American Corner Director

TITLE: American Corner Director 

POSITION LOCATION: Namangan, Uzbekistan

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time (40 hours/week)

Summary of Position: The American Corner Director will be responsible for managing, coordinating day-to-day operations, logistics, and programming within the American Corner Namangan (ACN). Additional responsibilities include supporting guests, students, and the public with technical and operational assistance, maintaining positive relationships with key partners, and performing administrative tasks. The American Corner Director will work closely with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, the Namangan EducationUSA Adviser, American Councils staff, as well as representatives of U.S. higher education. The position reports to the American Corners Program Officer and works closely with the American Center Tashkent Director. The American Corner Director will be housed at the American Corner in Namangan and will support guests (students and the general public) with accessing library and computer resources as well as work closely with the EducationUSA Adviser on conference, workshop, event, and program planning. The Director will receive formal training and may be eligible to participate in national and international conferences/trainings representing American Spaces in Uzbekistan.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Managing the overall operations of the Corner, including the library and computer space.

• Administering and overseeing all local programming, including workshops, clubs, socials, activities, study groups and other events; this should be coordinated closely with the Namangan EducationUSA Adviser.

• Providing general oversight and support to other U.S. government funded programs and activities i.e. Fulbright ELF/ETAs.

• Coordinating and communicating with both American Councils and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent on initiatives, events, programs, and operations on a day-to-day basis.

• Drafting monthly and quarterly calendars of events for the American Corner Namangan and submitting to American Councils for approval. 

• Providing regular, timely, detailed, and accurate written reports on American Corner Namangan operations and activities to both American Councils and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent.

• Informing the American Councils Program Officer, EducationUSA Coordinator, and American Center Director about the American Corner hours of operation, and any requested personnel leave or change in schedule.

• Maintaining good, transparent working relationships with the “Istiqbol zamon bolalari” private school Director and staff, the Namangan Hokim’s Office, local department of the Public Education ministry, and local Namangan universities and institutes of higher learning. 

• Advising visitors and guests on educational opportunities and information about studying in the United States; working in collaboration with the EducationUSA Adviser in Namangan. 

• Work closely with the “Istiqbol zamon bolalari” private school Director on internet, water, electricity, and other utility costs used by the American Corner monthly; any other financial costs or transactions should be reported to American Councils and PAS. 

• Providing training and orientation for any new staff members under your supervision.

• Tracking and approving employee timesheets, vacation, sick leave, and comp-time.

• Managing American Corner Namangan finances, financial reports, and back-up documentation. This includes performing the following in a timely and professional manner to the American Councils Uzbekistan: 

-Monthly Budget Request, Activity Calendar, and Activity Narrative to Country Director.
-Monthly Expense Report including collecting all receipts and encoding them accordingly.
-Monthly Cash-Log record on receiving and disbursing funds.

• Tracking statistics and events for reporting purposes and submitting them to PAS and American Councils Uzbekistan in a timely and professional manner. This includes:

-American Corner monthly statistical report to American Councils.
-American Corner monthly report to PAS.

• Drafting and circulating monthly alumni updates and American Corner news to a listserv of USG alumni and participants from the Namangan viloyat who frequent the Corner.

• Performing other duties as assigned by the American Center Director, American Councils Country Director, and Program Officer.

• Other reports as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Education, Communications, or relevant field.

• Understanding of the U.S. higher educational system (experience in the U.S. preferred).

• Demonstrated commitment to international education and cultural exchange.

• 5-7 years of program and office administration.

• Experience in social networking, innovative outreach, presentations, and marketing/promotion.

• Experience in planning conferences, workshops, and other public events. 

• Strong writing and communication skills in English, Uzbek, and Russian.

• Demonstrated organizational ability.

• High level of attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively.

• Effective interpersonal skills, cross-cultural and communication skills.

• Availability for work after regular office hours and on weekends:

• Availability to travel for extended periods.

To apply, please send CV/resume and cover letter summarizing your interest, qualifications and salary expectation by December 29, 2023 to info.uz@americancouncils.org. Only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and applicants are strongly advised to submit their application before the deadline as this vacancy will be filled once a candidate is identified.

About American Spaces: The Office of American Spaces in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State oversees a network of more than 600 open-access cultural centers supported by the U.S. government. These American Spaces, located in more than 140 countries, serve to connect the world with the United States. Modeled after modern American libraries, American Spaces receive millions of visitors each year. These technologically equipped Spaces share American culture and values with foreign audiences providing free access to American books, movies, and programs that demonstrate American values.

About EducationUSA: American Councils-administered EducationUSA Advising Centers are responsible for promoting U.S. higher education and for providing consultations to students and individuals on how to successfully apply to U.S. colleges and universities. EducationUSA centers provide information about testing (SAT, GRE, TOEFL), guidance on how to apply for financial assistance to study in the U.S. and offer monthly lectures and seminars on a broad range of United States educational opportunities and topics. Services and guidance to US higher education institutions on Uzbekistan’s education system and education market are also provided by the Center. The centers are part of a U.S. State Department-supported network of 400 worldwide EducationUSA Advising Centers. 

About American Councils: American Councils ACTR/ACCELS is a non-profit, educational and exchange organization. American Councils administers programs for the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. Federal agencies, which include academic exchange, professional training, institution building, research, curriculum and materials development, technical assistance, and consulting. American Councils administers EducationUSA throughout Eurasia and Central Asia through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.

About the American Councils Uzbekistan: American Councils Uzbekistan is the representative field office of American Councils located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. American Councils Uzbekistan is a registered non-commercial, non-governmental international organization that administers programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and the other U.S. government agencies. American Councils Uzbekistan works closely with the EducationUSA Adviser, staff of the American Center Tashkent, and the Public Affairs Section to support administration and coordination of several American Corners throughout the regions of Uzbekistan.