Position Descriptions

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Administrative Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried for full-time; hourly wages for part-time personnel option

Supervisor: Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Oversee financial management of the JCMU Center in Hikone, which includes responsibility for ensuring that its fiscal operations are in compliance with local laws, governmental regulations, MSU policies and practices, and that they are conducted in an orderly and professional manner;
2. Reconcile all budgetary data at the Center;
3. Provide budget reports to the East Lansing office in a timely manner;
4. From time to time, and during the periods between semesters, you may be asked to carry the JCMU Duty Phone. For each weekend during an academic program period you will receive ½ day of paid vacation.  For every week during the periods between academic programs you will receive 1 day of paid vacation;
5. Business Travel: If you need to use a vehicle for official JCMU business, it is expected that you will use a JCMU-owned vehicle. However, if you must use your personal car to perform your duties/responsibilities, you will be reimbursed ¥35 per kilometer traveled;
6. Attend JCMU staff meetings;
7. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Instructional Personnel

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: English Language Program Coordinator / Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Program planning, scheduling, curriculum development, attending program meetings, and teaching an average of 20 hours per week in the JCMU English Language Program;
2. Assisting with planning and participation in Center activities such as field trips and opening and closing ceremonies;
3. Attending JCMU faculty and staff meetings;
4. Maintaining compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook which is available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu). This includes holding regular office hours for student consultation;
5. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Supervisor / Instructional Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 90 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the English Language Program in coordination with the JCMU Resident Director, who has overall responsibilities for all JCMU programs. Other responsibilities include program planning, scheduling, curriculum development, development and supervision of the “B” Program budget, attending program meetings, and teaching.
2. Perform any additional duties as assigned by the JCMU Resident Director, which include assisting with planning and participation in Center activities such as field trips and opening and closing ceremonies.
3. Attend JCMU faculty and staff meetings, and hold office hours for student consultation. The regular office hours of the Center are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, however, if responsibilities are performed at night or on the weekend, a compensatory amount of time may be taken off during the normal daily office hours.
4. Compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook which is available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu).
5. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Location: Hikone

Employment Status: Regular

Classification: Administrative Staff

Compensation Category: Hourly Wage

Supervisor: Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Assist with logistical support and internship coordination for JCMU Culture/Career Hybrid Programs and May Short Courses;
2. Assist with logistical support for internships for Kalamazoo College students;
3. Meet with internship participants to determine their interests and fitness for placement;
4. Meet with various placement sites to determine their needs and possible conditions for student interns;
5. Contact both interns and placement supervisors during the internship to facilitate the intern’s progress;
6. Coordinate student home stays in cooperation with the Student Services Coordinator. Home stay duties include interviewing prospective home stay students and host families, arranging student/host family orientations, making home stay arrangements and acting as a liaison between students and host families;
7. From time to time, and during the periods between semesters, you may be asked to carry the JCMU Duty Phone. For each weekend during an academic program period you will receive ½ day of paid vacation. For every week during the periods between academic programs you will receive 1 day of paid vacation;
8. Attend JCMU staff meetings;
9. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Instructional Personnel

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Japanese Language Coordinator / Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

Teaching:

1. CALL classroom teaching and management during the academic year (fall and spring semesters), and summer intensive program;
2. Associated teaching tasks, including but not limited to preparation for classes, grading assignments, testing, and holding office and tutoring hours to assist students;
3. Compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook which is available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu);

Curriculum Development:

1. Develop curriculum materials, classroom activities, evaluation and testing methods, and other enhancements for student instruction;

Academic Contribution:

1. Participating in research activities to further develop the field of Japanese language and education/pedagogy;
2. Participation in professional development
3. Engagement with the academic community, including but not limited to publication, attending conferences, meeting and/or symposia;

Center Activities, Outreach & Public Service:

1. Participation in faculty/staff meetings, Center-wide meetings and committees;
2. Assist with planning and participation in center activities such as field trips, Friday projects, opening and closing ceremonies and other events;
3. Active personal participation in, and occasional planning of a variety of outreach events and initiatives for JCMU students, stakeholders, and local community members (some of which may occur outside of standard Center working hours);
4. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor or the Resident Director.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Temporary On-Call

