Director of Academic Partnerships & Student Engagement

About Global Livingston Institute (GLI):

The Global Livingston Institute (GLI) is a nonprofit organization committed to redefining global learning through immersive education and cross-cultural partnerships. Operating primarily in Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana, GLI empowers students and community leaders from the U.S. and Africa to listen, think, and act together through experiential programs that promote global citizenship, sustainable development, and systems change.

Position Overview:

The Director of Academic Partnerships & Student Engagement will lead GLI’s U.S.-based academic outreach, recruitment strategy, and school relationship management. This role is critical in expanding access to GLI’s Global Classroom programs by cultivating partnerships with schools, universities, and community-based education organizations, while ensuring that student learning outcomes and program impact are clearly defined, measured, and continuously improved. The Director will play a key role on GLI’s leadership team, serving as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Partnership Development

• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with high schools, colleges, universities, and educational networks nationwide.
• Represent GLI at conferences, campus visits, and professional networks to expand visibility and secure new program partners.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs to align academic program offerings with institutional learning goals and accreditation requirements.

Student Recruitment & Engagement

• Design and execute national recruitment strategies targeting high school and university students, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups.
• Lead student outreach efforts, including presentations, application support, info sessions, and interviews.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school counselors, academic advisors, and faculty champions.

Curriculum Development & Learning Design

• Oversee pre-departure curriculum and support orientation modules focused on ethics, global systems, identity, and intercultural learning.
• Support integration of GLI experiences into academic course credit, capstone projects, or internship requirements where applicable.
• Collaborate with GLI staff in Africa to ensure curriculum reflects local contexts, fosters equity, and supports peer-to-peer learning.

Impact Measurement & Evaluation

• Design and oversee tools for evaluating student learning outcomes, program satisfaction, and longitudinal impact.
• Conduct pre- and post-program assessments to track growth in global awareness, leadership, and social-emotional development.
• Produce impact reports and case studies for internal learning, donors, and institutional partners.

School Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for U.S. partner schools and universities throughout the program cycle.
• Maintain ongoing communication with educators, administrators, and families, ensuring alignment and satisfaction.
• Plan and host school-based events, info sessions, and family engagement opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; International Development, International Affairs, Public Affairs, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in education, study abroad, experiential learning, or partnership development.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and drive student recruitment campaigns.
• Strong background in curriculum design, educational outcomes, and/or youth leadership development.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and cross-cultural facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with impact evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
• Passion for GLI’s mission and willingness to travel periodically to East Africa.