Assistant Director of Japan Programs – Richmond, Indiana; and Morioka, Japan Earlham C

The position of Assistant Director of Japan Programs (ADJP) at Earlham College represents an exciting opportunity for those passionate about intercultural exchange, international education, and fostering cross-cultural partnerships. If you have experience in teaching, program administration, and working with international communities-or aspire to grow in these areas-this role presents a unique blend of academic leadership and program management, with the chance to work both in the U.S. and Japan.

Here are some tips to maximize your application from an international education perspective:

This position centers on promoting intercultural learning and managing various Japan-related programs. Highlight your experience working in international education, whether through teaching, program coordination, or collaboration across cultures. For example, if you’ve organized student exchange programs, taught in a foreign country, or partnered with overseas institutions, list these accomplishments effectively in your resume and cover letter. Earlham values candidates who demonstrate cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering global understanding.

As the ADJP will spend significant time in Japan (mid-August to mid-December) and serve as both an administrator and faculty leader, applicants should convey their ability to navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively across languages. If you have lived, studied, taught, or worked in Japan before, describe how those experiences have prepared you to collaborate with Japanese institutions and support students in thriving within a cross-cultural environment.

Fluency in Japanese or familiarity with the language is a particularly valuable skill, so be sure to mention this if applicable.

This role blends teaching responsibilities with program management, such as coordinating recruitment efforts, orientation programs, evaluations, and partnerships. Earlham seeks someone who can smoothly transition between administrative tasks and faculty duties. Be sure to highlight your organizational and project-management skills, familiarity with tools like Terra Dotta (or similar data management platforms), and ability to lead orientation sessions or program-related webinars. Experience with reporting and evaluation methods in educational settings is also advantageous.

The Morioka-based portion of this role includes teaching two comparative international education courses each fall, so academic expertise is crucial. Earlham prizes excellent teaching ability, especially in engaging diverse learners. If you’ve taught courses similar to the ones described or have experience delivering comparative studies in education, highlight how you create interactive, meaningful learning experiences for students. Additionally, if you have mentored early-career professionals (such as post-baccalaureate English teaching assistants), mention this as it aligns closely with the EC-ALT program responsibilities.

The ADJP position requires splitting time between Richmond, Indiana, and Morioka, Japan, with occasional travel to Japanese partner institutions during Earlham’s spring semester. Demonstrate your willingness and enthusiasm for relocating, and mention any previous experience balancing roles in different geographic locations. You might also discuss strategies for maintaining work-life balance while managing varied responsibilities across time zones.

Recruiting students for off-campus programs and forging relationships with partner institutions are key components of the role. If you have experience in student recruitment, conducting interviews, and engaging alumni or prospective educators, detail these accomplishments in your application. Earlham values individuals who can…