Department: Buffett Inst Global Affairs
Salary/Grade: EXS/11
The expected salary for this position is between $95,000 - $105,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.
Job Summary:
In collaboration with the Senior Director, the Director of Buffett Undergraduate Programs is a key leader in the Institute's engagement with undergraduate students across all of Northwestern University's schools and academic majors. The Director is responsible for the planning and oversight of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate initiatives, ensuring program quality, student success, and continuous improvement in alignment with the Institute's mission. More than 1000 undergraduates engaged with Buffett's programs in FY25.
The Director manages and mentors a program coordinator and student workers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team that delivers the Institute's full undergraduate program portfolio. This portfolio currently comprises seven distinct programs, including fellowships and grants, community-building initiatives, and course-based programs with faculty-led travel, all of which are supported through cross-functional collaboration with the Institute's business and operations, global collaboration, and communications teams. The Director exercises responsibility for program design, implementation, and evaluation, as well as for budgeting and resource stewardship as appropriate.
The Director leads the recently launched post-baccalaureate fellowship program, stewarding partnerships with international sites, supporting alumni fellows in their work placements, and directing program operations, assessment, and risk management in coordination with unit partners.
In this work, the Director collaborates closely with faculty members and staff members in various campus offices that support undergraduate global learning, including the Weinberg College Center for International and Area Studies, the Roberta Buffett International Studies Program, the Global Learning Office, and the Office of Global Safety and Security, among others. In partnership with these campus units, the Director serves as a subject-matter expert on the Institute's programs and on the intersection of global engagement, student success, and risk management, ensuring adherence to university policies and international regulations. The Director also advances equitable access to international and global learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds and disciplines, strengthening the Institute's impact, institutional partnerships, and reputation.
Please note:
- Occasional evening and weekend events and commitments
- Occasional domestic and international travel
Specific Responsibilities:
- Provide Strategic Leadership for Buffett Institute Undergraduate Programs: In coordination with Buffett's Senior Director, Director is in charge of the Institute's seven distinct programs for undergraduates, including our portfolio of courses offered in conjunction with the International Studies Program; the Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship program; the Elliott Scholars Program; Global Labs; the Atlas Mentorship Program; the senior thesis grant; and post-baccalaureate initiatives.
- Develop the flagship Buffett Post-Baccalaureate Program: Currently the Post-Baccalaureate Program includes three sites and three fellowships, with an expansion to fifteen sites and twenty fellowships planned by the Faculty Director in the next four years. Development of program includes assessing potential NGOs, arts organizations and companies for appropriate fit with the Institute's mission (including possible site visits); working with the university's Office of the General Counsel on partnership agreements; working with external partner organizations on position descriptions, appropriate duties and HR processes; running the internal fellowship competition and advising students on opportunities; working with successful candidates on visa requirements and other pre-departure requirements for international work travel, including health and safety and risk management precautions; making travel arrangements; scheduling periodic check-ins with fellows when they are in the field; organizing reporting to donors.
- Administer and assess existing programs by encouraging student applications; advising students on opportunities; convening selection committees; maintaining program budgets; working with other units at the university for the smooth functioning of the programs; developing and administering surveys to gauge effectiveness of programs.
- Recruit and support faculty members to staff Buffett-sponsored courses with guidance from Faculty Director and Senior Director. This includes working with faculty to develop relevant courses and co-curricular events; meeting with faculty to create a pipeline of engaged prospective instructors; and oversee embedded faculty-led travel in alignment with institutional policies and global safety standards.
- In coordination with the Faculty Director and Senior Director, initiate new programs by assessing Northwestern's institutional needs. Scope of activities includes conducting independent research on activities at peer institutions, assessing best practices; developing budgets, coordinating faculty members and other interested departments/units at the university.
- Partner across the Institute to develop co-curricular and community-building opportunities for undergraduates, including events with visiting scholars and practitioners, faculty-led simulations, and other engagement activities that enhance students' global learning experiences.
- Represent and promote Buffett Institute undergraduate programs campus-wide, including overseeing the student ambassador program; collaborating with partner offices on outreach strategies; and coordinating participation in open houses, tabling, and other recruitment and visibility initiatives, while serving as a liaison to offices supporting undergraduate global education and international experiences.
- Liaise with university offices focused on undergraduate education and global experiences to monitor evolving student needs, institutional priorities, and policy developments, ensuring program alignment and responsiveness.
- Supervise 1-2 Staff Members and Work-Study Students, and Support Staff Training, and Team Leadership: Oversees the recruitment, evaluation, and selection of Buffett's undergraduate team, including staff and work-study students; supervises staff and work-study student activities.
Miscellaneous
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher degree
Leadership in design and oversight of effective international programs
1-3 years' experience implementing, monitoring and evaluating frameworks
Experience in an academic research environment, international development, or similar
Extensive experience with program development in a university setting and global context
Excellent analytical, research and writing skills
A high degree of initiative, and aptitude for both independent and collaborative work
Excellent prioritization and time management skills
Excellent presentation and communication skills and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
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Northwestern University
Mar 17, 2026