Classification: Instructional Personnel

Compensation Category: Hourly Wage

Supervisor: Japanese Language Coordinator

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Lead recitation sessions for the Japanese Language Program;
2. Prepare instructional materials and media;
3. Accompany study tour groups;
4. Attend JCMU faculty and staff meetings, and hold office hours for student consultation;
5. Maintain compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook, available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu);
6. Other faculty support tasks as needed.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Supervisor / Instructional Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Resident Director / Program Director, JCMU-East Lansing

Advance Termination Requirement: 90 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

Teaching:

1. Classroom teaching and management during the academic year (fall and spring semesters), and summer intensive program;
2. Associated teaching tasks, including but not limited to preparation for classes, grading assignments, testing, and holding office and tutoring hours to assist students;
3. Compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook which is available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu);

Administration:

1. Supervise the Japanese language instructional staff, including conducting regulation performance evaluations of faculty teaching, holding regular personnel meetings, arranging/assigning teaching schedules, and supervising graduate fellows and interns;
2. In consultation with administrators at MSU and the resident director, recruit and select Japanese language instructors for summer programs. Complete preliminary curriculum planning and teaching assignments for the summer program;
3. Coordinate activities and events, including but not limited to field trips, Friday projects, opening and closing ceremonies, and intercultural/multi-program initiatives with the English Language Coordinator projects;
4. Assist in active recruitment of students, graduate fellows and instructors;
5. Gather and/or create information for promotional materials (e.g., ACTFL/CEFR   comparisons for course levels, ability to pass JLPT levels, “can-do” lists, etc.)

Research & Academic Contributions:

1. Participating in research activities to further develop the field of Japanese language and education/pedagogy;
2. Participation in professional development
3. Engagement with the academic community, including but not limited to publication, attending conferences, meeting and/or symposia;

Curriculum Development:

1. Development of curriculum materials, classroom activities, evaluation and testing methods, and other enhancements for student instruction;
2. Dissemination of pedagogy and methodology to instructors for use in class;
3. Participation in meetings and symposia with other faculty to gain knowledge on up-to-date pedagogy and methodology for Japanese language instruction; disseminate information to instructors;

Center Activities, Outreach & Public Service:

1. Participation in faculty/staff meetings, Center-wide meetings and committees;
2. Active personal participation in, and occasional planning of a variety of outreach events and initiatives for JCMU students, stakeholders, and local community members (some of which may occur outside of standard Center working hours);
3. Other duties as assigned to you by the Resident Director or Director in East Lansing.

1. Teach up to 15 classroom hours per week;
2. Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Japanese Language Program Coordinator and/or the Resident Director, which include assisting with other program duties such as placement testing and evaluation, materials and curriculum development, coordination of other program and event planning, participation in Center events and student field trips;
3. Attend the JCMU Closing Ceremony;
4. Attend JCMU faculty and staff meetings.

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Administrative Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

4. Assist the JCMU students to adjust to life in Japan and function effectively within the JCMU environment and Japanese culture;
5. Oversee the daily operations of the JCMU office, which includes the responsibility for ensuring that its operations are in compliance with local laws and governmental regulations and that they are conducted in an orderly and businesslike fashion;
6. Maintain the records and accounts of working hours (which includes all overtime worked and all leave taken) for all members of the office staff;
7. If mutually agreeable, and preapproved by the resident director, you may be asked to work additional hours during busy periods at the center. Overtime hours may be offset providing the compensating hours are taken in the same work week;
8. From time to time, and during the periods between semesters, you may be asked to carry the JCMU Duty Phone. For each incident in which you are responsible to carry the JCMU Duty Phone, you will receive one half-day of vacation;
9. Attend JCMU staff meetings;
10. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Location: Hikone

Employment Status: Regular

Classification: Administrative Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Resident Director

