Job Description - Director EducationUSA Advising

Position Purpose / Role Summary

Based in Islamabad and reporting to the Executive Director, The Director EducationUSA Advising provides strategic and operational leadership to USEFP’s nEducationUSA advising network in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The role ensures high-quality advising services in alignment with EducationUSA’s Five Steps to U.S. Study, U.S. Embassy guidance, and Department of State global standards.

The position leads national advising strategy, manages multi-city teams, strengthens partnerships with U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs) and local stakeholders, and oversees major advising initiatives, outreach, events, and reporting to expand access to U.S. higher education information across Pakistan.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic, planning, and organizational skills, with proven ability to lead and support a geographically dispersed advising team. They will bring experience in international education, student advising, or related program management, ideally with an international organization.

A solid understanding of both the U.S. higher education landscape and Pakistan’s secondary and higher education systems is essential, along with strong intercultural communication skills and confidence using digital outreach and virtual advising tools.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership, Strategy & Planning

• Lead the USEFP’s mission-aligned strategy, planning, and budgeting for EducationUSA advising services.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and innovation, including digital outreach.
• Oversee advising services to maintain global EducationUSA standards.

Program Management & Quality Assurance

• Oversee operations and service quality across advising centers.
• Maintain compliance with EducationUSA standards, branding, and ethics.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise Islamabad advising team and assistant managers across two centers.
• Provide mentoring, performance management, and professional development support.

Partnerships, Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison with the REAC and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section.
• Build and sustain partnerships with U.S. HEIs and local education stakeholders.

Events & Program Expansion

• Lead major EducationUSA initiatives, including U.S. university fairs and the annual EducationUSA Pakistan Tour.

Financial, Grant & Administrative Oversight

• Manage the EducationUSA program budget, grants, and donor funds, including grant writing and quarterly reporting.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and timely submissions to stakeholders.
• Use data insights to guide program improvements and decision-making.

Core Behavioral Competencies

Leadership & People Management | Strategic Thinking | Collaboration | Communication & Public Engagement | Integrity & Ethics | Innovation & Problem-Solving

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required- Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in international education, advising, higher education, or related fields
• Experience managing teams and multi-site programs
• Strong understanding of U.S. and Pakistan education systems
• Grant management and budget oversight experience
• Excellent English communication skills

Working Conditions

The role involves regular domestic travel, occasional international travel, evening or weekend work for events, frequent public speaking, and occasional representation on media and public platforms.

General Provisions

This role description may evolve in line with organizational needs and priorities.