Summer Academic Director, Italy

Summer Academic Director, Italy Join to apply for the Summer Academic Director, Italy role at World Learning . Location Bologna, Italy Reports To Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Academic Affairs Anticipated Start Date April 1, 2026; 4‑5 month term Salary Range €11,000 – 12,000 (gross) Application Deadline January 30, 2026 (Rolling review, open until filled) Apply Submit a letter of interest and CV (with three professional references) via Position Description School for International Training (SIT) is an accredited US higher education institution and a global leader in experiential education. The Academic Director (AD) leads SIT Italy's Bologna‑based program, overseeing academic quality, operations, and student services. The AD will manage the summer Food Cultures and Sustainability program, ensuring alignment with SIT's mission of academic excellence and community engagement. Responsibilities Academic Management General management and oversight of program delivery of the undergraduate program in collaboration with SIT Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, Office of Global Operations, and Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being. Teaching one three‑credit course or equivalent, serving as faculty of record for other courses, hiring guest lecturers, advising students on Independent Study Projects, and coordinating internships. Curriculum development and academic oversight in consultation with the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty and in accordance with SIT policies. Advising on academic program delivery and scheduling. Designing and delivering the students' on‑site cross‑cultural orientation and teaching components of thematic and project‑based courses in relevant expertise areas. Coordinating experiential learning activities and linking classroom components to program excursions. Guiding and advising students in cross‑cultural learning processes and academic experiences, including Independent Study Projects and internships. Conducting program review and academic evaluation at the end of the program and incorporating feedback to enhance program quality. Maintaining an active agenda of research and knowledge production, publishing in peer‑reviewed journals. Program & Operations Management Managing program administration and operations in compliance with local laws and regulations, with support from SIT's Office of Global Operations. Serving as in‑country entity representative for compliance purposes. Negotiating cost‑effective program services and managing the program budget. Collaborating with World Learning Human Resources, Legal Counsel, and the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty on recruitment and termination of program support staff. Supervising local program staff, including mentoring, training, and performance evaluations. Maintaining regular communication, including detailed reports to Human Resources, Office of Global Operations, and Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty. Serving as liaison between SIT students and local partners. Supporting the Office of Global Operations in negotiating and maintaining updated agreements with local partner organizations. Participating in writing and editing program materials, advertising materials, catalog copy, and country information. Participating in SIT training and faculty workshops as required. Student Health and Safety and Well‑Being Providing and connecting students to relevant support services locally and in collaboration with SIT Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being. Serving as point person for students on medical, personal, and security concerns. Providing care to students, directing them to emotional and mental health resources. Maintaining up‑to‑date program contingency plans based on reliable information about health and safety risks. Communicating emergency procedures and protocols to participants, staff, and homestay families. Providing culturally appropriate strategies and advice to maximize safety and well‑being. Serving on periodic SIT task forces or learning communities. Other duties as assigned. Note: The academic director may be called upon during irregular hours to deal with emergencies. The director must remain in‑country and physically at the program site during the program, reachable by mobile phone on an emergency basis. Required Experience / Education Terminal degree (PhD, MFA, or equivalent) in Food Studies, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Italian Studies, or a related discipline. Academic and practical knowledge of Italy. Advanced proficiency in English and Italian writing and speaking. Legal right to work and reside in the location where this position is offered. Required Skills Effective communication skills. Computer literacy. Excellent intercultural skills to communicate effectively with students, host communities, and program partners. Required Competencies Commitment to academic excellence and personal leadership qualities required by the program, including cultural sensitivity, adaptability, empathy, intellectual curiosity, tact, diplomacy, organizational ability, and budget management. Experience working successfully in a remote team environment and comfort using a variety of technologies and virtual platforms. Proven ability to be flexible, collaborative, and patient, with a sense of humor. Proven ability to create a welcoming learning space for all students and staff. Demonstrated ability to use empathy and authenticity to support and connect students experiencing emotional, mental, or socially challenging situations in a new environment with appropriate resources. Must be able to meet the physical demands of this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr