Instructor - Area Studies

About This Role

This role involves designing, delivering, and evaluating engaging training courses in Area Studies for the Department of State. The instructor will collaborate to prepare course materials, facilitate interactive sessions, and manage classroom environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with Course Chairs/Coordinators for content guidance and the Contractor for technical guidance
• Review and update existing course guidance, design, syllabus, and schedule to incorporate adult learning principles and interactive methods
• Create new course materials based on research and expertise, ensuring they meet NFATC and U.S. Government standards, including Section 508 compliance
• Coordinate with SPAS division staff to send welcome emails to students with pre-reading materials and the final course schedule
• Identify, invite, and facilitate guest subject matter experts, ensuring their presentations fulfill course objectives and allow for student interaction
• Ensure appropriate classroom set-up, working audiovisual equipment, and necessary materials for in-person classes
• Lead and present material for approximately half of the allotted course time during delivery, engaging students through lectures, discussions, and interactive activities
• Use formative assessments and real-time feedback to monitor student understanding and adjust instruction
• Track daily student attendance and manage the classroom to ensure a safe and effective learning environment
• Ensure students complete end-of-course evaluations and explain how to access completion records
• Submit completed sign-in sheets or accounting of daily student participation to SPAS Division staff at course conclusion

Requirements

• Master’s degree
• 5+ years’ experience and substantive expertise in area of expertise
• 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 multiple State Department and USG personnel
• Ability to provide print-ready course materials free of grammatical errors and with consistent formatting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Experience with online/remote learning platforms
• Understanding of the United States Government, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. foreign affairs
• Fluent English

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; PhD preferred
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience and recognized expertise in area studies, evidenced by published works, international/NGO experience, government employment, media appearances, or past teaching/training; minimum 5 years of experience with instructional design, professional training, or academic teaching for adult learners.

Nice to Have

• PhD
• Experience designing and delivering online courses
• Country specific expertise from time living overseas, significant academic work, or equivalent professional experience
• Fluency in a language of the region

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits