Summer Program Job Opportunity

Summer Program Assistant 

The Tufts University European Center is seeking a Summer Program Assistant for a seasonal position at its site in Talloires, France. The Summer Program Assistant will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of the European Center, as well as a team of summer interns, to support students, faculty, and staff throughout the course of three immersive summer academic programs serving undergraduates and high school students.

The village of Talloires is located 35 miles south of Geneva, Switzerland. The European Center building itself was once part of a Benedictine monastery, and serves as both the education center and the residence for the seasonal staff.

The position will begin in early May and end in early August.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Be part of a team that supports undergraduate and high school students throughout their summer educational experiences, providing resources and guidance regarding any academic, technical, or personal questions or matters that they raise
• Act as an “on-call” staff member for specified shifts throughout each week, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies as they arise at any time during each on-call period and liaising appropriately with Director and Assistant Director
• Supervise, guide, and coach program interns in their operational and programmatic duties
• Participate in leading or supporting programmatic activities for students, faculty, or the local community
• Participate in supporting faculty by providing technical help
• Foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes intercultural learning and understanding, specifically within a French setting
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, courtesy, competence, and kindness in interactions with all constituents
• Collaborate with the administrative team to serve as a point of contact for and liaison with host families
• Develop strong, positive relationships with the local community, vendors, and external European Center partners
• Communicate clearly and work collaboratively with all members of the Director, Assistant Director, and student interns to create an environment of mutual respect, support, and authentic cooperation
• Ability to live and work together with student interns and administrative staff in a unique, communal, rustic setting

Required Qualifications:

• B.A. or Master’s degree in French, international education, secondary-level foreign language education, or related field
• Relevant experience leading experiential-learning programs for students, either within the U.S. or abroad
• Interest and experience in working with multiple constituents (students, faculty, staff, and visitors/guests) to provide high-quality service and support
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a willingness to utilize clear and tactful communication, even with regard to challenges or problems
• Ability to successfully manage confidential information and use discretion and sound judgment around sensitive matters (i.e. student affairs, health issues, or similar)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively in challenging situations
• A team-oriented and “all hands on deck” attitude
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes in daily schedule or role assignments, if/when programmatic needs shift at the last minute
• Fluency in French language (CEFR level of C2)
• Previous experience living, studying, and/or working in France
• Ability to navigate intercultural challenges with empathy and to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the cultural context of both the U.S. and France in these instances
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work, specifically in an educational setting
• Ability and willingness to work outside of or beyond traditional work hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of professional experience in a secondary school or higher educational setting
• Professional experience in a residential educational setting (i.e. residential life within a university or boarding school, residential summer education programs, or related roles)

How to Apply: 

To apply, please submit your resume/CV and a cover letter via email to europeancenter@tufts.edu. In your cover letter, please respond to the following questions:

1. This position involves wearing many proverbial “hats” and working with a range of constituents, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, and community members. Please describe your previous experience working in a multi-faceted role.
2. How would you describe your approach to working with a close-knit team?
3. How would your skill set align with the position (as you understand it from our description), and how would this role support your long-term career trajectory?