Summer Academic Director

Academic Director (Summer)

Location :
Bologna, Italy

Reports To :
Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Academic Affairs

Anticipated Start Date :
April 1, 2026 (4–5‑month term)

Salary Range : €11,000–12,000 (gross)

Final date to receive applications :
January 30, 2026 (rolling review, open until filled)

Apply :
Submit a letter of interest and CV (with three professional references) via

Position Description
School for International Training (SIT) is seeking a summer academic director in Italy in the area of food studies, sustainability, Italian studies, or related disciplines. SIT is an accredited US higher‑education institution and a global leader in experiential education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs focused on critical global issues. Our immersive learning model connects students with local communities, fostering intercultural understanding and social justice.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the program webpage:
Summer 2026:
Italy:
Food Cultures and Sustainability – SIT Study Abroad ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Learn more about SIT mission and values at https://.

Responsibilities

Ensuring academic excellence of the program in line with SIT's academic policies

Creating a welcoming & safe learning environment for students, staff, and local faculty

Managing the program site and supervision of local staff, budget planning and oversight, and financial reporting

Representing SIT at the program location and developing and maintaining positive relationships with SIT and local partners

Key Responsibilities

Academic Management

General management and oversight of program delivery of the undergraduate program in collaboration with SIT Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, Office of Global Operations, and Office of Student Health, Safety, and Well‑Being.

Teaching one three‑credit course or equivalent, serving as faculty of record for the other courses, hiring guest lecturers to teach on the program, advising the students on their Independent Study Projects, and, when applicable, working with the internship coordinator to ensure the highest quality experience for the students.

Curriculum development and academic oversight in consultation and support from the Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty and in accordance with SIT policies.

Advising in matters regarding academic program delivery and scheduling.

Designing and delivering the students' on‑site cross‑cultural orientation and teaching components of the thematic and project‑based courses, in their areas of expertise, as appropriate;

Designing and coordinating an experiential educational experience including in and out of the classroom activities. Facilitating the linkages between and among each of these various components and program excursions.

Generally guiding and advising students in both their cross‑cultural learning processes and academic experiences including the Independent Study Project and, when applicable, internship, thus serving as an educator/teacher in the broadest sense by assisting students to draw substantive connections from among different aspects of the experience.

Conducting the program review and academic evaluation at the end of the program and incorporating feedback to enhance program academic quality.

Serving as thought leader by maintaining an active agenda of research and knowledge production and publication in peer‑reviewed journals.

Program & Operations Management

Managing program administration and operations in compliance with local laws and regulations and in consultation with and support from SIT's Office of Global Operations.

Serve as in‑country entity representative for compliance purposes as required.

Negotiating cost‑effective program services and managing the program budget.

Collaborating with the World Learning Human Resources, Legal Counsel, and Office of the Provost & Dean of Faculty in recruitment and termination decisions regarding program support staff.

Supervising local program staff, including mentoring, training, and regular performance evaluations.

Maintaining regular communication including submitting detailed and timely reports to various departments,…