Consulting Opportunity: Summer Japanese-Speaking Resident Director

CONSULTANT/CONTRACTOR

Compensation for the duration of the assignment: $8,000.00

ANTICIPATED CONTRACT DATES

May - August 2025 (exact dates will vary by program specifics). Resident Director training dates will be announced separately.

POSITION SUMMARY

American Councils is currently seeking a qualified consultant to serve as a Japanese-speaking Resident Director to work on a summer Japanese language program approximately eight weeks in length. The language program offers intensive Japanese language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains in undergraduate and graduate students. 

The Resident Director represents American Councils on the program overseas. The Resident Director will work with the host institution, manage communications between American Councils, program participants and local staff, advise participants as required, and resolve medical and other issues as necessary.

The Resident Director must be available to program participants on a daily basis; regularly observe classes at the host institution; meet regularly with teachers, administrators, and participants; and chaperone group travel and cultural programs and other events and activities focused on the immersion experience. The Resident Director must be available to participants during any emergencies that arise and must communicate regularly with American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. The Resident Director is not permitted to leave the program site or group excursions to conduct personal travel. The Resident Director is required to accompany the program participants to the departure airport and support participants through the departure process as able. The Resident Director oversees 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 at the end of the program. Other reporting requirements may apply.

Prior to departure, the Resident Director will be required to complete an orientation program. The Resident Director may be asked to travel to the program site in advance of the students’ arrival. The Resident Director reports to the DC-based Program Manager and staff. Completion of a successful background check may be required. All offers are contingent upon the candidate’s ability to receive and maintain a visa to the host country where applicable.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Being responsible for and available to a group of American college and graduate students 24/7 at all times during the program;
• Responding to participant emergencies, including assisting participants with securing medical care and navigating local clinics and hospitals;
• Advising program participants as needed on a variety of language-learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical aspects of the program, including group dynamics and interpersonal relationships, among others;
• Reporting on program activities to program staff in Washington, DC, or staff in the host country;
• Providing support to students including those who have never traveled abroad before;
• Working closely with the host institution and local program staff on a daily basis;
• Observing the academic program;
• Assisting the host institution in managing group travel and cultural programs;
• Maintaining adherence to program rules and policies among participants, including a language policy;
• Managing a small budget of program funds and maintaining detailed financial documentation, including monthly reports; 
• Collecting and tagging photographs and videos from students and local staff;
• Completing a Resident Director pre-departure orientation and training session;
• Working with the institute housing coordinator, which may include monitoring of suite mates, maintaining weekly communication, and assisting with conflict resolution; 
• Resolving other program-related issues as necessary; and
• Performing other program-related tasks as directed.

• Advanced written and oral language skills (minimum 2/2+ on DLPT scale, Advanced on ACTFL scale) in Japanese;
• Study, work, or extensive travel experience in Japan;
• Experience working in a position of authority with undergraduate or graduate students;
• Experience overseeing and guiding groups;
• Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling preferred; and
• Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION

Position contingent upon funding and upon the approval of overseas travel for participants. Program location is subject to change prior to program start. The consultant agreement includes a scaled compensation fee structure in the event of a cancellation six weeks or less before the start of the program.

Applicants should provide a description of previous experience in Japan and supporting student groups in their cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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.