Learning Abroad Center Program Leader

This position is responsible for several instructional and administrative responsibilities in creating and administering a learning abroad program. This position will collaborate with the Learning Abroad Center to develop a learning abroad program, coordinate course materials, and lead / facilitate all program activities. The program leader is expected to participate in all aspects of the program while abroad. This position requires strong education abroad program management, recruitment, and implementation skills. The dates for the program are May 16- June 8, 2025.

https://umabroad.umn.edu/programs/europe/sicily#dates-tab

Responsibilities:

Instructional Responsibilities 60%

Collaborate with the Learning Abroad Center (LAC) to develop a learning abroad program to include: orientation, guest lectures, site visits, excursions, group activities, intercultural learning, and reflection.
Create a syllabus to include: learning outcomes, course requirements, assessment standards, contact hours, SDG integration, and daily itinerary. The syllabus is to be approved via the University Coursedog process and simultaneously submitted for Liberal Education review and/or Writing Intensive review via the University Coursedog process. Make necessary edits to aim to obtain liberal education and/or writing intensive designation.
Obtain a course designator and number from your department for which the LAC will provide directions for the department to schedule a 5XX-level class section for the program. The course number should be unique to this learning abroad course and topics course numbers should be avoided. The LAC works with the department on how to schedule the course and takes the lead on assisting students with registration.

Global Seminars are:
3XXX-level (4XXX-level possible)
3-credits
A-F grade basis required
No prerequisites

Coordinate course materials for students to purchase (including books, course packets, journals, handouts, etc.).
Fly to and from the program on the group flight, unless an alternative plan has been discussed with and approved by the LAC.
Lead and/or facilitate all program activities. Instruct course lectures, debriefs, and facilitate academic connections between course content and program activities.

Monitor arrangements and ensure academic quality for all activities while abroad including: guest lectures, excursions, site visits, etc.
Participate in all aspects of the program while abroad: orientation, excursions, guest lecturers, site visits, group meals, and other planned extracurricular activities.
Evaluate student work and post grades online within three weeks of the completion of the program.
Administer Student Rating of Teaching (SRT) according to college/department process, if applicable.

Administrative Responsibilities 40%

Attend Learning Abroad Center Program Leader kick-off and cohort meetings focusing on program development and health and safety procedures.
Attend one required Health & Safety Leader Training facilitated by GPS Alliance Office of International Health, Safety, and Compliance.
Register your travel via the University's Travel Registry. Be sure to note you are traveling with students.
Attend at least two of the LAC's Excellence in Leading Learning Abroad Series (ELLAS) workshops throughout the AY 2024-2025.
Review content, and stay up-to-date on information, shared via the LAC Leader Canvas Portal: https://canvas.umn.edu/courses/105491
Review student confirmation forms, including, but not limited to, health information forms and accommodation request forms shared with you by the LAC. Discuss/meet with LAC staff and students as needed.
Be available via email/phone/zoom/in-person to work with the LAC on program development. LAC should be notified in advance of any extended absences if going to be unreachable, especially during the summer months and leading up to the application deadline. Program planning begins spring semester 2024 and continues until program departure.
Collaborate with the LAC on program development and design to support inclusive design, sustainability efforts, and incorporating SDGs into the program and course design.
Actively recruit students for the program. Collaborate with LAC on marketing and promotion. Review promotional materials, hold informational sessions, communicate program information to your department/college, make program announcements in on-campus classes, announce program information in appropriate newsletters, listservs, social media, etc.

Attend and actively participate in the LAC Student Pre-departure Orientation. Conduct at least one additional pre-departure meeting for your group.
Facilitate returnee activities or workshops upon return to the U.S., if applicable.

Consult with LAC for collaborative decision-making on any significant changes to the program-e.g.: program leaders/co-leaders, locations, excursions, course objectives, etc.
Serve as an official onsite representative of the program, which includes 24/7 availability during program dates.
Collaborate with onsite staff, as appropriate, to deal with incidents, accidents, illnesses, or emergencies involving any program participants.
Take the lead on, and consult/collaborate with onsite staff and LAC, as appropriate, on responding to student conflicts (including possible mediation between students/groups of students) involving any program participants.
Disclose to the LAC and/or Disability Resource Center any health or disability issues that may impact your ability to perform the essential duties as Program Leader. This will allow the LAC and onsite partners to assist in appropriate planning and accommodations, and to facilitate program implementation and emergency response, as well as factor any possible additional costs to support leader and program success.

Provide the LAC with your phone number and address while abroad.
In a timely manner, communicate the circumstances of any student incident or emergency to the LAC via email or phone (dependent upon the nature of the incident).
LAC Regular Business Hours M-F, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; 612.626.9000
LAC Break Business Hours M-F 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.; 612.626.9000

Assume liability for travel advance and close out the advance with the LAC within ten business days post completion of the program.
Maintain budget while onsite so that, excluding emergencies; money is only spent on pre-approved activities, speakers, and resources.
Attend a post-program meeting with the LAC within 30 days of program completion to debrief: student incidents, curriculum, excursions and site visits, classroom and housing facilities, experience working with both the onsite partner and the LAC, and to make recommendations for future programs.
To the best of your knowledge and intention- carry once committed to running the program- carry out instructor/leader duties for the agreed upon program and term/program duration.

Required Qualifications:
Master's or professional degree in related field
Previous experience with leading study abroad programs
Demonstrated experience in the field of higher international education
Demonstrated intercultural, oral, and written communication skills
Ability to work well with diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators

Preferred Qualifications:
Strong leadership and management skills
Experience coordinating course materials and syllabi

The Learning Abroad Center is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, intern, community engagement, and research experiences worldwide.

The Learning Abroad Center offers a full range of advising and support services to students, including program selection, academic planning, financial planning, registration, credit, cultural adjustment, and reentry. A variety of program options-180 programs in over 50 countries-have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.

Pay Range: Total salary of $4,500- $5,500.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).