Program Development Specialist

Program Development Specialist/Study Abroad Advisor

Global Programs and Studies

Job Overview

The Program Development Specialist and Study Abroad Advisor provides program-related support for Wheaton-run semester programs and international internships; advises and assists students during application and preparation for off-campus study or international experiences; and works in tandem with academic and campus offices to facilitate student participation in international programs. The Program Development Specialist and Study Abroad Advisor reports directly to the Executive Director of Global Programs and Studies. This is an exempt position; 40 hours/week, 12 months/year, that pays between $53,000 - $55,000. Requires occasional evening responsibilities as well as occasional travel. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the operational aspects, administrative planning, communication, and marketing/promotion for Wheaton faculty-led semester programs, building and maintaining relationships with vendors and third-party program provider(s) to support programs. 
• Develop program budgets and monitor program revenue and expenses. Facilitate payment of program expenses, including electronic payment disbursements to students.
• Advise students for Wheaton-in semester study abroad opportunities in light of their curricular goals, intercultural interests, and program offerings. Provide support from application and pre-departure through return. 
• Facilitate College application and registration processes for non-Wheaton student participation on a Wheaton faculty-led program. Develop relationships with the global education offices at other CCCU campuses to market/promote participation in Wheaton faculty-led programs.
• Partner with the Executive Director and academic departments to identify areas of growth and opportunities for additional faculty-led programs and collaborate in all aspects of program development from program proposal to program delivery. 
• Provide support for independent student travel registration (international internship/field experience and international student teachers), explaining processes and College-wide requirements.
• Lead, coordinate, and manage budget for one annually assigned GPS event and support all planned GPS events (e.g., Study Abroad Fair, bi-annual GPS Photo Contest, GPS sessions at Admissions events, New Student Orientation, and other events).  
• Liaise with campus offices (e.g., Admissions, Academic Advising, Registrar’s Office, SFS, SHS, Student Wellness, Housing, Risk Management, etc.) to assist students planning education abroad experiences and, as necessary, to support processes associated with new program development.
• Build and maintain GoGlobal/TerraDotta applications and system workflows in supported travel areas; Maintain GPS Wheaton-in semester study abroad program pages on the Wheaton website using College CMS.
• Conduct weekly academic eligibility reviews of all fall and spring students registered in GoGlobal.
• Represent and participate in various campus committees and projects related to the GPS office such as the GPS Advisory Committee.
• Advise students for Approved Partner programs, both summer and semester, as needed.

This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibility; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned. 

Professional Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of related job experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to synthesize information clearly
• Strong organization and program management/administration skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working with a web content management system (CMS), student information system (SIS) and/or client relationship management system (CRM)
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to strategically prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member

Professional Preferred Qualifications

• Cross-cultural or international study experience
• Experience working in a higher education office

Faith Qualifications

• Affirmation of the Wheaton College Statement of Faith as a faithful expression of one’s own theological convictions
• Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian character and God-honoring behavior described throughout the Wheaton College Community Covenant, and promise to adhere to them in personal practice
• Support of the Wheaton College Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, the Gender Equity Vision Statement, and the College’s Convictions on Human Sexuality.  These commitments can be found on the Wheaton College website.

Physical Requirements 

The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 10 pounds.

FLSA Status – Exempt

Updated - September 2026