Bilingual Assistant in French (Summer 2025 LSF004)

Description 

The Middlebury College Summer School of French is accepting applications for the position of temporary Bilingual Assistant in French. The position may be available during the summer 2025 session, located on Middlebury College campus in Vermont. Our unique 7-week program combines a cultural immersion environment with rigorous daily classroom instruction. Employment dates are June 23 through August 15, 2025. (dates subject to minor changes) 

Essential to the functioning of each Language School, the Bilingual Summer Staff member organizes and implements multiple facets of the non-academic operations of the School; provides language, co-curricular, and residential support to students; works alongside the School assistant directors and the director in the management of School operations. In addition to the salary, lodging and a complete meal plan will be provided. Full-time on-campus residence is required for the duration of the summer program. The position is for summer 2025 only. 

Responsibilities are grouped into seven broad areas, beginning with the most essential. An “*” next to a responsibility means that all Summer Staff will be involved in this task. Other areas of responsibility will be assigned according to staff members’ particular skill sets. 

(1) Program ambassador 

Serves as the primary in-language point of contact for students and faculty. Knowledgeable about the program as well as campus resources and policies.* 

Actively engages with students, providing encouragement, and support outside of class, during meals and activities and in the dorms, offices, and social spaces.* 

Designs and implements team-building exercises for classes or for the program as a whole. 

Supports students’ commitment to the Language Pledge and the rigorous learning environment.* 

Serves as official representative of the School, the Language Schools administration, and the Middlebury community.* 

(2) Student life 

Represents the School administration in the dorms and social spaces, especially on evenings and weekends.* 

Resides in dorms. Provides guidance and non-academic support. Monitors adherence to the Language Pledge. Organizes social activities in the dorms.* 

Responds to student emergencies and urgent situations. Directs students to appropriate offices and resources, academic and non-academic.* 

(3) Co-curricular activities and events 

Facilitates the School’s cultural program, an integral part of the immersion-based academic experience. Liaises with campus offices including but not limited to public safety, dining services, events management, media services, print shop, theater, and facilities services.* 

Designs, plans, and implements complex school-wide cultural events. Designs and leads regular co-curricular activities. 

Assists faculty, guests, and the director at/with lectures, performances, and other events.* 

Coordinates inter-school activities. 

Attends program events as crowd managers and “animators” (enthusiastic leaders).* 

(4) Pedagogical support 

Engages in conversation practice outside of class.* 

Lecture series: May give a programmatically relevant presentation on a topic of personal expertise.  

(5) Technology 

Provides general IT support for faculty, guests, and students (on School and personal devices).* 

Manages circulation of School technology, equipment, and film archive. 

Provides technical support at events, from basic a/v at lectures to sound and light design at staged performances. 

Provides classroom technical support, as requested by faculty. 

(6) Communications 

Communicates with students and faculty on a variety of platforms: email, website, social media, print media, announcements. * 

Designs and edits web content on in-language sites. 

Develops media content and disseminates publications, including calendars, newspaper, posters, event programs, etc. 

Manages photography and videography. Edits photo and video content. Prepares slideshows, photo exhibits, event videos, etc. 

Translates School and other official Middlebury documents.* 

(7) School office 

Administers School office. 

Serves as French language point of contact for students, faculty, and guests needing drop-in assistance. 

Scheduling of events and activities. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Candidates should submit letter of interest and a resume. 

At Middlebury, we strive to make our campus a respectful, engaged community that embraces differences, with all the complexity and individuality each person brings. In your application materials, we encourage you to address how your professional, academic and personal experience might support our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Application deadline is December 15, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 

Middlebury College is a top-tier liberal arts college with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in faculty teaching and research. An Equal Opportunity Employer, the College is committed to hiring a diverse faculty as we work to foster innovation in our curriculum and to provide a rich and varied educational experience to our increasingly diverse student body. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

Cover Letter (1) 

Resume (1) 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred. Advanced degree a plus. 

Native or near-native proficiency in French and in English, oral and written. 

Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both oral and written). 

Ability to work with people of all ages and levels (students, professionals, and colleagues). 

Must be willing to take initiative and assume responsibility, but also work collaboratively as part of a team. 

Specialized training/experience in media, communications, and/or technology highly desirable.