Florence Resident Director - Job opening

Florence Resident Director - Study Abroad Program

CET Academic Programs

Application Deadline: May 1, 2009

The Florence Resident Director (RD) is responsible for CET’s Vanderbilt in Florence program, in addition, to other small specialty programs managed by CET in Florence. CET Academic Programs is a private study abroad organization.

Based in Washington, DC, CET has been designing and administering educational programs abroad since 1982. CET is well-known for its innovations in the field of study abroad. Our programs emphasize high academic standards, innovative approaches to teaching, and careful student management.


The RD serves as CET’s primary liaison for the programs and coordinates communication between the other staff members, students and/or faculty. The RD handles all non-academic issues, such as housing, meals, activities and excursions.

However, as program axis, the RD is peripherally involved with academics and handles scheduling all classes and class-related field trips (in consultation with the faculty) and monitors classes, assists with hiring faculty, helps students with most common academic questions according to the academic policy, attendance, class room equipment, etc, as well as working together with the Italy Programs Director, faculty and students to work through any academic-related problems or issues.

The RD reports to the Italy Programs Director and is responsible for managing the Program Assistant.

General responsibilities include coordinating all activities and excursions, student meals and housing. While faculty members will create field trips that are in line with their course curricula, the RD will assist in all field trip arrangements, including working with local transportation companies to arrange all travel, purchasing tickets, organizing meals, housing, etc.


In addition, the RD designs and directs each term's orientation sessions. He/she must meet frequently with CET's students (both informally and during regular office hours) to evaluate their goals, progress, and adjustment. The RD is responsible for the programs' operating budgets and financial reports.


Attributes of the ideal RD candidate are flexibility, enthusiasm for students and study abroad and dedication. Candidates are advised that this is a time-consuming, challenging position. We therefore discourage those interested in pursuing their own research projects in Florence from applying. CET is seeking a candidate willing to commit to two years in Italy.


Requirements, in Order of Priority

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required; a master’s degree is strongly preferred.

• Near fluency and excellent communication skills, both, verbal and writing in Italian and English.

• At least two years of professional or academic experience in Italy, specific experience in Florence is preferred.

• Significant experience with and a good understanding of U.S. university systems and course structures.

• Excellent management & organizational skills.

• At least two years of professional experience working with Americans/Italians.

• Experience working with budgets and accounting issues.

• A willingness to wear different hats and work long hours.

• Ability to work well independently and with a team.

• A commitment to education and study abroad.

• A demonstrated sensitivity to student needs and cultural differences.

• Familiarity with the city of Florence.

• A desire to help develop and improve CET programs further.


To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• A formal cover letter that includes the position title (Florence Resident Director) and how you first heard of the position opening;

• A resume;

• Contact information for three references.

Applications that do not include all of these requirements will not be considered.



Send application materials via e-mail (as Word or pdf attachments) to:

Emiliana F. Caldarelli

Italy Programs Director

Email: emiliana.caldarelli@libero.it

For more information, go here: www.cetacademicprograms.com