Russia & East Europe Regional Expertise and Culture Instructor, DCLCP

Russia & East Europe Regional Expertise and Culture Instructor

The Mansfield Center’s Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP) is one of the top language training centers in the nation. DCLCP provides intensive language and culture training for members of the U.S. military and other government agencies through a congressionally funded grant through the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO). The position is located in Missoula, Montana for in-person teaching; future other locations are possible dependent upon mission requirements or as determined by the Director of DCLCP. Due to multiple training sites, some travel may be required. Instructor proficiency in a language of this region is preferred, and the selected candidate must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English.

The Russia & East Europe Regional Expertise and Culture (REC) Instructor will develop curriculum and instruct military and U.S. government personnel in the geopolitics, history, economics, and culture of the Russian and East European regions in courses delivered over video-teleconferencing (VTC) and in-resident venues.

The Russian & East Europe REC Instructor will design courses and prepare briefings covering both broad regional and country-specific issues. The first focus is broad, regional overviews of the Russian & East European regions in terms of recent history, culture, geopolitics, economics, environmental issues, terrorism/insurgencies, and inter-state conflicts. The Instructor will also develop specific country modules for individual regional states focusing in particular on their political systems, foreign policies, militaries, and terrorism/insurgencies.

The duration of each course ranges from one day to one year. Instructor should anticipate teaching 3-4 hours per day; the remainder of their time 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. The Instructor may also participate in seminars or exercises with military or government partners, serving as a regional expert.

The Instructor must have a high level of knowledge in current teaching methodologies and be comfortable with teaching in person and through technology using Video-Teleconferencing (VTCs), Smartboards, and iPads. Instructors must be able to work productively in a group (team teaching and active coordination) and to work effectively in an independent mode.

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.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Located in Missoula, MT. The Instructor must have work authorization for the U.S.
• Salary for this position is $64,500 - $68,500 per year, commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Experience in either academia or government on cultural, political, and historical issues pertaining to Russia & East Europe regions.
• Knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies.
• Ability to develop curricula and syllabi based on the needs of the program and as required by the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Outstanding written and oral communication
• Experience preparing and delivering PowerPoint and/or other formatted briefings and preparing written geopolitical analysis.
• Ability to work productively within a team and independently.
• Possess maturity, responsibility, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Possess work authorization for the U.S.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Background Investigation.
• Applicants with language proficiency may be required to take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) before selection; if required, must score advanced in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Russia & East Europe regional geopolitical and cultural instruction and/or analysis in a military or government setting.
• PhD in a related field.
• Instructor proficiency in a language of this region.
• Previous U.S. security clearance or background check.

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

The Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP), Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, is dedicated to providing superlative language and cultural training for Department of Defense customers. Our instructors and staff develop and present comprehensive language and regional studies/cultural awareness courses, courseware, and supporting materials designed to support national security mission needs.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, 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.

E mployment 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

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Screening begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Complete applications must include:

• A letter of interest addressing the required experience and qualifications for position.
• A current resume/CV listing education and describing work experience.
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

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