Title: Resident Director, China Fieldwork Semester

Status: Temporary, full-time

Job location: Yunnan, China

Supervisor: Washington, DC-based Programs Manager

Dates: November 15, 2019 – late-May, 2020 (see below for potential summer extension)

Description of the Organization

CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and delivering innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally "China Educational Tours," CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and short-term customized programs in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for college, gap, high school, and pre-college students.

CET is known for high program standards, strong academics, a nimble and collaborative approach to partnerships, and supportive student services. Through elements such as field-based course components, internships, community-based learning, and housing with local roommates, CET strives to integrate students into the local community and facilitate lasting relationships with hosts. As an environmentally conscientious organization, CET aims to adopt sustainable measures across its operations. And through its commitment to inclusion, CET seeks and encourages the participation of students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a welcoming, hospitable program environment that promotes student learning.

Description of the Position

The RD is responsible for logistics from program setup through completion; managing on-site emergencies, orientation, excursions, and accommodations; and advising students. The RD collaborates with program faculty and other staff, and is responsible for liaising between on-site staff and faculty and CET headquarters. A successful RD thinks on their feet and exercises good judgment in unpredictable situations.

Candidates are advised that this is a time-consuming, fast-paced, and challenging position. We therefore discourage those interested in pursuing their own research projects from applying.

The RD is responsible for the setup and facilitation of the China Fieldwork Semester (CFS) program (setup November 15 – mid-January (potential for remote and/or part-time), program dates late January – mid-May). More information about both programs is below.

More details about the program:

• China Fieldwork Semester: January 22 – May 16, 2020

The China Fieldwork Semester (CFS) program is an intensive project-based research program in rural Yunnan Province for 11th or 12th grade students. CFS adopts a multidisciplinary approach to landscape studies, and its fieldwork method does not follow the standard school day, but rather devotes significant blocks of time to a sequence of immersive projects in each of the program's four core subject areas: history / social science research on changes in space, place, and livelihood; environmental science research on diverse ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability; Chinese literature in translation exploring the cultural encounter with place in rural China; and intensive Chinese language at varying levels through tutorial and immersion related to projects. CFS also includes a photo ethnography unit; a digital humanities component through the program database; experiential learning through organic farming, apprenticeships, and martial arts; and community service on sustainability and cultural preservation.

Possible Extension: CET runs multiple short-term programs in Yunnan and throughout China during the summer. If you are available and interested in working after the program end date, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Areas of Responsibilities

Program Management

• In collaboration with DC-based CET staff, plan logistics for all aspects of the program.
• Scout program destinations (as necessary).
• Design and run student orientation; manage other student meetings as needed.
• Lead innovative student activities and excursions.
• Assist faculty with designing and implementing course-related field trips.
• Oversee all aspects of student accommodations (including dorms and/or hotels).
• Enforce CET policies.

Financial Management

• Manage appropriated funds and work according to a budget.
• Manage internal accounting systems, track all expenses and submit periodic accounting reports to the supervising CET Programs Manager in Washington, DC.

Student Support

• Serve as language and culture resource to students; guide students in their non-academic pursuits.
• Maintain office hours and counsel students throughout the semester.
• Maintain student academic files and records.
• Be on call 24 hours per day / 7 days per week for emergencies.
• Follow emergency response procedures and manage on-site emergencies.

Representation of Program

• Communicate frequently with the supervising CET US staff.
• Submit a final narrative report to CET headquarters.
• Submit a thorough and accurate final accounting report to CET headquarters.
• Contribute to CET marketing efforts, as needed.

Requirements

• At least one year of professional or academic experience in China, experience in Yunnan preferred
• High level of working proficiency in both written and spoken Chinese and English
• Bachelor's (Master's preferred) degree in a relevant discipline
• Excellent management, administrative & organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working with students of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to handle student emergencies with authority and calm
• Enthusiasm to work with high school and college students
• Familiarity with environmental studies (preferably in China)
• Willingness to wear different hats and work odd hours
• Patience, flexibility, positive attitude, and a sense of humor
• A commitment to education and study abroad; CET program alumni are encouraged to apply

Salary and Benefits

Final hires are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

• Competitive salary
• Housing
• Visa processing fees
• Training
• Transportation to and from program site
• International insurance

To Apply

Our company is committed to diversity, and we work hard to maintain a welcoming, non-discriminatory office culture. We welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds to apply to our openings. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

• Résumé
• Cover Letter

Application materials must be received by October 1, 2019 for a November 15, 2019 start date. The successful completion of a background check is required for all positions.