Director School of Japanese, Language Schools

Founded in 1915, the Middlebury Language Schools are known for the Language Pledge®, a commitment by students to communicate only in the language they are studying for the entire program. With the support of outstanding international faculty and a 24/7 immersion environment, students who keep the Pledge make remarkable gains in both linguistic and cultural proficiency.

The School of Japanese, established in 1970, offers an intensive eight-week summer immersion program as well as graduate study leading to the Master of Arts in Japanese Language and Culture and the Doctor of Modern Languages.

The Director provides academic and administrative leadership for a Middlebury Language School of Japanese, ensuring a rigorous, immersive summer program that upholds the Language Pledge, the mission of the Language Schools and of Middlebury College.

This is a part time, non-benefits eligible, salaried position.

Applications received by December 4, 2026 will be reviewed first by the committee; those received afterward will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.

Core Responsibilities:

The Director spends the summer in residence on the Middlebury College campus, overseeing the instructional and co-curricular program, and may teach one course. During the academic year, working remotely, the Director plans the curriculum, hires faculty and summer staff, evaluates and publicizes the program, assists with student recruitment, and oversees the admissions process.

The Director’s performance is evaluated annually in consultation with the Dean of Language Schools. Each fall, the Director submits an Annual Report summarizing the School’s performance for the summer, goals for the coming year, and vision for the School. Evaluation criteria include:

• Effective operation of the summer program
• Quality of instruction
• Fiscal responsibility
• Curricular development and innovation
• Student recruitment
• Student satisfaction
• Effective representation of Middlebury
• Contribution to the goals of the Language Schools
• Initial appointment is for three years, renewable thereafter subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

Requirements

• 1. Senior faculty rank, with tenure or tenurable credentials at an established institution
• 2. Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and strong English communication skills
• 3. Experience with second-language pedagogy, including the use of instructional technology
• 4. Advanced research and teaching experience in a language, humanities, or social science field related to the culture or cultures of the School
• 5. Substantial language teaching experience at the postsecondary level
• 6. Experience directing or coordinating a language program or area studies department
• 7. Demonstrated administrative skills, including budget management and hiring and supervising faculty and staff
• 8. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to foster an inclusive immersion community
• 9. Commitment to the Language Pledge and willingness to reside on campus for the summer session
• Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Other: An offer for this position is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and references.