Director, Office of International Affairs

Role Summary: The Director of International Affairs at Ahmedabad University will lead the institution’s global engagement strategy, fostering high-impact partnerships and enabling transformative international opportunities for students and faculty. The role supports the University’s mission of building a global research and learning ecosystem grounded in interdisciplinary education, contextual relevance, and academic excellence. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and Vision Formulate and execute the international strategy that aligns with the mission and vision of the university Advise senior leadership on emerging trends and global opportunities in higher education and research. Promote an institutional culture of internationalism, diversity, and cross-cultural engagement. Global Partnerships and Institutional Collaborations Identify, develop, and manage strategic international partnerships with universities, research institutions, and global networks. Negotiate and manage MoUs, student/faculty exchange agreements, and collaborative academic initiatives Coordinate with Deans, Centres, and Programme Chairs to ensure relevance and impact of international engagements. International Student Recruitment and Experience Collaborate with Admissions and Communications teams to build the University’s profile internationally and attract high-quality international students. Oversee services supporting international students’ academic success, cultural integration, and well-being. Ensure compliance with immigration regulations and support visa processes in collaboration with relevant agencies. Student and Faculty Mobility Design and implement outbound mobility programs for students and faculty, including semester exchange, short-term study abroad, internships, and research immersion. Ensure academic alignment and credit articulation for exchange programs in consultation with faculty. Facilitate faculty development opportunities with international partners. Research Collaboration and Global Academic Initiatives Enable international research collaborations, visiting faculty programmes, and cross-border knowledge exchange. Support faculty in developing international grant proposals and collaborative research projects. Organise global conferences, workshops, and thematic networks anchored at Ahmedabad University. Operational and Compliance Lead the International Affairs Office, including staffing, budgeting, and process development. Ensure transparent and efficient management of partnership agreements, program evaluations, and compliance reporting. Maintain robust data and analytics on international engagement to inform strategic decision-making. Compliance and Risk Management Ensure institutional compliance with relevant national and international regulations (e.g., UGC, FRRO, data protection). Monitor reputational, legal, and operational risks in all international partnerships and activities. Representation and Outreach Represent Ahmedabad University in international forums, education fairs, consular briefings, and global academic networks. Build institutional relationships with embassies, consulates, and international education agencies. Promote Ahmedabad University’s academic offerings, research strengths, and global ethos through targeted outreach initiatives. Qualifications and Experience: Master’s degree or higher in International Relations, Education, Public Policy, or a related field. Minimum of 15–20 years of relevant experience in international higher education, academic partnerships, or global engagement. Demonstrated leadership in building and managing international collaborations in an academic or research-intensive environment. Strong understanding of international student recruitment, visa policies, and regulatory frameworks. Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-cultural skills. Ability to work collaboratively with academic and administrative leadership across disciplines.

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