Job: Alliance for Global Education, Xi'an Residence Director

Monika Lehner Discussion

Alliance for Global Education

Xi’an Resident Director

Institution Type:    Nonprofit
Location:    China
Position:    Director

Location:        Xi’an, China
Start date:       July 2014
Reports to:      Director for China Programs

                                                                                                                                                          

About the Alliance:

The Alliance for Global Education, LLC, a division of the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, was formed with the vision of opening non-traditional destinations to an ever-growing and more diverse U.S. undergraduate population. Both partner institutions are pioneers in the field of study abroad and have been providing academically rigorous and culturally enriching study abroad programs for over 40 years.

The Alliance provides stimulating, interdisciplinary study abroad programs in China and India that maintain  high academic standards, strong student services, and careful health and safety measures. Our core mission is to develop and promote innovative programs in vibrant, dynamic Asian countries that are of ever-increasing scholarly, political, and economic interest.

The Alliance operates programs for U.S. undergraduate students in Beijing at Beijing Language and Culture University and in Shanghai at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE).  Programs operate during the fall, spring, and summer terms.  The Xi’an program, entitled Xi’an and the Silk Road, is based at Shaanxi Normal University (SNU).

Position Summary:

The Xi’an Resident Director is responsible for developing and coordinating all aspects of the Xi’an program.  Primary responsibilities include assisting students with academic advising and adjusting to life in China; serving as liaison between the host university in China, the students, and the Alliance U.S. staff; and overseeing the ongoing development and implementation of orientation, the academic curriculum, activities, and excursions.

The RD serves as a cultural resource to students during their time in China.  He/she will meet with students, administrators, and teaching faculty on a regular basis.  The RD will also be responsible for managing the Alliance Xi’an office and its operating budget.  An important part of the RD’s job entails facilitating ongoing interaction between the American students and Chinese students.   This position requires someone with strong leadership skills and willingness to adapt easily to change.  More information about the Alliance programs may be found at www.allianceglobaled.org.

Responsibilities:

Academic Program Management

    Work with host university administrations to select and hire local teaching faculty
    Observe classes and supervise and evaluate teaching, maintaining high academic standards
    Work with teaching faculty to create syllabi and reading lists according to the Alliance’s standards
    Work with the Director for China Programs, the Director of Academic Affairs, and the local faculty to develop new courses and implement changes to the curriculum as necessary
    Work with the Capstone professor to provide guidance and direction for the students’ Capstone Projects
    Work with Alliance Language Director in Shanghai to provide ongoing training to language teachers

Orientation, Activities, and Student Life Management

    Design a creative co -curricular activity schedule that offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture; lead students on activities weekly
    Design and implement student orientation
    Work with the host institution to select and orient the Chinese roommates
    Develop ongoing opportunities for Alliance students to meet Chinese students on and off campus
    Work with travel organizations to develop and lead a two-week Field Study Trip along the Silk Road
    Actively encourage students to speak Chinese and practice their language skills
    Provide leadership, crisis management, and assistance during student emergencies
    Meet with students regularly to assess their goals and progress and to resolve problems

Office Management and Financial Administration

    Manage a program operating budget, maintain accounting records, and submit regular accounting reports
    Serve as liaison between the Alliance U.S. staff, Chinese host administration, teachers, and students.   Build and strengthen the relationship with SNU.  Represent the needs of the Alliance at SNU and ensure that they are operating according to our agreement.
    Monitor the quality of the classroom, dorm, and other on-campus facilities.
    Communicate frequently with the Director for China Programs, other China staff, and other U.S.-based staff about program issues

Program Development

    Work with the Director for China Programs and the Director of Academic Affairs to continually develop and improve the curricula, teaching quality, extra-curricular program elements, immersion opportunities, and student services
    Respond to student and teacher evaluations to improve the programs
    Regularly report on program progress through mid-term and final reports and propose innovative recommendations for the future
    Host site visits from U.S. faculty members, study abroad professionals, and members of the Alliance recruiting team.  Educate visitors about the program and what we offer.
    Regularly provide information updates and photos for the Alliance website, as requested
    Travel to U.S. conferences such as NAFSA, if needed

Requirements

    At least two years of relevant work experience in China; experience studying or working in the U.S.
    Experience working with American college students
    Near-fluent language skills in both Mandarin and English
    Proven organization, management, and communication skills
    Strong leadership skills, with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
    A commitment to the ideals of international education, and a genuine interest in sharing China’s linguistic, historic, and cultural legacy with American students
    Flexibility toward evolving responsibilities as the programs grow

Salary and Benefits

    Salary commensurate with experience
    35 days of annual leave per year
    Health insurance
    Opportunities for professional development and advancement


Contact: 

To Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@allianceglobaled.org.
No phone calls, please.
Due to the volume of applications, applicants will only be contacted if they are selected for an interview.

Website:  http://www.allianceglobaled.org/about-us/employment
Primary Category:  None
Secondary Categories:  None
Posting Date:  04/18/2014
Closing Date  07/01/2014

See: https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=48776