About the Alliance

The Alliance for Global Education, LLC, a division of the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, was formed with the vision of opening non-traditional destinations to an ever-growing and more diverse U.S. undergraduate population. Both partner institutions are pioneers in the field of study abroad and have been providing academically rigorous and culturally enriching study abroad programs for over 40 years.

The Alliance provides stimulating, interdisciplinary study abroad programs in China, India, and Turkey (opening spring 2016) that maintain high academic standards, strong student services, and careful health and safety measures. Our core mission is to develop and promote innovative programs in vibrant, dynamic countries that are of ever-increasing scholarly, political, and economic interest.

The Alliance operates its Shanghai programs for U.S. undergraduate students at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Programs operate during the fall, spring, and summer terms. 

Position Summary

The Resident Director (RD) is responsible for developing and coordinating all aspects of the Shanghai program. Primary responsibilities include advising students on academic, cultural, and personal adjustment matters, liaising with program faculty, managing housing, classroom, and office facilities, managing the program budget and reporting on program accounts, overseeing arrangements for internship placements, excursions and co-curricular activities, and serving as point person for health and safety matters. 

Responsibilities

Academic Program Management

 Work with host university administrations to select and hire local teaching faculty

 Observe classes and supervise and evaluate teaching, maintaining high academic standards

 Work with teaching faculty to create syllabi and reading lists according to the Alliance’s 

standards

 Oversee the program’s internship component and facilitate student internship placements

 Identify new internship placements for students

Work with the Director for China Programs and the local faculty to develop new courses and implement changes to the curriculum as necessary

 Work with the Capstone professor to provide guidance and direction for the students’ Capstone Projects

 Work with Alliance Language Director in Shanghai to provide ongoing training to language teachers

 Oversee the implementation of custom programs on site

Orientation, Activities, and Student Life Management

 Design a creative co-curricular activity schedule that offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture

 Design and implement student orientation program

 Oversee the selection process and orientation of Chinese roommates and host families

 Develop ongoing opportunities for Alliance students to meet Chinese students on and off campus

 Work with travel organizations to develop and lead a Field Study Trip and overnight summer excursion.

 Actively encourage students to speak Chinese and practice their language skills

 Provide leadership, crisis management, and assistance during student emergencies

 Meet with students regularly to assess their goals and progress and to resolve problems

Office Management and Financial Administration

 Manage a program operating budget, maintain accounting records, and submit regular accounting reports

 Serve as liaison between the Alliance U.S. staff, Chinese host administration, teachers, and students. Build and strengthen the relationship with SUFE and/or other local institutions as needed. Represent the needs of the Alliance at SUFE and ensure that they are operating according to our agreement.

 Monitor the quality of the classroom, dorm, and other on-campus facilities.

 Communicate frequently with the Director for China Programs, other China staff, and other U.S.-based staff about program issues

 Supervise Shanghai staff including two Program Assistants and a Language Director; set performance goals and design and implement staff development plans

Program Development

 Work with the Director for China Programs to continually develop and improve the curricula, teaching quality, extra-curricular program elements, immersion opportunities, and student services

 Respond to student and teacher evaluations to improve the programs

 Regularly report on program progress through biweekly reports and propose innovative recommendations for the future

 Host site visits from U.S. faculty members, study abroad professionals, and members of the Alliance recruiting team. 

 Travel to the U.S. for conferences, campus visits, meetings, and training as needed

Requirements

 Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s degree preferred

 At least five years of relevant work experience in China―familiarity with Shanghai preferred; experience studying or working in the U.S.

 Experience working with American college students

 Near-fluent language skills in both Mandarin and English

 Proven organization, management, and communication skills

 Strong leadership skills, with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team

 A commitment to the ideals of international education, and a genuine interest in sharing China’s linguistic, historic, and cultural legacy with American students

 Flexibility toward evolving responsibilities as the programs grow

Salary and Benefits

 Salary commensurate with experience

 

To Apply  Submit a cover letter and résumé to jobs@allianceglobaled.org with “Application for Shanghai Resident Director” in the subject line. Please indicate in your cover letter how you learned of the position.  Within 48 hours of submitting your application materials, an email will be sent confirming receipt. No phone calls, please. Due to the large volume of applicants, correspondence will be conducted via email. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview.  The position will remain open until filled and the description is removed from the website.