NSLI-Y Resident Director

FLSA Status: Exempt
 

POSITION SUMMARY

American Councils is currently seeking a qualified Resident Director to work in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. NSLI-Y is part of a multi-agency federal initiative to increase U.S. citizens’ capacity to engage with people from around the world who speak selected critical languages. NSLI-Y is administered through a cooperative agreement between the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State and the American Councils for International Education. NSLI-Y provides language scholarships to American high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 to study Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish overseas for a summer or an academic year. More information can be found at www.nsliforyouth.org.

The Resident Director represents American Councils and the NSLI-Y program in the host country, oversees the implementation of the program on the ground, and is responsible for ensuring the program is meeting its goals. The Resident Director will work with the host university staff, monitor host family placements and group housing, arrange logistics for the group, advise participants as required, and be on-call to program participants 24/7 to resolve emergency and other issues as necessary.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works to ensure daily operations of the NSLI-Y Program on the ground in the host country.
• Oversees health, wellbeing, and safety of approximately ten program participants. Ensures participants adhere to program rules and policies, provides program participants with emergency and personal support, secures medical treatment for participants as needed, and accompanies participants to the doctor.
• Serves as chaperone and group leader during all international and domestic travel.
• Advises program participants as needed on a variety of language learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical issues.
• Serves as a liaison between American Councils and the host institution to ensure that the implementation of the NSLI-Y program meets all goals and works with U.S. program staff to develop effective program implementation processes at the host institution.
• Enforces American Councils’ and NSLI-Y program policies with guidance from program staff.
• Conducts and arranges weekly group meetings, meets regularly with participants as requested, and coordinates student evaluations.
• Ensures that academic program goals are being met, works closely with teachers, and observes Russian classes on a regular basis.
• Designs opportunities for students to maximize their language gain and immersion process.
• Monitors host family placements throughout the program, including conducting site visits with each family.
• Arranges supplemental cultural activities. Organizes and implements mid-program and re-entry workshops.
• Manages a small program budget and is responsible for proper documentation of program expenditures and timely completion of a budget report at the end of each month and end of the program.
• Communicates regularly with American Councils staff in Washington, DC, reporting any issues regarding participants’ health, academic performance, or behavior, and providing general group or program updates.
• Completes reporting requirements, including host family visit reports, narrative reports, participant health and well-being reports, participant evaluations, e-mail and phone communication, and financial reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Russian, area studies or a related field;
• Advanced written and oral language skills (minimum 2/2+ on ACTFL scale) in Russian;
• Substantial study or work experience in Kyrgyzstan or Central Asia;
• Experience working in a position of authority with high school or undergraduate students;
• Experience overseeing and guiding student groups;
• Experience with seeking medical care in Russian-speaking setting or supporting students seeking medical care;
• Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability;
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills;
• Ability to exercise good judgment under pressure, work independently while contributing to an overall team effort, and manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively.

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION

Prior to overseas travel, Resident Directors are required to complete virtual and in-person training requirements. The Resident Director will return to U.S. with the group at the end of the program. Resident Directors report to U.S.-based program staff. Completion of a successful background check is required. This position may be eligible for extension for summer programs and future academic year cycles. All offers are contingent upon ability to meet entry and exit requirements for Kyrgyzstan. This position is 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.