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Assist the students of JCMU to adjust to life in Japan and function effectively within the JCMU environment and Japanese culture. Generally, your duties and responsibilities will be in the areas of student orientation and residence life, service learning and community involvement, and evaluation and assessment of JCMU student-related activities.  Specifically, these duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the resident director through consultation with the JCMU-MSU staff;
2. Assist students with arrival and departure;
3. Coordinate student home stays. Home stay duties include interviewing prospective home stay students and host families, arranging student/host family orientations, making home stay arrangements and acting as a liaison between students and host families;
4. Mentor students in their social, cultural, and academic transition to life at JCMU;
5. Conduct initial and ongoing student orientation activities and follow-up assessment of these activities;
6. Be available on an on-call basis outside of the normal business hours of the Center in accordance with the Duty Phone Policy, and between programs in accordance with the Between Semester Dormitory Policy to respond to emergency student situations. On-call duty will be shared in part with the resident director and other faculty and staff living at the Center;
7. Hold regular office hours and be available if additional hours are needed;
8. Assist in the supervision of the residence hall (housing will be provided in the JCMU residence hall);
9. Assist students in obtaining any necessary medical treatment; driving (using a JCMU vehicle), and accompanying them for medical treatment;
10. Identify and consult with the resident director regarding situations where professional psychological counseling referral and/or contact with the home campus as needed;
11. Assist with off-campus student field trips and outings, including course-related trips and service learning opportunities;
12. Assist in coordinating home stays (e.g., orientation for participating students, work with staff to intercede in host family and student difficulties, etc.);
13. Assist in the creation, coordination, and facilitation of various community outreach, service learning and student social activities throughout the year;
14. Your responsibilities apply to all students residing in the JCMU residential facilities including the English language (B) program students. B program specific tasks should be undertaken in consultation with the resident director and the English language coordinator;
15. Attend JCMU staff meetings;
16. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Location: East Lansing

Classification: Administrative Assistant I

Employee Group: APA

Supervisor: Program Director, East Lansing

Employment Term: 1 year with the potential for annual renewal

Position Summary:

The Fiscal Officer and Administrative Assistant supports the finance operations of the Japan Center for Michigan Universities. The Fiscal Officer and Administrative Assistant does this by coordinating with the Directors on annual financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and analysis of financial data. The Fiscal Officer and Administrative Assistant is responsible for implementing internal business processes and controls. The Fiscal Officer and Administrative Assistant also administers grant activity and maintains HR and administrative functions of the office.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Grant Administration

1. Seek sponsorship and grant opportunities for JCMU and draft grant and award proposals
2. Provide post-award administration functions for grant accounts
3. Compile data and conduct reporting as required by sponsoring agency, foundation, or entity

Fiscal Officer

1. Maintain fund ledgers and allocate transactions to appropriate accounts ensuring that funds are spent in accordance with the fiscal policy and the account purpose
2. Review, approve, and monitor account expenditures and maintain supporting documentation
3. Participate in the planning, preparation, and maintenance of budgets for the agency accounts
4. Design and generate financial reports and prepare financial statements
5. Ensure that processes and controls are in place, including the safeguarding of assets
6. Reconcile purchasing card and maintain supporting documentation
7. Ensure compliance with university business policies, procedures, and regulations
8. Process travel reimbursements and other financial eDocs as needed

Administrative Assistant

1. Serve as HR contact for JCMU
2. Assist visiting scholars and faculty to prepare for programs in Japan including arranging travel, ordering supplies, coordinating financial matters
3. Process visa applications for students and scholars travelling to Japan
4. Draft and administer JCMU cooperative agreements with other institutions
5. Serve as copy writer and editor for JCMU public relations and media material, program information sheets, reports, and publications
6. Perform general office support duties including maintaining supplies and equipment, answering phones, etc.
7. Secure designations for JCMU courses, processes enrollments and grades, and processes financial aid paperwork
8. Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook
2. Experience in pre- and post-award accounting functions
3. Experience in international program administration and multi-currency accounting
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
5. Ability to understand complex problems and develop effective solutions
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality
7. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
8. Experience in EBS, specifically KFS and SAP modules
9. Knowledge of university policies and procedures

Education and Experience – Required:

1. Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate’s degree in a business related field
2. Six months to one year of experience in the word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation software, webpage software and/or desktop publishing
3. Experience in office procedures or in performing responsibilities related to the operational activities of the unit
4. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable

Work Location: East Lansing

Classification: Editorial Assistant II

Employee Group: CT

Supervisor: Program Director, East Lansing

Position Summary:

