Program Officer - Russian and Persian, Critical Language Scholarship Program

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Salary Range: $59,000 - $63,000/Year

POSITION SUMMARY

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides fully funded immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States' national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world. Since its inception in 2006, the CLS Program has supported nearly 10,000 participants to gain critical language skills and intercultural competence, which are in demand in a globalized workforce and increase a student's competitiveness across career fields. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Each summer, over 500 American students enrolled at colleges and universities across the United States spend approximately eight weeks studying one of a dozen languages either overseas or virtually. Participants gain the equivalent of one year of language study, as the CLS Program maximizes language and cultural instruction in an intensive environment.

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Officer for Russian and Persian reports to the CLS Program Manager and is responsible for program administration and logistics, communication with program participants and partnering institutions in regions providing Russian and Persian immersion language programs. The Program Officer remotely manages a team of Resident Directors. In addition, the Program Officer works with a team of regional Program Officers to analyze program successes and challenges and work on projects to implement changes and improvements across program sites. The Program Officer also works on recruitment activities and monitoring selection panels as needed during the application season, both in coordination with the larger CLS team.

The position requires close attention to detail, the ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently, and a readiness to communicate with various stakeholders. While organizational skills and administrative experience will be an important plus for any candidate, an extensive understanding of academic culture for study abroad programs is also important. Some travel will be required. The position is hybrid, currently requiring two days a week in the office and for other events as required.

*Please note that the language portfolio may change at any time in response to adjustments to program offerings and staffing.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration of institutional partner agreements and budgets;
• Coordinate with overseas partners on program components;
• Assist in writing and preparation of reports and grant proposals for funding agencies;
• Respond to participant requests and inquiries;
• Oversee and direct visa processing;
• Prepare and distribute pre-program materials such as handbooks;
• Organize and participate in pre-departure orientations for outbound groups;
• Coordinate recruitment of short-term Resident Director staff positions including working across Programs at American Councils and with the Human Resources Department;
• Advise and train on-site Resident Directors;
• Manage weekly conference calls with on-site Resident Directors and maintain daily email correspondence, as needed;
• Arrange overseas travel and logistics for outbound groups;
• On call in summer to respond to emergencies--may involve limited unscheduled work hours;
• Contribute to team projects for the development and revision of program materials on a regular basis;
• Maintain relationships with language teaching professionals and networks;
• Process check requests, prepare invoices and track program payments and expenses;
• Assist in program recruitment, outreach, and selection efforts;
• Facilitate ongoing communications with program alumni;
• Assist in organizing teacher-training workshops and other professional development activities; and
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English;
• Experience in study abroad, international education, federally funded programs for international exchange, or familiarity with the field of second language acquisition;
• Experience working with data and spreadsheets;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively;
• Ability to work independently while contributing to an overall team effort;
• Proven effectiveness in a cross-cultural work environment; and
• Effective interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor's degree;
• Knowledge of Russian or Persian (any dialect);
• Supervisory experience;
• Familiarity with American higher education;
• Experience using social media for a professional purpose;
• Experience mentoring or advising students preferred; and
• Professional command of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.

Additional Information about the Position

Position contingent upon funding.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils' commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.