Director Of Language Education

Position Summary

Overview:

The Germanic-American Institute is a Minnesota non-profit organization, located on historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Our mission is to “connect people to a broader world through German language and culture.” The GAI is one of the most prominent centers for German language and culture education in the United States, and is a Goethe Institut proficiency exam testing center and Kulturgesellschaft

The Director of Language Education is a vital leader in developing, implementing, and evaluating relevant educational programs such as German courses, children’s Saturday school and summer camps, and Goethe Institut testing. Special initiatives related to German(ic) language and culture are also managed by this position in collaboration with other staff & directors.

The ideal candidate for this job is passionate about German Language Education, German culture and working in the non-profit sector. The Director of Language Education must be experienced and skilled in developing and growing programs and services, managing a teaching staff, building relationships with students, clients, and partner organizations and managing all related details.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

Language Programs

• Manage, lead and grow all aspects of Language programs for adults and children including classes, tutoring, Samstagsschule and summer camps, on-line classes, and scholarship program

• Recruit, hire and manage language instructors, tutors, and summer camp staff

• Evaluate teaching staff via class via classroom observation and student surveys

• Coordinate with Goethe Institut; Schedule exam testing dates and order materials; collaborate on programs and events; Manage Kulturgesellschaft status and grants as needed

• In collaboration with other department leads & directors, develop and monitor the annual program and class schedule, calendar, and budget for GAI Language Programs and Initiatives.

• Develop, disseminate, and collect evaluation information, and other forms of formal and informal feedback, to ensure GAI Language programs and initiatives are mission oriented and successful.

• Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners to assess nonprofits’ interests and needs. Use this information to prioritize, plan, and develop high quality programs that are responsive and mission critical.

Administration / Operations

• Process registrations and payments; maintain class schedules & calendar; order textbooks & supplies; administer scholarships/work-study.
• Develop and maintain relationships with AATG, MNAATG, and MCTFL and other language, culture and education institutions and organizations. (Institutes, Universities)
• Represent the GAI Language Program at GAI and other community events
• Develop, review & analyze the department budget, P&L reports, including meeting revenue, growth and profitability goals

Hours & Remote Work

This is a full-time position based on an average of 35 hours/week. There is the possibility to convert the position to an hourly basis with flexing hours during contract negotiations.

GAI policy requires working on-site a minimum of 3 days per week for full-time directors, with a majority of those hours between the core hours of 9:30am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday. During core hours, staff working remotely are online and available for questions and team collaboration.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a salaried position, based on 35 hours/week, unless otherwise agreed upon. Starting wage will be between $30-$37/hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, paid-time-off (PTO) and sick days, 11 paid holidays, annual IRA contribution, and flexible scheduling. The GAI is closed December 24-January 1.

Required qualifications:

Fluency or near native proficiency in German

German/foreign language teaching experience

Practical knowledge of the Common European Framework of References for Languages

Experience leading and supervising staff; Ability to evaluate teachers’ classroom and virtual teaching performance.

Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a high degree of cultural competency

Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, manage, track and complete multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Budget planning and financial management

Demonstrated proficiency with Office Suite, and email / web / database programs

Preferred qualifications:

Experience directing educational programs in the nonprofit sector

Program or project management skills

Strategic planning and development

Knowledge or experience with virtual learning programs

Grant writing

Relationship building with students, volunteers, and engaged community members

Work Environment & Culture

The Germanic-American Institute is in an exciting phase of visioning and growth. The GAI Board of Directors and Staff have set a vision for becoming the premier center for German language and cultural education in the United States. Candidates with a strong background or interest in Germanic culture will find the position especially rewarding.

The Director of Language Education allows for generous creativity, professional development, and the strong sense of contributing to the growth and advancement of a leading cultural institute. We have a creative, hard-working and passionate team who enjoys good food, good coffee, and achieving great results. At the GAI, we believe in and follow the following principles:

• A European attitude towards work-life balance, which takes into account that employees also have family (including pets) in need of care and attention. The GAI offers flexible schedule, healthy time-off and vacation options. For example, we close the week between Christmas and New Year’s because everyone needs that time to rest and recharge.
  
• Stellar service to all organizational stakeholders

• Developing a sense of community among all who engage at the GAI. We strive to get to know everyone who walks in our doors.

• Working with staff to capitalize on their strengths and interests and giving them the latitude to be creative in achieving results-oriented success.

Here is a sample of what staff members say about working at the GAI:

"I love working at the GAI because of the great people: our director, staff, board, volunteers, members.... plus a strong belief in our mission, hard-working and supportive colleagues, and a work-life balance policy that can't be beat!"

“After working in 'for-profit' business and industry for 25+ years, I found the GAI to be a refreshing change and challenge. “

“The GAI encourages innovation and experimentation, allowing individuals creative expression through their work.”

"It is so refreshing to work in an environment where I am surrounded by creative, talented, intelligent coworkers who support my drive to innovate. All this, and an expectation of work-life balance make the GAI a phenomenal place to work each day!"

To Apply: 

 The application deadline is June 20, 2024, although interviews with highly qualified candidates could begin earlier. Cover letter and resume to be sent to GAI Executive Director Jeana Anderson via MCN Job board.