The Program Assistant and Media Specialist assists in managing JCMU’s various social media and online platforms, such as the JCMU website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram account. In addition, they support the Program Coordinator, Fiscal Officer, and JCMU Program Director in all aspects of program administration and general clerical responsibilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• (20%) Assist with writing public interest and advertising pieces for JCMU, such as press releases, newsletter articles, and alumni spotlight featurettes
• (15%) Interfacing with different news and media outlets to promote JCMU’s programs, initiatives and alumni
• (15%) Assist with coordinating social media campaigns to spread the word about JCMU’s various study abroad program options
• (10%) Improving and managing JCMU’s website and public relations outlets in cooperation with the Program Coordinator
• (40%) Support the Program Coordinator, Fiscal Officer and JCMU Program Director in all aspects of program administration, general clerical responsibilities, and other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Required

• Knowledge normally acquired through the first two or three years of college with coursework in Journalism, English and writing
• One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience including familiarity with printing processes, publication design; word processing, desktop publishing, database, spreadsheet, web design and maintenance, and presentation software
• Command of the written English language including style, grammar, and spelling
• The ability to translate Japanese language

Desired

• Bachelor’s degree in Japanese, Asian Studies, or related field
• Prior Study Abroad experience to or knowledge of Japan/East Asia
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and the Adobe Design Suite
• Experience with basic HTML and/or website content management systems, such as WYSIWYG editors
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and verbal communication, especially for face-to-face and phone interactions
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Work Location: East Lansing

Classification: Study Abroad Program Coordinator

Employee Group: APA

Supervisor: Program Director, East Lansing

Employment Term: 1 year with the potential for annual renewal

Position Summary:

The Program Coordinator supports the programs and office operations of the Japan Center for Michigan Universities. The Program Coordinator does this by implementing new initiatives and overseeing arrangements surrounding JCMU’s various programs and activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assist with the development of marketing strategies and overall promotion of JCMU
2. Recruit students and promote individual programs, including the production of program-specific materials
3. Manage JCMU’s online application system
4. Administer the student application process, including issuing admission decisions
5. Perform orientations for outbound students
6. Respond to inquiries from students, parents, and other stakeholders to answer questions and resolve problems
7. Conduct regular program evaluations
8. Coordinate JCMU’s online presence, including JCMU’s website and social media presence
9. Assist with responses to health and safety issues and emergencies
10. Represent JCMU to external constituencies
11. Hire and supervise student peer advisors
12. Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Office 365 platform
2. Proficiency with online social media platforms, including Facebook
3. Experience with Adobe Design Suite
4. Experience with basic HTML and/or website content management systems, such as WYSIWYG editors
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
6. Ability to understand complex problems and develop effective solutions
7. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
8. Knowledge of university policies and procedures

Education and Experience – Required:

1. Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a bachelor’s degree in humanities, social science, or a related field
2. Three years of experience in international program administration including student recruitment, advising and orientation, budget oversight, and coordination of study abroad programs
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable

Work Location: East Lansing

Classification: Study Abroad Program Administrator/S

Employee Group: APSA

Supervisor: Executive Director of Education Abroad, Michigan State University

Employment Term: 1 year with the potential for annual renewal

Position Summary:

The Program Director provides leadership and vision in positioning the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) as a vibrant Japan-related student exchange program that focuses on providing students with stimulating intercultural and academic experiences. The Program Director will do this by creating and sustaining international partnerships to expand and enhance JCMU programs. The Program Director provides administrative oversight of JCMU operations for MSU’s on-campus and Hikone City, Japan offices and makes recommendations regarding the growth and development of JCMU.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Exercise administrative and fiscal oversight of JCMU offices, operations, and staff
2. Liaise with JCMU Executive Committee, Shiga Prefectural government officials, and representatives from the consortium member universities to facilitate strategic planning efforts and keep stakeholders apprised of administrative matters
3. Develop and maintain relationships with educational, governmental, business entities, professional associations, and JCMU alumni to obtain support and advance the growth of JCMU programs
4. Monitor and assess educational needs of students, partner institutions, and other stakeholders through student and program evaluation and consultation with JCMU Executive Committee, university representatives, and key constituents
5. Design and implement study abroad programs and initiatives that meet academic needs of students, partner institutions, and other stakeholders
6. Develop and maintain exchange agreements and partnerships with US and Japanese higher education institutions
7. Manage administration of endowments, ongoing grants, and fundraising activities and proactively seek new funding opportunities
8. Interact with students, parents, partner institutions, and other stakeholders to advise, answer questions, and resolve problems
9. Collaborate with Michigan State University offices, JCMU partner institutions, and JCMU staff to establish policies and procedures relating to safety, risk management, liability, and crisis management
10. Supervise, train, develop, and evaluate direct reports
11. Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Office 365 platform
2. Knowledge of contracts and grants administration
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
4. Ability to motivate, coach, develop, and direct people as they work
5. Ability to understand complex problems and develop effective solutions
6. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
7. Knowledge of university policies and procedures

