The Middlebury College Summer Arabic School invites applications for a temporary Bilingual Assistant in Arabic position. This appointment is available for the summer 2027 session (June 13 - August 14, 2027) and will be based on the Middlebury College campus in Middlebury, Vermont.
The program offers a distinctive eight-week intensive curriculum that integrates cultural immersion with rigorous daily classroom instruction. The Bilingual Assistant serves an essential function within the Language School, organizing and implementing multiple facets of academic and non-academic operations; providing co-curricular programming and residential support to students; working under the supervision of the Assistant Director and Director; and assisting faculty with all language-related activities conducted outside the classroom.
This is a part-time temporary non-benefits position paying $17.57 per hour.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers hourly compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to monetary compensation, the College will provide accommodations and meals for the duration of the appointment, ensuring that the Bilingual Assistant is fully integrated into the residential immersion environment of the Summer Arabic School.
Core Responsibilities:
Responsibilities are organized into six primary areas, listed in order of priority.
1. Program Ambassador
- Serves as a primary in-language point of contact for students and faculty, maintaining comprehensive knowledge of program structure, campus resources, and institutional policies.
- Actively engages with students by providing encouragement and support outside of classroom hours, including during meals, activities, and in residential, office, and social spaces.
- Reinforces students' commitment to the Language Pledge and the rigorous immersive learning environment.
- Represents the Arabic School, Language Schools administration, and the broader Middlebury community in an official capacity.
2. Student Life
- Represents School administration in residential and social spaces, with particular emphasis on evening and weekend hours.
- Maintains residence in student dormitories, providing guidance and non-academic support while monitoring adherence to the Language Pledge and organizing social activities.
- Responds to student emergencies and urgent situations, directing students to appropriate academic and non-academic offices and resources.
3. Co-Curricular Activities and Events
- Facilitates the School's cultural programming, an integral component of the immersion-based academic experience, and liaises with campus offices including public safety, dining services, events management, media services, print services, theater, and facilities management.
- Designs, plans, and implements complex school-wide cultural events and assists with regular co-curricular activities.
- Represents the Director by serving as host to official guests, including lecturers, performers, and visiting artists.
- Provides assistance to faculty, guests, and the Director at lectures, performances, and other events, and coordinates inter-school activities.
- Attends program events in the capacity of crowd manager and enthusiastic leader ("animator").
4. Technology
- Provides general information technology support for faculty, guests, and students on both institutional and personal devices.
- Delivers curricular technology training and support for faculty and manages circulation of School technology, equipment, and film archive resources.
- Provides technical support at events, ranging from basic audiovisual assistance at lectures to sound and lighting design for staged performances.
- Delivers classroom technical support as requested by faculty.
5. Communications
- Communicates with students and faculty across multiple platforms, including email, website, social media, print media, and announcements.
- Designs and edits web content, with particular emphasis on instructional in-language sites.
- Develops media content and disseminates publications, including calendars, newspapers, posters, and event programs.
- Manages photography and videography operations, edits photo and video content, and prepares slideshows, photo exhibits, and event videos.
- Translates School documents and other official Middlebury materials.
6. School Office Administration
- Administers daily operations of the School office.
- Serves as in-language point of contact for students, faculty, and guests requiring drop-in assistance.
- Coordinates scheduling of events and activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree strongly preferred; advanced degree is advantageous.
- Native or near-native proficiency in Arabic and English, both oral and written.
- Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills in oral and written formats.
- Proven ability to work effectively with individuals of all ages and professional levels, including students, professionals, and colleagues.
- Capacity to exercise initiative and assume responsibility while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Application Instructions - Candidates are required to submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Current resumé
- Two letters of recommendation
Application Deadline:
The application deadline is January 29, 2027; however, the position will remain open until filled. This appointment is for the summer 2027 term.
Benefits
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.