FLSA: Exempt

Pay Band: 5 Managers

SUMMARY:

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Manager oversees American Councils Chinese Overseas Flagship Programs in Nanjing, China, in collaboration with Brigham Young University, and Beijing, China. Funded by the National Security Education Program, the Chinese Overseas Flagship Program is designed to train superior speakers of Chinese through a specially designed curriculum. The Program Manager is responsible for program development, overall program direction, and financial oversight of the programs. The Program Manager will supervise staff in the U.S. and overseas. Under the direction of the Chinese Overseas Flagship Program Manager, program staff manages program logistics, supports approximately 50-75 students each academic year, and assists in curriculum development and program design. The Program Manager reports to the Vice President/Managing Director at American Councils.

This position is available immediately.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees daily operations of Chinese Overseas Flagship Programs in Nanjing and Beijing, China
• Works with the Chinese Overseas Flagship Academic Councils and the Council chairs, including preparing the two annual Academic Council meetings (one virtually and one in-person meeting annually in Feb-March and November) in close cooperation with program staff and American Councils senior management;
• Ensures academic oversight of the Chinese Overseas Flagship Program provided by the Council chairs;
• Communicates regularly and coordinates with U.S. granting agencies and program contractors, US and foreign institutional partners, including the Institute for International Education, NSEP, The Language Flagship, and other institutional partners;
• Continues close collaboration and advising with the leadership of 12 domestic partners and consultants;
• Supervises 1 employee in the U.S. and 3 overseas staff; recruits and trains additional staff as needed;
• Oversees and expands institutional relations with Chinese and U.S. university partners;
• Oversees the selective application process and collaborate with selection committees on final selection and acceptance;
• Coordinates regular summer review for external consultant and selected summer programs in China or Taiwan, as requested;
• Oversees design, scheduling, and coordination of orientations in the U.S. for program participants before departure;
• Ensures comprehensive and effective logistical support for staff and participants overseas;
• Writes and edits reports, proposals, and promotional materials for different stakeholders and audience;
• Oversees maintenance of the Chinese section of the Flagship website to ensure accurate information is reflected and collaborates with Brigham Young University on the joint Chinese Flagship website;
• Reviews participant reports for use in program improvement and assessment;
• Works with director to develop program budgets ,tracks student payments, overseas and domestic expenses, invoices and wires;
• Oversees the virtual security debriefing webinar for over 12 institutions hosted twice a year;
• Devises creative approaches to trouble-shoot communication and promote the enrollment of both Nanjing and Beijing programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent speaking, reading and writing skills in Chinese required;
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chinese language or program management or related fields. MA in related fields preferred;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills;
• Strong ability to work on multiple tasks and as part of a team;
• Ability to work with various leaders and constituents of diverse backgrounds and personalities;
• At least five years of study abroad program administration experience, preferable in federally funded programs;
• Knowledge of budgetary procedures, especially with regard to government grants preferred;
• Knowledge of Chinese nuances and culture to tactfully interface with in-country partners, teachers, host university administrators and host U.S. visitors;
• Database and spreadsheet skills preferred

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.