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Director of Language Education

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199

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Germanic-American Institute, St. Paul, MN

Position Title: Director of Language Education

Classification: Full-time, exempt; 34-40 hours/week

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary Range: $66,000-$76,000, depending on experience and set weekly hours

Position Summary Overview The Germanic-American Institute is a Minnesota non-profit organization, located on historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Our mission is to “connect people to a broader world through German language and culture.” The GAI is one of the most prominent centers for German language and culture education in the United States. GAI is a Goethe Institut proficiency exam testing center and Kulturgesellschaft.

The Director of Language Education is a vital leader in developing, implementing, and evaluating relevant educational programs such as adult German courses, children’s Saturday school and summer camps, and proficiency testing. Special initiatives related to German(ic) language and culture are also managed by this position in collaboration with other staff & directors. This position gives the Director wide flexibility and creativity in developing programs for learners of all ages.

Job Duties / Responsibilities Language Programs

Continue the growth of GAI’s language education programs and earned income via increased class offerings, student enrollment, and additional language services.

Manage daily operations of GAI language programs, including adult and teen classes, Samstagsschule, youth summer camps, tutoring, and corporate classes.

Recruit, hire, and supervise performance of language instructors, summer camp staff, and admin assistant.

Manage Goethe Institut Kulturgesellschaft status and annual grant; Coordinate proficiency exam testing and collaborate on programs and events.

In collaboration with other GAI departments, develop and implement GAI strategic plan, marketing materials, special events, and communications.

Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners to assess nonprofits’ interests and needs. Use this information to prioritize, plan, and develop high quality programs that are responsive and mission critical. Develop and maintain relationships with Goethe Institut, TCGIS, MN-AATG, and MCTFL and other language, culture and education institutions and organizations. (Institutes, Universities)

Administration / Operations

Complete monthly teacher payroll

Create quarterly electronic course registration forms in registration platform, Jumbala

Develop annual department budget

Represent the Language Program at GAI and other community events

Grant prospecting and applications (limited)

Other as assigned

Hours & Remote Work This is a full‑time, salaried position, based on the number of hours (34‑40) per week, as agreed upon hiring. GAI policy requires working on‑site a minimum of 3 days per week for full‑time staff, with a required staff meeting on Wednesdays. A majority of daily hours must be between the core hours of 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday‑Friday. During core hours, staff working remotely are online and available for questions and team collaboration.

This position does require occasional weekend and evening hours for GAI special events and quarterly start of classes. Staff may request to flex hours accordingly.

Compensation & Benefits Starting wage will be between $32-$38/hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, generous paid‑time‑off (PTO) and sick days, 13 paid holidays, annual IRA contribution, and flexible scheduling. The GAI is closed December 24‑January 1.

Required qualifications

Fluency or near native proficiency in German

German/foreign language teaching experience - 2 years minimum

Practical knowledge of the Common European Framework of References for Languages

Professional experience as a department director - 2 years minimum

Experience leading and supervising staff; Ability to evaluate instructors’ classroom and virtual teaching performance.

Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, manage, track and complete multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Budget planning and financial management

Preferred qualifications

Experience in the nonprofit or education sector

Program or project management skills

Strategic planning and development

Experience working with CRM’s and registration platforms

Knowledge or experience with virtual learning programs

Grant writing

Work Environment & Culture The Germanic-American Institute is in an exciting phase of visioning and growth. The GAI Board of Directors and Staff have set a vision for becoming the premier center for German language and cultural education in the United States. Candidates with a strong background or interest in Germanic culture will find the position especially rewarding.

The Director of Language Education allows for generous creativity, professional development, and the strong sense of contributing to the growth and advancement of a leading cultural institute. We have a creative, hard‑working and passionate team who enjoy good food, good coffee, and achieving great results.

At the GAI, we believe in and follow the following principles:

Respect for and celebration of a diverse community and staff

A European attitude towards work‑life balance, which takes into account that employees also have family (including pets) in need of care and attention. The GAI offers flexible schedule, healthy time‑off and vacation options. For example, we close the week between Christmas and New Year’s because everyone needs that time to rest and recharge.

Stellar service to all organizational stakeholders

Developing a sense of community among all who engage at the GAI. We strive to get to know everyone who walks in our doors.

Working with staff to capitalize on their strengths and interests and giving them the latitude to be creative in achieving result‑oriented success.

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