Summer Academic Director, Italy

Academic Director (Summer)

Location: Bologna, Italy

Reports To: Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Academic Affairs

Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2026 (4–5‑month term)

Salary Range: €11,000–12,000 (gross)

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 (rolling review, open until filled)

Apply: Submit a letter of interest and CV (with three professional references) via https://worldlearning.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Position Description

School for International Training (SIT) is seeking a summer academic director in Italy in the area of food studies, sustainability, Italian studies, or related disciplines. SIT is an accredited US higher‑education institution and a global leader in experiential education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs focused on critical global issues. Our immersive learning model connects students with local communities, fostering intercultural understanding and social justice.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the program webpage: Summer 2026: Italy: Food Cultures and Sustainability – SIT Study Abroad (www.sit.edu/itn).

Learn more about SIT mission and values at https://www.worldlearninginc.org/about-us/mission-and-values/.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring academic excellence of the program in line with SIT's academic policies
• Creating a welcoming & safe learning environment for students, staff, and local faculty
• Managing the program site and supervision of local staff, budget planning and oversight, and financial reporting
• Representing SIT at the program location and developing and maintaining positive relationships with SIT and local partners

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Management
  • General management and oversight of program delivery of the undergraduate program in collaboration with SIT Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, Office of Global Operations, and Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being.
  • Teaching one three‑credit course or equivalent, serving as faculty of record for the other courses, hiring guest lecturers to teach on the program, advising the students on their Independent Study Projects, and, when applicable, working with the internship coordinator to ensure the highest quality experience for the students.
  • Curriculum development and academic oversight in consultation and support from the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty and in accordance with SIT policies.
  • Advising in matters regarding academic program delivery and scheduling.
  • Designing and delivering the students' on‑site cross‑cultural orientation and teaching components of the thematic and project‑based courses, in their areas of expertise, as appropriate;
  • Designing and coordinating an experiential educational experience including in and out of the classroom activities. Facilitating the linkages between and among each of these various components and program excursions.
  • Generally guiding and advising students in both their cross‑cultural learning processes and academic experiences including the Independent Study Project and, when applicable, internship, thus serving as an educator/teacher in the broadest sense by assisting students to draw substantive connections from among different aspects of the experience.
  • Conducting the program review and academic evaluation at the end of the program and incorporating feedback to enhance program academic quality.
  • Serving as thought leader by maintaining an active agenda of research and knowledge production and publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Program & Operations Management
  • Managing program administration and operations in compliance with local laws and regulations and in consultation with and support from SIT's Office of Global Operations.
  • Serve as in‑country entity representative for compliance purposes as required.
  • Negotiating cost‑effective program services and managing the program budget.
  • Collaborating with the World Learning Human Resources, Legal Counsel, and Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty in recruitment and termination decisions regarding program support staff.
  • Supervising local program staff, including mentoring, training, and regular performance evaluations.
  • Maintaining regular communication including submitting detailed and timely reports to various departments, including Human Resources, Office of Global Operations, and Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty.
  • Serving as a liaison between SIT students and local national and program partners.
  • Supporting the Office of Global Operations in negotiating and maintaining updated agreements with local partner organizations as needed.
  • Participating, when requested, in the writing and editing of program materials, advertising materials, catalog copy, country information.
  • Participating in SIT training and faculty workshops as required.
• Student Health and Safety and Well‑Being
  • Playing a critical role in providing and connecting students to relevant support services locally and in collaboration with SIT Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being.
  • Providing an welcoming learning and teaching environment for all students.
  • Serving as point person for students on medical, personal, and security concerns in collaboration with SIT's Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being and local staff.
  • Providing care to the students and, in consultation with SIT Office of Student health, Safety, and Well‑Being, directing them to appropriate resources for emotional and mental health support;
  • Maintaining up‑to‑date program contingency plans, based on current and reliable information concerning health and safety risks of the local environment.
  • Communicating emergency procedures and protocols to student participants, program staff, and homestay families.
  • Providing culturally appropriate strategies and advice to maximize safety and well‑being.
  • Serving on periodic SIT task forces or learning communities in collaboration with other faculty.

Required Experience/Education

• Master's degree (or terminal degree such as Ph.D., MFA) in Food Studies, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Italian Studies, or a discipline related to the program theme
• Academic and practical knowledge of Italy
• Advanced proficiency in English and Italian writing and speaking
• Legal right to work and reside in the location where this position is offered

Required Skills

• Effective communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Excellent intercultural skills to communicate effectively with students, host communities, and program partners

Required Competencies

• SIT faculty must be attuned to the educational philosophy and expectations of SIT and possess both commitment to academic excellence and the personal leadership qualities required by the program. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability; empathy; intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for challenge; tact and diplomacy in working with students from the United States and local nationals and students; organizational ability; budget management skills.
• Experience working successfully in a remote team environment and comfortable using a variety of technologies and virtual platforms.
• Proven ability to be flexible, collaborative, and patient, plus a sense of humor.
• Proven ability to create a welcoming learning space for all students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to use empathy and authenticity to support and connect students experiencing emotional, mental, or socially challenging situations in a new environment with appropriate resources.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of this position.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Education and Training

Industry

Non‑profit Organizations