Summer Academic Director, Italy

Overview

Academic Director (Summer) – Italy: Food Cultures and Sustainability

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 the SIT job site.

About SIT

School for International Training (SIT) is an accredited US higher education institution and a global leader in experiential education, offering programs focused on critical global issues. Applicants are encouraged to explore the program webpage: Summer 2026: Italy: Food Cultures and Sustainability - SIT Study Abroad. Learn about SIT mission and values at World Learning.

Position Description

The Academic Director (AD) leads SIT Italy's Bologna-based program, overseeing academic quality, operations, and student services. The AD will manage the summer Food Cultures and Sustainability program, ensuring alignment with SIT\'s mission of academic excellence and community engagement. Compliance with local labor laws may involve an employment contract through a local entity as determined by SIT.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, deliver, and supervise the academic program at the assigned location, in consultation with SIT departments including the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, Global Operations, Human Resources, and Student Health, Safety, and Well-being. Ensure academic excellence in line with SIT policies.
• Create a welcoming and safe learning environment for students, staff, and local faculty.
• Manage the program site, supervise local staff, oversee budget planning and financial reporting.
• Represent SIT at the program location and maintain positive relationships with SIT and local partners.
• Remain current in areas of expertise and familiar with in-country higher education practices; participate as an active SIT community member and thought leader in institutional initiatives.
• Academic Management: oversee program delivery in collaboration with SIT offices and ensure compliance with SIT policies.
• Teaching: teach a three-credit course or equivalent, serve as faculty of record for other courses, hire guest lecturers, advise on Independent Study Projects, and coordinate with internship activities when applicable.
• Curriculum development and academic oversight in accordance with SIT policies.
• Advising on academic program delivery and scheduling.
• Design and deliver on-site cross-cultural orientation and thematic/project-based course components; coordinate experiential education activities and program excursions.
• Guide and advise students on cross-cultural learning and academic experiences, including Independent Study Projects and internships where applicable.
• Conduct program reviews and evaluations, incorporating feedback to improve academic quality.
• Serve as a thought leader by maintaining an active agenda of research and knowledge publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Program & Operations Management

• Manage program administration and operations in compliance with local laws, in consultation with SIT\'s Office of Global Operations.
• Serve as in-country entity representative for compliance purposes as required.
• Negotiate cost-effective program services and manage the program budget.
• Collaborate with World Learning HR, Legal Counsel, and the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty on recruitment and termination decisions for program staff.
• Supervise local program staff and conduct mentoring, training, and regular performance evaluations.
• Maintain regular communication and submit timely reports to Human Resources, Global Operations, and the Provost/Dean offices.
• Serve as liaison between SIT students and local partners.
• Support updating agreements with local partner organizations as needed.
• Participate in writing and editing program materials and SIT training as required.
• Participate in SIT faculty workshops as required.

Student Health and Safety and Well-Being

• Provide and connect students to relevant support services locally and in collaboration with SIT\'s Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well-Being.
• Provide a welcoming learning environment for all students and serve as a point of contact for medical, personal, and security concerns in collaboration with local staff and SIT\'s Health Office.
• Direct students to appropriate emotional and mental health resources as needed; maintain up-to-date contingency plans and communicate emergency procedures to participants, staff, and families.
• Maintain safety strategies that consider local context and cultural factors.
• Participate in SIT task forces or learning communities as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience/Education

• Terminal degree (PhD, MFA, or equivalent) in Food Studies, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Italian Studies, or a related field.
• Academic and practical knowledge of Italy.
• Advanced proficiency in English and Italian writing and speaking.
• Legal right to work and reside in the program location.

Required Skills

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

Required Competencies

• Commitment to academic excellence, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, empathy, intellectual curiosity, tact, organization, and budget management.
• Experience working in a remote team and using virtual technologies.
• Flexibility, collaboration, patience, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to create a welcoming learning space for all students and staff.
• Ability to support students with emotional or mental health needs and connect them to appropriate resources.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position.

Note: SIT programs may require irregular hours for emergencies. For the duration of the program, the Academic Director is expected to remain in-country or with the student group and be reachable by mobile phone for emergencies.

About World Learning: SIT programs are part of World Learning, a global organization with a mission to advance sustainable, peaceful, and just worlds through education and exchange. For more information, please visit worldlearning.org and sit.edu.

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