Jul 23

Job: Academic Director – CET Academic Programs (Japan)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.


Position: Academic Director
Posted by: CET Academic Programs
Location: Osaka, Japan
Status: Full Time

Overview: The Academic Director (AD) is responsible for managing the academics of and providing the vision and leadership for the Intensive Japanese Language & Culture Studies in Osaka program, which operates during the fall, spring and summer terms. The AD reports to the India, Japan and Vietnam Programs Manager based in Washington, DC, and works with the Resident Director, teachers, and staff of OGU’s International Center. Excellent communication, leadership and team work skills are essential. General responsibilities include managing CET’s Japanese language teachers, creating training seminars, assisting students outside of class on academic matters, drafting academic plans for upcoming semesters, teaching Japanese language classes, designing and directing each term’s academic orientation session, and contributing to the CET Japan Three-Year Plan.

Additionally, the AD must work together with Resident Director and OGU staff to ensure the quality of the program activities, on-going orientations, non-CET courses, and roommate program.

CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization based in Washington, DC that has been designing and administering innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other cities in China and then to other countries around the world. Today, CET offers semester and summer study abroad programs in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Tunisia and Vietnam, as well as short-term, customized programs worldwide. CET is known for high academic standards, innovative approaches to teaching and careful student management. CET programs integrate students into their overseas communities and lead them to create lasting relationships with their local hosts. CET is the only US provider to house its students with local roommates in each of its locations. As an environmentally conscientious organization, CET adopts locally appropriate measures in its centers worldwide to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable practices wherever possible. Staffed by over 50 full-time employees in the United States and overseas, CET currently sends around 1100 US students abroad annually.

Responsibilities:The responsibilities of the AD include, but are not limited, to the following.

  • Oversee program curriculum
  • Recruit, hire, and train Japanese teachers in cooperation with OGU
  • Lead the creation of syllabi and other teaching materials
  • Supervise and evaluate teaching, creatively solve day-to-day curricular problems
  • Design and implement new activities, practical and traveling seminars which support classroom goals
  • Coordinate all language classes, including attendance, grading standards, and teacher assignments,
  • Maintain, enforce and uphold language pledge during summer term
  • Maintain office hours for faculty and students
  • Improve upon current systems for student placement, examination, and general learning
  • Report final recommendations concerning the program to DC-based staff
  • Contribute to CET Japan Three Year Plan with specific academic goals and vision
  • Serve as liaison
  • Represent CET in its dealings with university faculty and administrators
  • Represent student needs to CET and the host institution(s)
  • Communicate regularly with CET’s head office, submitting written reports
  • Coordinate work with on-site staff by participating in weekly meetings
  • Teach/counsel students
  • Teach Japanese language classes as needed
  • Serve as language and culture resource to students
  • Assist RD as necessary with the Japanese roommate interface
  • Suggest activities that correspond to program goals
  • Conduct student academic orientation and serve as on-going resource for student questions
  • Troubleshoot student issues

Requirements (in order or priority):

  • Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (Ph.D. preferred)
  • Considerable experience (professional or academic) in Japan and US
  • Fluency in Japanese and English
  • Experience working with students in a cross-cultural context
  • Excellent management and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team
  • Superior time management skills
  • Willingness to wear different hats and work odd hours
  • Demonstrated commitment to education and study abroad
  • Sensitivity to student needs and cultural differences
  • Sense of humor

Salary and Benefits: While this is a time-consuming, challenging position, CET firmly supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides all staff with ample paid time off and other benefits. Our compensation package includes:

  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Generous paid time off
  • On-going professional development opportunities
  • Benefits package

The successful completion of a background check is required for this position.

Application Process: 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:

  • Résumé
  • Formal cover letter that outlines the position to which you are applying (Japan Academic Director), your qualifications and experience, and where you first heard about the position
  • List of three references

Applications missing any of these components will not be considered. Applications must be received by October 1. Send application materials via mail or e-mail (as Word or PDF attachments) to:

Kate Maruyama
India, Japan, Vietnam Programs Manager
CET Academic Programs
1920 N Street, NW, suite 200
Washington, DC 20036

e-mail: kmaruyama@academic-travel.com


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