Middlebury

 

Lead Program Assistant

General Information

Position Number: 900670

Department or Office: International Student & Scholar Services

Level: Level B (Skilled)

Responsibilities

The Lead Program Assistant (PA) is the liaison between the 13 volunteer program assistants (VPA) and the two Student Coordinators and the ISSS Office. The Lead PA works closely with the VPAs to ensure their comfort and success in leading group activities and providing transitional support for the incoming first-year class. The Lead PA plays an important role in the success of International Student Orientation. This challenging position offers significant responsibility, a true sense of accomplishment, and a guarantee of fun.
  • Participate in and help plan and lead VPA training sessions during spring term. Assist the student coordinators in organizing additional sessions (as needed) before the end of spring term.
  • Communicate with Pas during the summer.  Provide program input to ISSS staff as the logistical and content details of the program are developed.
  • Arrive on campus to begin preparations for International Student Orientation.  Be fully dedicated to the International Student Orientation program and other opening-of-the-year activities (and not working at an on-campus job or serving in other roles) from orientation until the first day of classes.
  • Help coordinate the VPA's involvement with ISSS's orientation programming for international first-years, exchange students, and Teaching Assistants (TAs).
  • Staff the "welcome center" and greet new international students on Arrival Day.
  • Serve as a peer mentor for the VPAs of international student orientation, providing guidance and support to VPAs, as necessary.
  • Assist with all International Student Orientation activities.
  • Provide support to an opening-of school event or program during New Student Orientation.
  • Support the ongoing international student orientation events during Fall Term.
  • Coordinate the completion of the VPA profile to go in the I-20 mailing in June.
  • Assist with daily check-ins with the VPA Team during International Student Orientation and regular check-ins for the second week.

 Required qualifications include:

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • U.S. driver's license or an interest in obtaining one before the position's start date, preferred.  Willingness to take steps to obtain Middlebury College licensure for a 7-passenger or 15-passenger van depending on length of driving experience, if eligible.
  • Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure.
  • Proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel, and experience with other office software.
  • Ability to handle confidential information and assist with situations that may require discretion.
  • Having a sense of humor, while being able to maintain a professional demeanor.
  • Ability to show initiative and work independently with minimal guidance, while also knowing when to ask questions to ensure successful outcomes. 
  • We are looking for a self-motivated person who enjoys handling important details and working as part of a team to accomplish worthwhile and high-reaching goals.