboration with the site leadership team, the Program Supervisor troubleshoots issues, ensures program quality, and organizes logistics for various on-site program activities. This role includes serving an on-call rotation and contributing to student development through programming, monitoring, and evaluation efforts. Additionally, Program Supervisors manage the on-site programming budget and marketing and events administration. 

Responsibilities Include: 

Spring: 

• Participate and lead N.U.in enrollment efforts in partnership with Northeastern University admissions, including but not limited to speaking or presenting to admitted students and their families about The N.U.in Program. 

• Lead project-based N.U.in Program development (e.g., Pre-Departure Orientation planning, marketing and communications, student programming, N.U.in alumni ambassador program oversight, or program assessment). 

• Plan and lead student transition events in the spring semester for returning N.U.in students to support their successful integration into the university. 

• Support N.U.in Program customer service through responding to admitted student and family inquiries via email and phone. 

• Collaborate with N.U.in Assistant/Associate Director for Fall location-specific planning efforts. 

Summer: 

• Coordinate and lead N.U.in Pre-Departure Orientation and prepare students and families for the fall experience. 

• Participate in a mandatory 2–3-week training program on-campus in Boston in July, followed by online training prior to departure to site (university housing provided in Boston for this period). 

• Lead or co-lead small group sessions for assigned site team (with guidance). 

• Support students through the visa application process in collaboration with GEO Visa team. 

Fall: 

• Live on-site at assigned student housing location or residence, and act as the primary point of contact between the partner institution and Northeastern University. 

• Serve on a 24/7 on-call rotation for student support and crisis response. 

• Work in collaboration with a Student Success Manager and a team of Student Success Coordinators in all aspects of program needs. 

• Oversee programming model and implementation in part by evaluating and approving on-site programming to ensure a diversity of academic, social, and cultural programs. 

• Report and collaborate with central staff and report on expense projections and spending. 

• Complete monthly reconciliation and transactional tracking of operating budget. 

• Ensure all financial matters align with Northeastern University’s expectations and follow Northeastern University fiscal policies. 

• Serve as a liaison with staff and faculty from the host institution and the Global Experience Office (GEO) at Northeastern University through regular meetings and oral and/or written reports. Serve as the point of contact for academic concerns, program-wide excursions, on-site orientation, and more. 

• Work in partnership with the Student Life lead, to address student health and wellbeing issues and concerns and appropriate follow-up plans. 

• Encourage student academic success, respond to student concerns, and connect students to on-site and Boston-based academic, medical, and mental health resources. 

• Work non-traditional hours as needed, including evenings and weekends, supporting student programming and attending to the safety and wellbeing of students. 

• Work with both Northeastern University and the partner institution abroad to co-design orientation, cultural immersion, and academic support programs that incorporate Northeastern’s values with the host institution’s resources and expertise. 

• Support students in their transition to the host country and return to the United States, in collaboration with colleges and departments on transition support initiatives, including orientations. 

The role is a full-time, benefits-eligible position that requires the person in this role to live on-site with students for at least 3-4 months at one or more N.U.in locations globally. During the fall semester, this individual will live on-site and oversee the operations for one N.U.in Program location. 

Additional Information: Program Supervisor location placement decisions are made on an on-going basis. Our aim is to build teams that will work well together to fulfill the mission of the university, and as such location assignments are subject to change based on the program management needs. Cultural and language experience in the regions we operate, and location preferences are considered. Careful attention is given to everyone’s skills and experience. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

This dynamic and demanding role requires exceptional patience, flexibility, assertiveness, diplomacy, and self-initiative. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and is adept at navigating the personal and professional complexities of staff, students, and the distinct needs of two institutions within a study abroad setting. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in higher education, international education, student affairs, or a related field preferred. 

• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in areas such as higher education, residence life, student support services, or international programs. 

• Experience working, studying, or living abroad—or other significant intercultural experience. 

• Demonstrated ability to build communities where all students feel supported, respected, and able to succeed. 

• Intermediate knowledge of program administration, evaluation, and development. 

• Understanding of NAFSA: Association of International Educators’ professional ethics and competencies. 

• Flexibility and demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and take actions that satisfy diverse interests. 

• Demonstrated history of supporting, advocating for, and/or leading initiatives that increase student’s sense of belonging.  

• Effective organizational, communication, time management, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. 

• Proven ability to coordinate and manage events for large groups with enthusiasm and attention to detail. 

• Proven ability to work well under challenging conditions, demonstrate sound judgement, and take actions that satisfy diverse or competing interests while achieving programmatic goals. 

• Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office software required. Familiarity with Salesforce or Slate preferred. 

• Experience with budget reporting. 

• Fluent in English. 

• Location/area expertise and local language proficiency preferred (if applicable).