Instructor - Area Studies

About This Role

This instructor role provides instruction for courses in the Area Studies division within the Department of State's (DOS) School of Professional and Area Studies (SPAS). The position involves designing, delivering, and evaluating engaging training courses that incorporate adult learning principles and align with DOS standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with Course Chairs/Coordinators for content guidance on course development and delivery.
• Review existing course guidance, design/lesson plan, syllabus, and schedule to incorporate adult learning principles and interactive methods.
• Update existing materials or create new materials based on research and expertise, ensuring compliance with NFATC and U.S. Government standards.
• Coordinate with SPAS division staff to send welcome emails to students with pre-reading/viewing material.
• Identify, invite, and facilitate discussions with guest subject matter experts.
• Ensure appropriate classroom set-up, audiovisual equipment functionality, and material presence for in-person classes.
• Attend all in-class activities, lead sessions, and present material for approximately half of the allotted course time.
• Teach and engage students in lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, linking course content to objectives and learner needs.
• Manage the classroom to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, adhering to NFATC norms.
• Ensure students complete end-of-course evaluations and access their record of course completion.
• Submit a fully completed Sign-In sheet/daily student participation accounting to SPAS Division staff.
• Provide initial observations and recommendations concerning the course, materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Analyze student evaluation feedback to guide recommendations for future improvements.

Requirements

• Master's degree
• 5+ years of substantive expertise in area studies (evidenced by published works, international/NGO experience, government employment, media appearances, past teaching)
• 5+ years of experience with instructional design, professional training, or academic teaching for adult learners
• Ability to work independently, under deadline pressure, with diverse teams
• Ability to effectively liaise with State Department and USG personnel
• Ability to provide print-ready course materials free of grammatical errors and with consistent formatting
• Availability to fulfill pre-established course schedule according to NFATC requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Experience with online/remote learning platforms
• Understanding of the United States Government, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. foreign affairs
• Fluent English
• Country-specific expertise in an Area Studies region (may include time living overseas, significant academic work, or equivalent professional experience)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience and substantive expertise in their area of expertise, and 5 years of experience with instructional design, professional training, or academic teaching.

Nice to Have

• PhD
• Experience designing and delivering online courses
• Fluency in a language of the region (Area Studies)

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits