ESL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Job Summary:

A unique opportunity to start and create an ESL instructional program at a well-respected New York metro area-based private college for undergraduate and graduate level international students. This hiring is part of a strategic effort of the college to increase internationalization of the student body.  The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Coordinator collaborates and maintains direct and collegial relationships with Admissions, Student Life, various academic departments, and the larger campus community.  This position reports to the Director of the Center for Academic Support and will initially work closely with the Provost’s Office in establishing the program’s strategic direction. The ESL Coordinator is responsible for providing academic leadership, management and a quality curriculum for the English as a Second Language Program. The ESL Coordinator provides and oversees language instruction and academic support, pre- and post-assessment of proficiency, as well as supports academic and cultural acclimation of and for international students.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree required/Ph.D. or Ed.D. preferred in TESL, Applied Linguistics, Educational Administration or related area
• At least 5 (five) years of successful international ESL teaching experience at the post secondary level.
• Higher education administrative experience required.
• Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with international student counseling and academic advising.
• Experience in curriculum development, regulatory compliance, and accreditation.
• Effective and collaborative management skills.
• Knowledge of TESOL standards, as well as alternative competency assessment criteria.

Areas of Responsibility (include both administrative and instructional components):

• In working with all members of the Iona community, demonstrates an awareness and appreciation of the Mission of Iona College.
• Designs, selects and approves course offerings and course syllabi to establish the ESL curriculum..
• Initially responsible for creating the contours of the new ESL program, securing internal committee approvals as well as regulatory reporting to New York State Department of Education as well as the Middle States Commission and moving towards accreditation readiness.
• Teach an initial and ongoing cohort of ESL students. This responsibility can be modified as the program grows.
• Recruits faculty to teach ESL courses and programs.
• Assesses faculty and student learning outcomes in all ESL courses.
• Oversees integration of language lab based tasks into course curriculum.
• Evaluates, orders and integrates relevant textbooks and supplementary teaching materials.
• Administers and evaluates proficiency tests and interviews for incoming students to facilitate placement and evaluation of students in classes, as well as post-test assessments..
• Conducts orientation, schedules tutoring and partners with academic units and the Office of Student Success.
• Organizes workshops for faculty on issues such as English as a Second Language in context, managing student workloads, crafting assignments that are creative, and effective.
• Completes various campus, government and sponsor reports on student progress.
• Organizes cultural outings that meet the needs of specific course offerings.
• Advises students on their academic progress and assists them with planning their academic future.
• Develops summer programs and short-intensive course offerings.
• Develop the marketing plan of the English Language Proficiency Program including webpage maintenance.
• Assist Provost and Admissions Office in evaluating, recommending, and implementing an international student admission policy.
• Create partnerships with academic and various student support service offices to ensure students access appropriate support.
• Participate in relevant strategic plan implementation team as related to international outreach and development.
• SEVIS (P)DSO, designated school official
• Other duties as assigned.

A review of applications will begin on January 15, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.

Interested parties should forward materials including a resume, cover letter and the names of at least three references.  References will not be contacted without the express permission of the candidate.

Marlin Thomas
Chair, ESL Program Coordinator Search
Iona College
715 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
mthomas@iona.edu