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.
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.