Resident Director, CET Barcelona

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

This position is hired in Spain by Italica Academy Spain, S.L., the partner organization of CET Academic Programs (CET) and Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. (ATA). Established in 2024, Italica Academy Spain specializes in operating educational programs in Spain. Salary and benefits for this position will be outlined in the contract with Italica Academy Spain. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Department: Programs

Status: Full-time

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Supervisor: Director of Italy and Spain Programs

Anticipated Start Date: November 1st, 2025

Salary: €50,000 - €60,000/year

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Description of the Position

The Resident Director is primarily responsible for the operation of the CET Barcelona program, which runs during the fall, spring and summer terms. The Resident Director also has duties related to short-term custom programs, which operate on a case-by-case basis.

The Resident Director may supervise staff and oversees student life in Spain, such as orientation, health and safety, student advising, and activity planning, and host university relations.

Attributes of the ideal Resident Director candidate are strong leadership skills, flexibility, dedication, and enthusiasm for working with students and for the field of study abroad

CET Barcelona is a new program and as such, the work pace and environment will be fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative. All team members are expected to support one another and remain open and flexible to pivoting as priorities shift.

Attributes of the ideal Resident Director candidate are organization, project management, flexibility, dedication, and enthusiasm for working with students and for the field of study abroad.

What you’ll do…

Resident Director responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Program Operations & Implementation, Policies and Procedures

• Design, implement, and attend engaging extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, volunteer opportunities, excursions, and local peer engagement
• Contribute to annual emergency audit
• Adhere closely to CET policies and procedures
• Coordinate student arrivals
• Monitor budget and submit expense report
• Support the DC-based Custom Programs Team in considering new partnerships, reviewing proposals, and developing enrolled Spain-based custom programs distinct from the standard CET Barcelona programs

Student Advising and Support

• Conduct orientation and serve as on-going resource for questions relating to health and safety, housing, language, and culture.
• Maintain high level of visibility and accessibility to students, via regular office hours, communication, and a welcoming demeanor
• Serve as a linguistic and cultural resource
• Respond to emergencies and incidents, including supporting students, managing messaging and communication, and collaborating with on-site and US-based staff
• Be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies
• Represent student needs to CET and host institution

Liaising with Partners

• Effectively represent CET to custom program faculty and/or US partner study abroad staff who might be visiting the program
• Represent CET to the host institution and maintain a successful partnership
• When possible, represent CET at meetings and conferences

Collaborating with Staff

• Collaborate closely with resident staff to deliver a strong student life experience
• Collaborate closely with academic staff on student issues that might be both academic and personal
• As appropriate, manage staff on-site
• Maintain close working relationships through regular office hours, weekly meetings, and effective written and verbal communication

Communicating with Headquarters

• Maintain close communication with headquarters regarding any student, partner, or staff issues that arise
• Review student reports and file detailed incident reports
• Offer effective responses to issues identified in program evaluations
• Complete annual review and update of program database

We’re looking for…

• Bachelor’s degree, in any field
• Unrestricted European Union or Spanish work authorization
• Experience living, working, and/or studying abroad in Spain, preferably in Barcelona
• Experience advising or mentoring students, preferably in a US-Spain cross-cultural context
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish and English, proficiency in Catalan preferred but not required
• Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and staff
• Strong management and organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to take initiative and use good judgement when solving problems
• Experience with Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and Salesforce preferred
• Willingness to wear different hats and occasionally work irregular hours
• Patience, flexibility, positive attitude, and a sense of humor

To Apply

Please attach your resume and a cover letter to our application form. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered. The successful completion of a background check, including three professional/academic references, is required for this position.

Application deadline: We encourage applicants to send their materials as soon as possible and before our priority deadline on August 25th, 2025.

To all recruitment agencies, ATA does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs, ATA employees or any other company location. ATA is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Description of the Organization

CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world.

Requirements: