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.
The Program Assistant supports the recruitment and selection of applicants and the administration of intensive overseas and virtual language institutes. Responsibilities include responding to a high volume of inquiries during application and notification periods, providing logistical support for in-person and virtual events, making arrangements for domestic and international travel, and a variety of program logistics and clerical tasks.
Based in Washington, D.C., the position will require close attention to detail, the ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently, and a readiness to communicate with various stakeholders. The Program Assistant will work closely with a dedicated team of CLS staff members and report to the CLS Program Manager. While organizational skills and attention to detail will be an important plus for any candidate, experience and interest in study abroad and international education is also important. Limited, occasional travel may be required. The position is hybrid, currently requiring two days a week in the office and for other events as required.
Responsibilities
Respond to a high volume of inquiries by phone and email;
Participate in program outreach activities, including occasionally giving presentations;
Prepare and distribute mass mailings of promotional materials, Congressional and Gubernatorial notification, and CLS certificate packets;
Make arrangements for domestic and international travel;
Enroll and register participants for travel benefits;
Order program materials and maintain inventory lists;
Package and ship program materials;
Provide planning and logistical support for in-person meetings and events;
Make arrangements for online webinars, meetings, and conference events;
Assist in the administration of alumni follow-on events and activities;
Develop and monitor staff assignments for events and meetings;
Process and maintain applications and files;
Track incoming documents;
Prepare expense reports and financial documents;
Process invoices, credit card reports, check requests and payments;
Support the preparation of program materials and reports, including assembling and formatting documents, appendices, charts and graphs;
Prepare for storage and proper disposal of program files in accordance with document retention policies and procedures;
Participate in hiring committees for short- and full-term staff members;
Provide support for CLS staff based in Washington, D.C.; and
Additional duties as assigned.