Middle East and North Africa Regional Studies Instructor, Defense and Critical Language/Culture

The University of Montana invites applications for Middle East and North Africa Regional Studies Instructor with the Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP). This position will develop curriculum and instruct military and U.S. government personnel in courses delivered over video-teleconferencing (VTC) and in-resident venues.

The Instructor is responsible for designing course curriculum and syllabi covering both region-wide and country-specific information. The instructor will develop a broad, regional overview of the Middle East and North Africa (Maghreb) in terms of its recent (post-WWI) history, political development, socio-economic issues, cultural make-up, insurgency/terrorism issues, and inter-state conflicts. The Instructor will also develop specific country modules for individual Middle Eastern and North African states focusing in particular on their political systems, foreign policies, militaries, and insurgency/terrorism issues.

The duration of each course ranges from one day to one year. Instructor should anticipate teaching 3-4 hours per day; the remainder will be used for lesson preparation, classroom management, administration and supplementary curriculum development. When courses are not in session, the instructor develops new course materials for publishing and for in-class use. Instructor fluency in Arabic and/or French is preferred. Instructor must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English.

The instructor must have a high level of knowledge in current teaching methodologies and be comfortable with teaching through technology using Video-Teleconferencing (VTCs), Smartboards, and iPads. Instructors must also be able to work productively in a group (team teaching and active coordination), work effectively in an independent mode while courses are not in session and meet deadlines. While courses are in session the instructors must be able to create and follow syllabi without oversight.

Due to multiple training sites some travel may be required. The position may be located at Missoula, Montana, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, or other location dependent upon mission requirements as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field
• Must have experience either in academia or government on cultural, political, and historical issues pertaining to the Middle East and/or North Africa.
• Must have knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies.
• Applicant must score advanced in English as tested against the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), is required to take the OPI before selection and must score superior in French.
• Individual must be able to pass a Criminal Background Investigation enabling successful clearance application/approval.
• Must have knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies.
• Must be able to work productively within a team and independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field

• Experience in regional studies and/or cultural instruction, particularly in a military or government setting.

About the Defense Critical Language/Culture Program (DCLCP) and UM

The Defense Critical Language/Culture Program (DCLCP) at the Mansfield Center develops and presents comprehensive language and regional studies/cultural awareness courses, courseware, and supporting materials designed to prepare DOD and USG employees for overseas deployment. These courses and materials will be specifically designed to meet DoD requirements, and may include, but not be limited to, languages such as Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Persian, Indonesian, French, Russian, Pashto, and Korean. Additionally, these courses and materials will include a substantial regional and cultural studies component. DCLCP will also develop synchronous online learning modules and Apple Apps for language and culture instruction in coordination with Department of Defense (DoD) entities. DCLCP will also work with other entities at the University of Montana to 1) develop an online bachelor’s and master’s degree program for deployed military and other UM students, and 2) an online associate degree.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:

• Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related the stated required skills for the position.
• Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
• Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional reference

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular