International Education Program Specialist

Salary : $56,130.96 - $78,965.76 Annually Location : Palm Desert, CA Job Type: FULL TIME Job Number: 2500163 Division: Office of Student Services Department: International Education Opening Date: 02/20/2026 Closing Date: 3/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association About College of the Desert The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines. College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression. When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students. Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below. Who We Want: College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to: Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices; Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility; Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference; Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives. BASIC FUNCTIONBASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of the Director, International Education Program (IEP) and Intensive English Academy (IEA), assist in the college's international outreach and programming efforts; assist with maintaining, strengthening and growing international partnerships; assist with administration of the IEP and IEA; otherwise assist with the recruitment and retention of international students. DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION The International Education Program (IEP) provides comprehensive support services for international students to facilitate their success at College of the Desert. The IEP actively engages our campus and local community with global learning experiences and leadership opportunities for local students. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES 1. Assist in the planning, scheduling, and delivery of outreach programming designed to ensure international student retention and success including several orientations, workshops, and local outings per year. E 2. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with homestay agencies, and host families; maintain related databases and monitor housing needs and arrangements of international students; provide assistance as necessary. E 3. Collaborate with IEP and IEA program stakeholders to organize, schedule, and conduct outreach activities and cultural programming for the campus and local community. E 4. Arrange transportation and logistics for IEP and IEA outings; develop and maintain emergency action plan and communication protocol for off-campus emergencies; develop and maintain local transportation resources for international students and visiting partners. E 5. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with overseas partners; organize arrangements for visiting students, partners and delegations; maintain databases of partnership information; assist Director with partner communication plan. E 6. Assist Director with clerical work for the IEP and IEA; update and distribute promotional materials, applications, handbooks, and other program documentation; assist with maintaining CRM system, student records, and staff records. E 7. Maintain IEP social media accounts; work with college's institutional advancement team to effectively promote IEP and IEA activities, events, and initiatives. E 8. Assist Director with alumni outreach. Maintain database of alumni and track transfer and career data. E 9. Assist in compiling and entering data and preparing comprehensive reports related to international student enrollment and activities; maintain current and accurate databases of stakeholders' contact information. E 10. Assist Director with evaluations of recruitment activities, programming, and services; identify best practices for international outreach and continuously improve efforts to engage students and other stakeholders. E 11. Operate a computer, software programs and other office equipment. E. 12. Attend workshops, conferences and meetings related to the program E. 13. Perform related duties as assigned. E=Essential Functions KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Mission, goals, and objectives of the college and the IEP/IEA programs; district policies and procedures regarding outreach, recruitment, admissions, registration, and other program services; available institutional and community resources; public speaking and presentation techniques; applicable district, state and federal laws and regulations; confidentiality rules and procedures, especially with regard to FERPA; data collection and basic research principles and practices; record keeping techniques; telephone techniques and professional etiquette; diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and databases; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; principles and practices of providing training, work direction, and guidance to student workers; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Ability to: Perform a wide variety of specialized duties related to the outreach, recruitment, admissions, and other related program services; prepare and give oral presentations to program stakeholders; understand, interpret, and follow direction related to administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances; respond to requests and inquiries from program stakeholders; develop and maintain appropriate outreach materials; maintain current knowledge of related fields; compile and analyze data related to assigned functions and prepare related reports; maintain filing and record-keeping systems; compose and prepare correspondence and memoranda; plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines; operate a variety of office machines and equipment including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers and fax machine and related software such as word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail, and database applications; work under pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone, e-mail or in person; work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision; exhibit sensitivity and understanding of the varied racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, academic, socio-economic, and disabled populations of community college students; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to file materials; sit or stand for extended period of time; lift 25 pounds. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate's degree preferred or any combination of education and experience equivalent to an AA and three years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in a multicultural/international student programming setting. DESIRABLE Experience planning and implementing activities at a collegiate level; experience working with international students or second-language learners; experience in promoting and marketing education programs; experience creating and editing content for marketing publications. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier to drive District or personal vehicle to various locations. WORKING CONDITIONS Environment: Office environment with constant interruptions. Frequent outreach activities at various locations on campus and in the local region. Requires some flexible scheduling and travel within the region. EMPLOYMENT STATUS Classified Bargaining Unit Position Classified Staff Salary Range 10 Board of Trustee approval: December 18, 2015 SCHEDULE & LOCATION: This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need. REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS: To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded: Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience. Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer. Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess. College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts. REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION: List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at or call (760) 773-2529. FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions. TIMELINES: For consideration, please apply by March 12, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on May 5, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need. Notice to all Candidates for Employment:DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position. The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment: Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment). Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment). Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing. Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms. May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA. Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System: A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status. Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS Disability Accommodations: If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to . Attendance Requirement: All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job. Campus Crime and Safety Awareness: Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at Non-Discrimination Notice: The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. California Fair Chance Act: The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity: The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds. The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO. Additional Resources California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA) THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance. To learn more details, visit our benefits page: Temporary, Substitute, Seasonal, and Part-Time Employees are eligible to opt into the Blue Shield Health Savings Account (HSA) 5000. 01 California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.By selecting "Yes", you are stating you understand the above statement. Yes 02 Are you currently an employee of College of the Desert? Yes No 03 This position requires you to possess a valid California driver's license and you must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. I have a valid California driver's license and have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. I do not yet have a valid California driver's license but I understand it is a requirement to acquire it for employment and I have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. I do not have a valid California driver's license and/or do not have an acceptable driving record to qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. 04 Do you have at least three years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in a multicultural/international student programming setting? Yes No 05 If you indicated in the question above having at least three years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in a multicultural/international student programming setting, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A." 06 Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed? High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED) Associate degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Professional degree Doctorate degree 07 I understand that in order to have a complete application I must provide a resume, cover letter, and transcripts. I further understand that I must fill out the online application in its entirety as requested in the job posting. Yes, I understand. 08 I understand that qualifying transcripts showing degree awarded, date conferred, and institution name is required for consideration, and I have attached transcripts showing degree awarded/date conferred/institution name. (Foreign degrees ALSO require a foreign equivalency evaluation.) Yes No 09 When interacting with a person from a different culture than your own, how do you ensure that communication is effective? 10 The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04