Returning Program Leader (Village Dean)

Concordia College • Bemidji, MN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Dean serves as the program director and primary leader of an individual Concordia Language Village, with overall responsibility for the leadership and operation of its summer program. The role oversees program development and implementation, staff leadership, budgeting, operations, and communication, while ensuring the Village reflects the mission and educational philosophy of Concordia Language Villages. The Dean works with academic-year program leaders, participates in the Village Leadership Council, and partners with the Program Director and CLV administrative team. The position combines year-round planning and preparation with hands-on leadership during the summer season. Co-dean arrangements may be considered, with reduced compensation for each position in a co-dean arrangement.

The general employment period is January through August. January through June accounts for 20% of salary and is spent hiring summer staff and planning summer programs. The Dean is in residence in Bemidji during the summer season. The stated base salary is $940 per week for three weeks in residence, with the possibility of an additional two weeks; salary may increase based on education and experience. The total salary for the three in-residence weeks is spread across approximately January through the end of the residential program. Virtual Village Leadership Councils are compensated at $150 each for full attendance.

This posting is exclusively for people previously employed by Concordia Language Villages as a Program Leader (Dean) and eligible to return. Applications do not guarantee reappointment; reappointments depend on program needs, performance history, and institutional approval. Returning deans reapply annually.

The role requires leadership of an immersive language and cultural program, staff supervision and development, program operations, and communication with participants, families, staff, administrators, partners, and the public. The Dean must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including communication in English and the target language, observation, judgment, interpersonal interaction, and responding effectively to changing or stressful circumstances.

During the residential program, room and board are provided. Employees live in community housing assigned according to gender, generally in a cabin or other housing unit with participants of the same gender; positions not housed with participants include housing with staff members of the same gender. Bathroom facilities are shared common areas with private shower and toilet stalls. Staff are expected to attend orientation, assist with Village setup and maintenance, speak the target language as much as possible, and remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Requirements

• Previously employed by Concordia Language Villages in a Program Leader (Dean) role and eligible to return; applicants without this prior employment are not eligible under this posting.
• Intermediate-High or higher proficiency in the target language and English.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 25 years of age, consistent with the American Camp Association standard.
• Availability for all orientation and session dates.
• Valid work authorization for the United States and residence in the United States.
• Ability 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.
• Ability to handle competing priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, exercise sound judgment, and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively in English and the target language.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Previous leadership experience 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.
• Experience or interest in developing programs and people and growing with the Village over multiple summers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Village’s language and cultural program in collaboration with seasonal and year-round CLV staff.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate curriculum, educational program, and Village schedule, including creating or procuring necessary materials.
• Ensure the Village operates in accordance with Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages policies and applicable Cognia and American Camp Association standards.
• Gather and respond to feedback from villagers and staff; consult with CLV administrators on program needs; and promote participant health, safety, and well-being.
• 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.
• Provide visible staff supervision and help 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.
• Build a collegial and productive working environment that supports staff well-being, professional development, and the CLV mission.
• Assign and delegate 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 or guardian conversations, dismissals, discipline, and other significant matters involving participants or staff.
• Steward the Village site, resources, and relationships, and maintain effective communication with CLV central administrators and staff.
• Monitor program and staffing expenditures and coordinate 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 staff and address operational needs.
• Coordinate Village opening and closing procedures.
• Communicate appropriately with participants, parents or guardians, staff, the CLV community, organizational partners, and the general public on behalf of the 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 for publications, websites, and other initiatives.
• Become familiar with and follow personnel policies and responsibilities for the assigned area; read the Staff Handbook and other materials before arriving at the Village.
• Report to orientation before the first session as designated by the staff agreement, help set up and maintain the Village, and assist with preparation for subsequent sessions.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff as much as possible, model appropriate behavior, and support villagers’ health and welfare.
• Remain one day after the final session for cleanup, inventory, and program evaluation.

Benefits

• Room and board provided while working on-site during the residential summer program.
• Opportunity to build leadership experience directing an immersive language and cultural program and leading a seasonal staff team.
• Opportunity to develop professional and personal connections with educators, language professionals, and staff from varied backgrounds.
• Opportunity to make an impact on young people’s confidence, language skills, and cultural engagement.
• Hands-on growth in immersion education, staff development, program management, and community-building.

What This Job Offers

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