Resident Director, Chinese Overseas Flagship Program
The Flagship Resident Director serves as the American Councils chief representative and student advisor for participants on the Overseas Flagship Program, an intensive language training program at Beijing Union University for learners already at the advanced level of proficiency in Chinese.
The Resident Director plays a critical role in the program’s administration, including the provision of comprehensive student support, academic oversight, daily program management, and emergency response. The Resident Director arranges cultural activities for program participants, helps them adapt to the host-country culture, and assists them in developing meaningful connections with members of the local community.
The Resident Director oversees the peer-tutoring program for students, assists in internship arrangements, and ensures the high quality of all program components. He/she must be available to program participants on a daily basis and respond to emergency requests for assistance at all times. He/she observes student classes and meets regularly with the Academic Director, students, and administrators to discuss student progress and classroom issues.
The Resident Director oversees student housing and assists in resolving housing issues. He/she communicates regularly with Washington, DC staff and plays a key role in maintaining outstanding student support throughout the intensive Flagship program.
The Resident Director also collaborates closely with the program’s Academic Director regarding classes, academic issues and other program components.
Prior to departure for China, the Flagship Resident Director must attend a mandatory training and orientation in Washington, DC (more information and logistical details will be provided).
Overview
Job Description
- Serves as American Councils chief representative on site, responsible for ensuring program quality and outstanding participant support in consultation with Washington, DC office and in collaboration with host university ;
- Collaborates closely with program Academic Director;
- Serves as Flagship participants’ immediate and primary point of contact for health and safety, cultural adjustment, mental-health, and other issues;
- Promptly communicates student issues to American Councils, and to Academic Director and host institution staff as appropriate;
- Responds to emergencies; coordinates and secures medical treatment for participants as necessary;
- Carries out American Councils policies governing student attendance, student conduct, and travel;
- Collaborates with the Academic Director to address student complaints or concerns regarding classes, internships, or other academic program components;
- Develops and leads creative activities to maximize student immersion in Chinese culture;
- Communicates regularly with the American Councils Washington office through phone calls and reports regarding participants’ health, academic performance, and behavior; provides general group/program updates;
- Attends and participates in mandatory weekly skype briefings and on-site meetings, as required;
- Coordinates Beijing program logistics, including cultural excursions and related travel, and communicate logistical details to DC-based staff and Beijing team;
- Reviews program emergency protocols and assists in ongoing development of on-site resources to maximize student support;
- Supervises in-country Chinese roommates in collaboration with AD;
- Supervises peer-tutoring program;
- Maintains regular office hours and resides in the student housing to provide support within close proximity;
- Manages program finances, which include but are not limited to processing in-country teacher payments, and completing monthly expense reports;
- In collaboration with the Academic Director, carries out program-related administrative and clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, tracking field expenses, arranging internship site visits, coordinating program logistics, and other related tasks as requested;
- Carries out other assignments as requested.