Director (H/F)

**About us**:
With over 60 years of experience as a study-abroad program in Paris for students from US institutions, CUPA combines a long tradition in international education with a constant desire to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of its students.

CUPA is a division of Paris College of Art, an independent US-accredited and US degree granting institution of higher education offering bachelor’s & master’s degrees.

**Mission**:
The Director is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Center’s academic and operational functions. This role involves overseeing all aspects of the program, including student services, faculty oversight, and partnerships with U.S. and French institutions. The Director will liaise with the PCA Provost for academic matters, with the PCA President for administrative questions, and benefits from the expertise of an Academic Advisory Board. The Director is a central figure in ensuring that CUPA programs meet the highest standards of educational excellence while also addressing the needs of students and home institutions. The Director works closely with various stakeholders, including students, home universities, international partners, and local faculty, to advance CUPA's mission.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES**

**Academic Program Leadership**:

- Oversee the quality and integrity of CUPA’s academic programs, ensuring they meet both U.S. and French educational standards.
- Coordinate with CUPA's Academic Advisory Board to review and revise the curriculum, ensuring alignment with best practices in international education and program relevance.

**Student Services & Support**:

- Ensure the highest quality of student life services.
- Provide comprehensive academic support to students, acting as a primary point of contact for any issues related to their academic experience.
- Implement programs and workshops.

**Academic Integrity & Liaison Responsibilities**:

- Ensure the integrity of grades and transcripts.
- Uphold the highest standards of student behavior and academic integrity.
- Act as a liaison between students and their home universities.
- Serve as the primary institutional representative at professional conferences.

**International Partnerships Development**:

- Develop and manage partnerships with French institutions, including recruiting students for outgoing exchanges and Teaching Assistantships in US partner universities.
- Oversee the development and management of partnerships with US institutions, in collaboration with CUPA’s US-based Assistant Director for Outreach and Admissions, and the Accent Partnership Development team.

**Operational Leadership**:

- Manage the day-to-day operations of the CUPA center.
- Ensure proper allocation of resources for programs, marketing, recruitment, and other center activities; oversee and collaborate on budget planning.
- Develop and implement effective communication strategies.

**Profile**:
**REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS**
- **Communication Skills in English and French**: Exceptional oral and written communication skills in both English and French, with the ability to engage and inspire. Profound understanding of cultural differences, particularly between U.S. and European contexts, with the ability to navigate complex intercultural dynamics.
- **Advanced degree and academic experience**: The Director must hold an advanced academic degree, preferably a PhD from an American or French university. Thorough knowledge of both the French and U.S. credit and grading systems, university cultures, and educational standards.
- **Leadership**: Demonstrated leadership and management experience in an academic or international program setting. Proven ability to motivate, inspire, and manage staff, with a strong focus on team development, performance management, and organizational efficiency.
- **Crisis Management**: Experience in leading during crises, including the ability to assess risk, develop safety protocols, and manage emergency situations with calm and clarity.
- **Student-Centered Approach**: Strong commitment to student success, with experience in academic mentoring, advising, and supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
- **Soft Skills**:Ability to multi-task, Empathy, Adaptability, Active Listening, Conflict Resolution and Creative problem-solving

**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Ability to travel internationally to visit US campuses and participate in professional conferences.
- Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as required during peak program periods or in the event of an emergency.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a variety of stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds.

**CONTRACTUAL TERMS