Chinese Language Summer Program Director or Co-director - Concordia Language Villages

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Concordia Language Villages (CLV) is seeking a Chinese Language Summer Program Director or Co-director for its immersive summer program. This role involves leading and shaping the language and cultural experience for participants. The Summer Dean is the primary leader of an individual Concordia Language Village, responsible for program development, staff leadership, budgeting, operations, and communication, ensuring the Village aligns with CLV's mission and educational philosophy. This is a highly engaged leadership role combining year-round planning with hands-on summer leadership. Co-dean arrangements are possible, with adjusted compensation. The Chinese village shares a site with Norwegian programs during the first half of the summer, requiring collaboration between deans for a smooth transition.

Requirements

• Intermediate-High or higher proficiency in Chinese and English
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum age of 25 (American Camp Association standard)
• Availability for all orientation and session dates
• Must possess valid work authorization for the United States
• Reside in the United States
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the Summer Dean position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Commitment to immersion-based language and cultural education.
• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies and methodologies for second-language learning.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Commitment to the missions of Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages and to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Previous leadership position at Concordia Language Villages or in a similar, language-immersion environment
• Ability and willingness to make a multi-year commitment to the dean position (contingent on all parties agreeing to continuation).
• Returning deans reapply annually for their role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a strong language and cultural program in collaboration with CLV seasonal and year-round staff.
• Develop and maintain a linguistically and culturally appropriate curriculum, educational program, and Village schedule, including the creation or procurement of necessary materials.
• Ensure the Village program operates in accordance with Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages policies and applicable Cognia and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
• Gather and respond to feedback from villagers and staff, consult with CLV administrators on program needs and implementation, and promote the health, safety, and well-being of all participants.
• Participate in Village Leadership Councils, strategic and long-range planning, and professional development related to immersion-based language education, target language and culture, and child and youth development.
• Serve as an active and visible leader within your Language Village, providing staff supervision and helping staff navigate conflict, CLV policies, and Village norms.
• Review applications; interview, hire, and onboard seasonal staff; lead Village-specific orientation; and provide ongoing staff training throughout the season.
• Build a collegial and productive working environment that supports staff well-being, professional development, and the mission of Concordia Language Villages.
• Assign and delegate staff responsibilities, conduct regular staff meetings, provide or arrange performance feedback, and coordinate disciplinary action when necessary.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Village staff and CLV central administration and as a primary contact for parent/guardian conversations, dismissals, discipline, and other significant participant or staff matters.
• Serve as a steward of your Language Village site, resources, and relationships while maintaining effective communication with CLV central administrators and staff.
• Monitor program and staffing expenditures and coordinate Village resources, including curricular materials, store items, foreign currency, office supplies, and other program needs.
• Collaborate with program, operations, facilities, health, and risk-management partners to coordinate program and support staff and address operational needs.
• Coordinate Village opening and closing procedures.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with participants, parents/guardians, staff, other members of the CLV community, organizational partners, and the general public on behalf of your Language Village.
• Represent Concordia Language Villages and its educational philosophy as requested and as a program of Concordia College.
• Support CLV communications and promotional efforts, including content development for publications, websites, and other initiatives.
• Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the “Personnel Policies.”
• Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
• Read all the information in the Staff Handbook and other material carefully and thoroughly before arriving at the Village.
• Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your staff agreement.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
• Be prepared to use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender; shower and toilet stalls are private but situated within common bathroom areas shared with other staff and villagers.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
• Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation of the program.

Benefits

• Room and board provided while working on-site during the residential summer program.
• Build meaningful leadership experience directing an immersive language and cultural program and leading a seasonal staff team.
• Develop lasting professional and personal connections with educators, language professionals, and staff from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Make a meaningful impact by creating an environment where young people build confidence, develop language skills, and engage deeply with another culture.
• Grow as an educator and leader through hands-on experience in immersion education, staff development, program management, and community-building.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager