Academic Department
Syracuse University Florence
Position Description:
The Academic office has an opening for a full-time administrative position with a limited teaching component of one Italian language or Italian culture course per semester.
This full-time position will assist the academic team in ensuring the best possible immersive learning experience for students, with a focus on coordinating immersive learning opportunities specifically tied to the Italian language requirements and understanding of the local culture.
The overarching goal of the position will be to ensure that the learning environment is rigorous, engaging and supportive while working to ensure that experiential learning components are constantly assessed and improved, and that resources are being used effectively to enhance cultural immersion and language learning both in and outside the classroom.
While we are open to reviewing profiles that do not fully match our selections criteria, the ideal candidate will have a DITALs II teaching qualification, an MA and experience in teaching Italian language and culture courses to US university students.
Reports to:
Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success
Responsibilities:
Indicative and not exhaustive:
Academic and Curricular
· Oversee and coordinate all aspects of Italian language instruction, ensuring alignment with pedagogical best practices, departmental objectives, and broader institutional learning goals.
· Lead the ongoing revision, enhancement, and development of the Italian Language Department’s curriculum, incorporating immersive methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to foster deeper linguistic and cultural proficiency.
· Design and integrate co-curricular and extra-curricular language learning initiatives that complement classroom instruction, including structured language exchange programs, facilitated
conversation groups, and experiential learning opportunities aimed at promoting cross-cultural engagement.
· Provide academic leadership in the development of innovative language acquisition strategies, including digital resources, assessment tools, and experiential pedagogies that enhance student learning outcomes.
· Teach one course per semester, ensuring rigorous academic standards and student-centered pedagogy, and provide substitute instruction when necessary.
· Contribute to student transition and integration efforts by assisting with Orientation and related activities, particularly those aimed at fostering linguistic adaptation and cultural immersion.
Administrative
· Coordinate the scheduling and organization of class site visits and external outings, ensuring alignment with course objectives and learning outcomes.
· Facilitate the organization of placement and final exams, assisting with planning exam schedules and proctoring as necessary.
· Assist with room assignment.
· Oversee budgeting and reconciliations, as appropriate.
· Coordinate meetings with the Italian department faculty and work with the Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success to improve the operations and quality of the learning experience
· Keep the Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success informed of any relevant issue or cause of concern in the academic unit, whether in relation to a student, faculty, or a project
Requirements:
· Italian citizen or legal work permit for Italy
· Experience living, working, or studying abroad, preferred
· Knowledge of study abroad programs, international education, and the U.S. academic system, preferred
· Experience working with groups of US students, preferred
· Excellent oral and written Italian and English language skills
· Exceptional, demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
· DITALS II preferred
· MA degree or equivalent required
· Experience with course design, learning outcomes and assessment
· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapting to high-pressure peaks in workload
· Being able to work with a team