Consulting Opportunity: Summer Chinese-Speaking Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors

Consultant/Contractor

Compensation for the duration of the assignment: $5,000 - 8,000 depending on program type and length.

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT DATES:

May - August 2027 (exact dates vary by program). Resident Director training dates will be announced separately.

Position SUMMARY

American Councils seeks qualified individuals to serve as Chinese-speaking Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors for a variety of summer Chinese language programs ranging from six to eight weeks in length. Individual programs are designed for either high school or undergraduate and graduate students. All programs offer intensive Chinese language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.

Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors represent American Councils on programs overseas and serve as the primary liaison between the host institution, American Councils, and program participants. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors advise participants, facilitate medical care, arrange group logistics, and work with local and American Councils DC staff to troubleshoot issues.

Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors must be available to program participants daily and maintain daily communication with American Councils DC staff. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors regularly observe classes at the host university; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; and chaperone program-arranged events and activities focused on the immersion experience. Personal travel outside the program site or group excursions is not permitted.

Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors oversee a small program budget and are responsible for proper documentation of program expenditures and timely completion of an expense report at the end of each month. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors are also required to submit a daily summary email and a formal weekly report. Other reporting requirements may apply.

Prior to departure, Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors will be required to complete a multi-day virtual Resident Director training. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors may be asked to travel to the program site in advance of the students’ arrival, or may be asked to travel with their respective participant groups at the beginning of their programs and return to the U.S. with the group at the end of the program. Resident Directors and Assistant Resident Directors report to the DC-based Program Manager and staff. Completion of a successful background check is required. All offers are contingent upon the candidate's ability to receive and maintain a visa to the host country, where applicable.

Position Responsibilities

- Be responsible for and available to a group of American high school or college and graduate students at all times during the program;

- Respond to participant emergencies 24/7, including assisting participants with securing medical care and navigating local clinics and hospitals;

- Advise 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, among others;

- Report on program activities to program staff in Washington, DC and/or staff in the host country;

- Provide support to students from a range of backgrounds, including those who have never traveled abroad before;

- Work closely with the host university and local program staff daily;

- Observe language classes weekly;

- Chaperone and/or arrange group travel and cultural programs, as well as volunteer opportunities and other program events (varies by program);

- Maintain adherence to program rules and policies among participants – for some programs, this includes a language policy;

- Manage a small budget of program funds and maintain detailed financial documentation, including monthly reports;

- Collect and submit photographs and videos from students and local staff and create newsletters (varies by program);

- Complete Resident Director and Assistant Resident Director training in May;

- Work with housing staff, host families, and/or roommates, as needed, which may include monitoring of participant host family/roommate experiences, conducting family/dormitory visits, communicating with families as necessary, and conflict resolution (varies by program);

- Resolve other program-related issues as necessary; and

- Perform other program-related tasks as directed.

Qualifications

- Advanced written and oral language skills (minimum 2/2+ on DLPT scale, Advanced on ACTFL scale) in Chinese;

- Study, work, or extensive travel experience in Chinese speaking countries, regions, or locations (China, Taiwan, etc.);

- Experience working in a position of authority with high school, undergraduate, or graduate students;

- Experience overseeing and guiding groups;

- Demonstrated knowledge of academic and personal counseling preferred; and

- Demonstrated knowledge of general financial accountability.

Additional Information about the Position

Position contingent upon funding and upon the approval of overseas travel for participants. Program location is subject to change prior to program start.

Applicants should provide a description of previous experience in Chinese-speaking locations in their cover letter. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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.