Education and Experience – Required:

1. Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a master’s degree in international studies, , areas studies, higher education administration, or a related field
2. Three years of experience in international programs, study or work abroad
3. Conversational proficiency in a foreign language
4. An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable

Work Location: Hikone

Status: Regular

Classification: Administrative Staff

Compensation Category: Salaried

Supervisor: Program Director, East Lansing / International Studies & Programs, MSU

Advance Termination Requirement: 30 days prior notice required

Responsibilities:

1. Manage and administer all aspects of the JCMU, Hikone Center. Oversee JCMU’s overall operation including the academic-year and summer programs of Japanese language and culture (A and E programs, respectively); the English language program (B program); special academic programs; Career-Culture Hybrid Programs, May programs; student internships and community involvement; workshops, seminars, and short courses for professionals of Japan and the U.S;
2. Teach one three (3) or four-credit (4) undergraduate course per semester on topics of your choice in Japanese studies for students participating in the Japanese Language & Culture: Semester (A program);Maintain regular and ongoing communication with supervisors at MSU, JCMU faculty, JCMU staff, visiting scholars to JCMU, JCMU students, Shiga Prefecture Government and its affiliated offices, JCMU partner universities and entities in Japan; JCMU member universities, as needed;
3. Supervise the English language program (B program), including direct supervision of instructional staff, scheduling, academic content of courses and curriculum, and other activities related to the success and development of this program;
4. Hold regular JCMU faculty and staff meetings, hold regular and posted office hours and town meetings for students, participate in center events and coordinate student field trips;
5. Represent the Consortium of 15 Michigan public universities and JCMU in all day-to-day interactions with Shiga Prefecture and work with Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization to cultivate new and sustain existing home stay families and internship opportunities for JCMU students, and new English language courses/workshops for the B program;
6. Serve as the faculty member of record for all JCMU elective course offerings, special program offerings and student internships (throughout the year). Provide ongoing oversight of the course content and instructional delivery of all JCMU courses taught by partner universities and by visiting and local scholars. Additionally, coordinate with the faculty member(s) to organize field trips and other curricular enrichments. Develop and oversee student internships associated with JCMU professionally focused programs and other student internships;
7. Monitor and certify student academic participation at the JCMU. Together with the Student Services Coordinator, participate in the student orientation program, help students to adjust to the JCMU environment, and Japanese culture and norms of conduct, providing counsel as needed;
8. Prepare the annual draft budgets for the A and B programs; forward to the ISP Director of Finance and Administration for finalization. Once approved, administer and manage the JCMU Hikone budget, following usual MSU budget and accounting procedures;
9.  Recruit, manage, and supervise all faculty and staff members who report to the Resident Director, and be involved in all personnel decisions concerning faculty and staff at JCMU, following usual MSU personnel procedures. Conduct annual performance evaluations of the Japanese Program Coordinator and English language program faculty, JCMU office staff and oversee Japanese language faculty performance evaluations;
10. Carry out special assignments related to new programmatic thrusts and improving the quality of JCMU programs;
11. Serve as the principal administrative contact with partner universities in Japan (University of Shiga Prefecture, Shiga University and Kyoto Notre Dame University) and other relevant institutions in new program development;
12. Supervise all staff in the JCMU Hikone Office: student services coordinator, office manager, bookkeeper, internship and home stay coordinator, faculty support staff, student employees and others employed by JCMU;
13. Business Travel: If you need to use a vehicle for official JCMU business, it is expected that you will use a JCMU-owned vehicle. However, if you must use your personal car to perform your duties/responsibilities, you will be reimbursed ¥35 per kilometer traveled; obtain a Japanese driver’s license prior to operating JCMU automobiles;
14. Maintain full compliance with the Code of Teaching Responsibility as outlined in the MSU Faculty Handbook which is available on the MSU website (www.msu.edu).  This includes holding regular office hours for student consultation;
15. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.