Position Description: Resident Director in Armenia

The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC) is looking for a motivated candidate to fill the part-time Resident Director position in the Republic of Armenia. 

Deadline for Application: Wednesday, April 21, 2021

To apply, please submit the following to info [at] arisc [dot] org with the subject, “Resident Director – Armenia”

  • a CV (no more than 4 pages in length),
  • a cover letter,
  • the names and contact information of three references

Mission Statement: The mission of The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC) is to encourage and support scholarly study of the South Caucasus states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) in all fields from the earliest times to the present. ARISC aims to provide an ongoing American scholarly presence in each country in order to facilitate research and establish and nurture ties between institutions and individuals. Further, ARISC promotes and encourages intellectual inquiry across boundaries within the South Caucasus and between the South Caucasus and adjacent areas. The exchange of scholars and scholarly information is encouraged by the support of conferences, fellowship opportunities, publications, teaching resources, and other forms of cooperation for use both in the United States and in the host countries where the Institute is located.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Executive Director, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Armenia Steering Committee of ARISC, the Resident Director will run the day-to-day operations of an overseas office in Armenia; coordinate lectures and workshops, reading and writing groups, and other programming in coordination from the Assistant Director; facilitate outreach and connections with local scholars and academic organizations; develop resources and guides for visiting scholars; assist visiting scholars and help maintain ARISC resources including the website and social media pages; oversee support staff as needed. The Resident Director will also maintain the necessary administrative and financial records of the local office.

This position is for 15 hours a week and is paid a monthly salary. The position will run until September 30, 2021, and is renewed annually, pending the renewal of grants.

The position has substantial responsibility requiring broad experience, outstanding analytical and interpersonal skills, leadership and independence. Candidates should have strong administrative and organizational skills, plus thorough attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in English and Armenian is required. Knowledge of the history and culture of multiple areas of the South Caucasus is highly desirable.

Minimum requirements: Demonstrated administrative and fiscal management experience, including strong supervisory and communication skills; ability to work independently while performing a wide-range of tasks concurrently and with efficiency; effective interpersonal skills; and experience with a variety of computer applications. The ability to grasp new concepts, use independent judgment, and be flexible when needed is critical. Discretion, confidentiality, sensitivity, and professional judgment are essential.

Responsibilities of the Resident Director:

  • day-to-day running of an overseas office in Armenia
  • maintain records and practices for ARISC to be current with local NGO requirements
  • facilitate outreach with local and South Caucasus-based peer institutions and scholars
  • provide research and logistical support for visiting scholars and students
  • maintain financial records as well as project use records
  • maintain communication with the Executive Director, Assistant Director, Resident Directors of the other ARISC overseas offices, and ARISC officers, board and executive committee
  • organize local talks, workshops, symposia, and reading and writing groups, and coordinate programming with the Assistant Director
  • collate information that can be of use to scholars, researchers, and students
  • maintain lists of available language programs and private language tutors, and collect information on students’ satisfaction levels with the different options
  • prepare written reports of ARISC activities in the country
  • identify prospects for ARISC projects and services
  • document the activities of the different ARISC fellowships through photos and by providing questionnaires of those working with the fellowship recipient
  • attend ARISC annual meeting and ARISC annual meeting of Resident Directors in Tbilisi
  • assist with maintaining ARISC’s digital presence on the website and social media pages, including creating the monthly academic newsletter, and the annual newsletter
  • create Armenia brochures as needed
  • supervise support staff as needed
  • other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in an academic field preferred.
  • Familiarity with academia in Armenia
  • Familiarity with US institutions
  • Excellent record in administration, grants management, or relevant research experience
  • Experience in program management, education or a non-profit organization

Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong written, spoken, and communication skills in both English and Armenian
  • Ability to work independently, and follow through to ensure assigned projects are completed
  • Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, WordPress, email programs
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to be flexible while working under constantly changing priorities
  • A strong ability to work independently and show strong initiative, judgement, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in using teleconferencing software

ARISC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran.

ARISC is a drug-free workplace.

This position is supported with grants from the US Department of Education, and from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) through a grant to the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC).