pbLocation: /bFlorence, Tuscany bCategory: /bProfessional / Administrator bJob Type: /bFull-time bPosted On: /bFri Oct 2 2026 /ppThe Director of FIT in Florence provides strategic leadership and high-level administrative oversight for all of FIT's academic initiatives in Florence, Italy. This pivotal leadership role is responsible for the operational excellence of year-long, semester-based, and short-term programs. As the primary representative of FIT to students, faculty, Polimoda, AACUPI and the City of Florence, the Director ensures the program's alignment with the college's mission of global excellence. Reporting directly to the Dean for International Education, the Director maintains a visible on-site presence at FIT's offices within Polimoda, championing a culture of academic rigor and student success. /ph3Essential Functions /h3h3Strategic Operations Program Management /h3ulliServe as the primary liaison to the Office of International Programs in New York, ensuring seamless communication on operational, marketing, and strategic matters. /liliRecruit, mentor, and supervise a high-performing support services team, including program coordinators and clerical staff. /liliCollaborate with Polimoda leadership to implement comprehensive risk management protocols and emergency response plans. /liliDirect the FIT in Florence budget, prioritizing programmatic investments in alignment with institutional policy and fiscal objectives. /liliProvide comprehensive financial and operational reporting to the Dean for International Education and the Provost. /liliPartner with senior leadership to identify and develop expansion opportunities for FIT's footprint in Florence. /li /ulh3Academic Leadership Excellence /h3ulliOversee curriculum delivery, academic advising, and registration processes in close coordination with home-campus departments, the Academic Advisement Center and the Registrar. /liliManage local faculty recruitment, scheduling, and performance evaluations in consultation with FIT Deans and Department Chairs. /liliOptimize class schedules and resource allocation in partnership with Polimoda. /liliDrive continuous improvement through regular student and academic program assessments based on institutional protocols. /liliCurate showcases and activities that highlight and celebrate student achievement. /li /ulh3Student Development Global Engagement /h3ulliLead recruitment efforts and facilitate comprehensive pre-departure orientations both virtually and in New York. /liliDesign and deliver impactful on-site orientations that transition students into the Italian academic and social landscape. /liliOffer a robust calendar of cultural, industry, student association (FITSA) events, and overnight excursions to enhance the study abroad experience. /liliManage student welfare services, safety and security, and ensure high standards for physical and mental well-being.



/liliManage and serve on a rotational 24/7 emergency on-call duty schedule for student/faculty crises (medical, mental health, safety, or legal issues abroad). /liliEncourage student storytelling and engagement through digital platforms. /liliMaintain consistent accessibility to students, serving as a mentor and primary point of contact for the Florence community. /liliUphold institutional standards of conduct, working with the FIT Dean of Students to ensure compliance with FIT's Student Handbook and with Polimoda to uphold local Polimoda regulations. /liliReport incidents to the Dean for International Education or the Title IX Coordinator as appropriate, and serve as the Campus Security Authority, promptly providing FIT's Department of Public Safety with Clery Act reporting. /li /ulh3Institutional Partnerships /h3ulliServe as FIT's liaison with Polimoda, fostering a collaborative environment that advances the objectives of both institutions. /liliNurture strategic relations with local civic, cultural, and academic partners in Florence. /liliChampion FIT within Florence's international education community and with municipal stakeholders. /li /ulpThe preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position. /ph3Job Requirements /h3h3Minimum Qualifications /h3ulliWork authorization for Italy. /lili10+ years of progressive leadership in international education, with specialized experience in supporting American students through intercultural transitions. /liliFluency in Italian and English. /liliMaster's degree in a relevant field. /liliDeep knowledge of Italy, its culture, and society, developed through residence and academic study. /liliActive professional standing in the international education field (e.g., NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad), with demonstrated mastery of the Standards of Good Practice. /liliExpertise in intercultural management and a proven track record of leading high-performing, diverse teams. /li /ulh3Preferred Qualifications /h3ulliExperience in fashion or creative industries. /li /ulh3Additional Information /h3pPlease note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process. /ph3Salary /h3p$110,000 - $125,000 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications. /ph3Work Schedule /h3pDays/Hours: M-F with occasional evening and weekend commitments, 37.5 hours per week, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department. /ph3Benefits /h3pOur programs also include a variety of components,



consistent with Italian requirements, to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures. /ph3Pay Equity by State Employers /h3pPursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at or via email at /ph3Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement /h3pFIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people from a range of backgrounds. FIT is firmly committed to creating a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability. The FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, uniformed service, height, weight, any lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking, whether children are, may be or would be residing with a person or conviction or arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, . /ph3Annual Security Report /h3pThe safety and well-being of FIT's students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, FIT publishes an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy, accessible here: bSafety Statistics /b. A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request by contacting Public Safety's administrative office number at . /ph3Physical Requirements And Work Environment /h3pThe working conditions for this position will be primarily in an office space. The physical requirement for this position will require constant sitting, occasional standing, occasional bending, occasional walking, and occasionally lifting 10 lbs. or less. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Director, FIT in Florence (Firenze)
🏢 Fashion Institute of Technology
📍 Firenze