Lead Russian Language and Culture Instructor, DCLCP

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 at Missoula, Montana, but other locations may be dependent upon mission requirements or as determined by the Director of DCLCP.

The Russian Lead Language, Culture, and Regional Studies Instructor leads a language team, develops curriculum, and instructs intensive language and culture courses delivered in person and over video-teleconferencing (VTC). While classes are in session, the lead language instructor is responsible for 5-6 hours of teaching per day and 2-3 hours per day for lesson preparation, classroom management, administration, and supplementary curriculum development. When courses are not in session, the lead language instructor develops course materials for publishing and for in-class use.

The Lead Instructor must dedicate themselves to the improvement of the department and be able to provide constructive criticism and helpful solutions to other instructors. The Lead Instructor will possess adroit observational skills and be capable of offering fresh, creative solutions in difficult situations.

Due to instruction conducted at multiple training sites, some travel may be required for instructors.

The Lead Instructor must be fluent in Russian language and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English. The instructor is required to take an Oral Proficiency Interview and score superior in Russian and advanced in English prior to selection.

The Lead 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 be able to work productively in a group (team teaching, active coordination, extensive collaboration) and in an independent mode. The instructor must be able to create and follow syllabi without oversight.

The Russian Lead Instructor of Language, Culture and Regional Studies will teach not only the language, but also teach cultural and regional studies courses in the target language or in English. Topics may include but are not limited to the geography, history, literature, natural resources, economy, government, ethnicities, etc. of Russian-speaking areas.

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.
• Salary for this position is $71,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.
• Located in Missoula, Montana

Required Qualifications

• Applicant should have a Ph.D., preferably in Russian (language and/or literature), linguistics (applied linguistics is preferred), history, anthropology, or any related field.
• Must have experience in instructing Russian language and culture.
• Must have experience in curriculum development for Russian language materials.
• Must be able to create and follow syllabi without oversight.
• Must have knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies.
• Must be able to supervise other instructors and work productively within a team as well as independently.
• 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 Russian.
• Must have a valid work authorization for the U.S.
• Individual must be able to pass a Criminal Background Investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in intensive language instruction, particularly in a military or government setting.
• Experience managing organizations and supervising instructors or others

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 approximately 10,000 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. 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.

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: Sunday, April 10, 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