RESIDENT DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD
BEIJING, CHINA
School Year Abroad (SYA), based in Lawrence MA, is seeking a Resident Director for our school in China for the 2012-2013 school year. Since 1964, SYA has operated schools outside the United States for U.S. secondary school students, affording them the benefits and challenges of living in a foreign culture in addition to full academic credit and rigorous academic preparation for the best U.S. colleges and universities. The job of Resident Director (RD) is similar to that of Head of a small independent school in the U.S., combining elements of both day and boarding schools. In essence, the RD serves as Head of School, Academic Dean, Dean of Students, Director of Communications and occasional Counselor. Responsibilities include: organizational leadership, student support and discipline, creation and administration of budget, hiring and evaluation of faculty, emergency planning and oversight, and representation of SYA with local officials, community leaders, and host families. Required QUALIFICATIONS include: Fluency in Mandarin Chinese. Experience in the developing world. Ability to function effectively in U.S. secondary independent school culture with knowledge of grading standards, reporting procedures, disciplinary processes, college applications, etc. Ability to establish rapport with and command the respect of students, host families, faculty and colleagues. An attitude towards students which is manifestly sympathetic in ordinary circumstances, clearly supportive in times of stress, but firmly directive when necessary. Flexibility, good humor, good health, energy, sociability, and desire to adapt to a new culture. Ability to attend to detail with thoroughness and accuracy, to meet deadlines, and to make sure that others do so as well. Experience teaching students of high school age. Applications are due no later than December 31, 2011. The successful candidate will begin work July 1, 2010. Please direct inquiries to Nelson Chase, Executive Director, by email at nchase@sya.org or by phone at 1-978-725-6828 ext. 126. TO APPLY: Complete job description and application requirements are on the SYA website at www.sya.org. Please send your completed application by December 31 to: Mary Lou Poirier, School Year Abroad, 439 South Union Street, Lawrence, MA 01843.
