Deadline: Open Until Filled (Seasonal)
American Councils seeks qualified candidates to serve as Russian-speaking Resident Directors in Almaty, Kazakhstan and Yerevan, Armenia to work on Russian language programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students for the Summer 2023 semester and beyond. The programs offer intensive Russian language instruction and structured cultural experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. American Councils provides international travel, housing, and overseas insurance in addition to salary for Resident Directors who reside outside the program’s host-country at the time of their hire. By prioritizing inclusion and access, the programs ensure that the next generation of America’s global leaders reflects its diversity.
Resident Directors are American Councils’ chief onsite liaisons. They work with the host institution; manage communications between American Councils, program participants, and local staff; arrange logistics for the group; advise participants as required; uphold American Councils program policies; and resolve medical and other issues as necessary in close communication with the Washington, DC office.
Resident Directors must be available to program participants on a daily basis; observe classes at the host institution; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; arrange group travel and cultural programs; and coordinate other events and activities focused on the immersion experience. Resident Directors must be available to participants during any emergencies that arise and must communicate regularly with American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. Resident Directors are not allowed to leave the program site or group excursions to conduct personal travel while classes are in session. Resident Directors oversee a small program budget and are responsible for proper documentation of program expenditures and timely completion of a budget report at the end of each month and at the end of the program. Other reporting requirements may apply.
Resident Directors are required to complete orientation and training programs. Resident Directors may be asked to travel with their respective participant groups at the beginning and end of their programs. Resident Directors report to the DC-based Program Manager and staff. All offers are contingent upon the candidate’s ability to legally work and reside in Kazakhstan or Armenia.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Being responsible for and available to a group of American undergraduate and graduate students at all times during the program; Advising program participants as needed on a variety of language-learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical aspects of the program, including on issues such as group dynamics and interpersonal relationships; Reporting on program activities to program staff in Washington, DC or staff in the host country; Responding to participant emergencies, including assisting participants with securing medical care and navigating local clinics and hospitals; Supporting students from diverse backgrounds as well as students who have never traveled abroad before; Liaising with the host institution and local program staff; Observing the academic program; Arranging group travel and cultural programs, as well as volunteer opportunities and other program events; Maintaining adherence to program rules and policies among participants, including a language policy; Managing a small budget of program funds and maintaining detailed financial documentation, including monthly reports; Collecting photographs and videos from students and local staff; Completing a pre-departure orientation and training session; Working with host families, which may include selection and monitoring of host families, conducting site visits, maintaining weekly communication, and conflict resolution; Supervising the work of an assistant; Resolving other program-related issues as necessary; and Performing other program-related tasks as directed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced written and oral language skills in Russian (minimum 2/2+ on DLPT scale, Advanced on ACTFL scale);
Native or near native proficiency in English;
Study, work, or extensive travel experience in Russia, Eastern Europe, and/or Eurasia; Extensive understanding of U.S. higher education culture; Experience working in a position of authority with undergraduate, or graduate students; Experience overseeing and guiding groups (preferred); Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling (preferred); and Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability(preferred).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
All candidates offered a position will be required to provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination status. American Councils and relevant parties will continue to closely review public health and travel conditions to determine whether participants can travel overseas. The Resident Director position is contingent upon the approval of overseas travel for participants. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
TO APPLY
Please use this link to submit your application to American Councils. If you have any questions, please direct them to Vladka Shikova, Senior Program Manager, Outbound Programs, American Councils for International Education:
shikova@americancouncils.org
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.