Summary
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight weeks abroad studying one of twelve critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. The CLS Program, through its CLS Spark initiative, also provides beginner-level virtual instruction for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian for competitively selected U.S. undergraduate students whose home campuses do not offer these languages. CLS scholars are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship and apply their critical language skills in their future careers. By prioritizing inclusion and access, the CLS Program ensures that the next generation of America’s global leaders reflects its diversity.
The CLS Program generates approximately 5,500 applications each year for approximately 550 opportunities to participate in intensive language institutes. The Program Assistant supports the recruitment and selection of applicants and the administration of intensive overseas and virtual language institutes. Responsibilities include responding to a high volume of inquiries during application and notification periods, providing logistical support for in-person and virtual events, making arrangements for domestic and international travel, and a variety of program logistics and clerical tasks.
Based in Washington, D.C., the position will require close attention to detail, the ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently, and a readiness to communicate with diverse groups of people. The Program Assistant will work closely with a dedicated team of CLS staff members and report to the CLS Program Manager. While organizational skills and attention to detail will be an important plus for any candidate, experience and interest in study abroad and international education is also important. Limited, occasional travel may be required.
Responsibilities
Respond to a high volume of inquiries by phone and email;
Participate in program outreach activities, including occasionally giving presentations;
Prepare and distribute mass mailings of promotional materials, Congressional and Gubernatorial notification, and CLS certificate packets;
Make arrangements for domestic and international travel;
Enroll and register participants for travel benefits;
Order program materials and maintain inventory lists;
Package and ship program materials;
Provide planning and logistical support for in-person meetings and events;
Make arrangements for online webinars, meetings, and conference events;
Assist in the administration of alumni follow-on events and activities;
Develop and monitor staff assignments for events and meetings;
Process and maintain applications and files;
Track incoming documents;
Prepare expense reports and financial documents;
Process invoices, credit card reports, check requests and payments;
Support the preparation of program materials and reports, including assembling and formatting documents, appendices, charts and graphs;
Prepare for storage and proper disposal of program files in accordance with document retention policies and procedures;
Participate in hiring committees for short- and full-term staff members;
Provide support for CLS staff based in Washington, D.C.; and
Additional duties as assigned.