Concordia Language Villages Site Director
| Position Title | Concordia Language Villages Site Director |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Staff |
| FTE |
1.0
|
| General Employment Period |
January-December
|
| General Work Schedule (days of week) |
Monday-Friday, with occasional weekends
|
| General shift hours |
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
|
| Benefits Eligible? | Yes |
| Screening Begins | 06/01/2025 |
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| To Apply | https://hr.cord.edu/postings/11946 |
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Position Summary
The Site Director for Concordia Language Villages (CLV) provides strategic leadership for the year-round operation of Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota—an 875-acre residential, campus with over 160 buildings (of which over 100 are winterized). CLV hosts approximately 3,000 villagers in immersive language learning camps each summer, with additional 2,000 Villagers (including military personnel) on site during the academic year.
The Site Director manages day-to-day site operations, leads multiple departments with a combined budget of over $2M, and coordinates operational support services to deliver an exceptional experience for both participants and staff. The position contributes significantly to relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including CLV program directors, leadership and peers at Concordia College’s main campus in Moorhead, donors, advisory council members, vendors and contractors, as well as frontline employees. The position ensures program success through operational effectiveness, safety, compliance with accreditation standards of the American Camp Association, and alignment with the mission of Concordia Language Villages and Concordia College.
The Site Director drives strategic initiatives and maximizes site utilization, fosters a collaborative team culture, and implements continuous improvement practices to support long-term goals. The position ensures seamless operation of site services, working with facilities management, risk management, culinary arts, custodial services, the distribution center, transportation, and some administrative functions. The site director will be an important member of the CLV leadership team, guiding CLV towards financial sustainability and enrollment stability, strategic growth, and operational excellence, while maintaining the integrity of its unique immersive language learning mode. The work will require coordination and collaboration with a remote administrative leadership team, requiring consistent and effective communication.
Position Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight (30%)
- Day to Day Operations: Oversee interface between different operational support departments and with program leadership to ensure efficient, effective, safe implementation of programs; ensure compliance with relevant regulations (MN Department of Health) and standards of the American Camp Association.
- Lead, Inspire & Guide: Provide visionary leadership for all operational departments (e.g., facilities management, food service, events, health and wellness, risk management, and distribution/warehousing), setting a clear direction and creating a positive, high-performing team culture.
- Campus Utilization: Lead the process and team related to optimizing site utilization, considering program priorities, enrollment goals, revenue optimization, and opportunities for new program/site use initiatives.
- Long-Range Planning: In collaboration with the executive director and Concordia College facilities director, supports short- and long-term initiatives related to site development, deferred maintenance, and capital improvements; ensure the campus remains a safe, inviting, engaging, and well-maintained environment for all.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with Concordia College’s Facilities Director, CLV’s Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Director of Development, and Program Directors, as well as external stakeholders to align site operations with broader organizational priorities, including sustainability, growth strategies, and fundraising for site restoration and renewal.
2. Team Management & Development (25%)
- Organizational Structure: Design and manage the staffing framework to effectively support site operations, including food service, distribution center, facility care and maintenance, health and wellness, risk management, and other critical functions, supporting full time employees and numerous seasonal and on-call/part-time employees. Holds the authority to resolve conflicting viewpoints and ensure alignment with strategic and fiscal priorities.
- People Leadership: Provide regular coaching, mentoring, feedback, and professional development to direct-reports to ensure a high performing operations team, high employee engagement and strong retention. Contribute to orientation and training of seasonal program staff, ensuring alignment with needs of site management and utilization and budget.
- Culture & Collaboration: Promote a welcoming, supportive, growth- and team-oriented workplace, facilitating collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement and a sense of excellence.
- Member of CLV Leadership Team: Serves on CLV senior leadership team and engages in regular collaboration with program directors to ensure the highest quality as well as efficient and effective programming.
3. Financial Management (20%)
- Budget Oversight: In collaboration with other stakeholders, develop and manage the annual operations budgets, including forecasting, routine expense monitoring, identifying opportunities for cost savings and increased efficiencies.
- Site Utilization: Serve on calendar committee and ensure site use is maximized, in support of mission and financial thriving. Creates business plans for Turtle River Lake user groups.
- Capital Projects: In collaboration with CLV’s Major Project Team and Concordia College facilities, serve on capital improvement team and collaborate with the CLV’s development team on setting fundraising priorities for site renewal and restoration.
- Fiscal Stewardship: Approve payments related to site operations, maintaining appropriate documentation and compliance with institutional policies; guide department heads in fiscal responsibility to ensure a focus on agreed to priorities
4. Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance (15%)
- Emergency Preparedness: Coordinate with local emergency response authorities (city and county) and internal teams to maintain readiness for emergencies; lead the site’s emergency response efforts, including training and drills.
- Committee Leadership: Serve as the lead risk management officer on site; lead committees that ensure full compliance with ACA accreditation requirements and crisis preparedness and response; collaborate with the College risk management team.
- Safety and well-being of Villagers and staff: Ensure ongoing focus on operational and programmatic safety, staff training, and responses to identified concerns. Provide leadership to CLV’s health and wellness team and ensure exceptional waterfront safety.
5. Institutional & External Engagement (5%)
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with divisional directors, Concordia College counterparts, the local community and external partners to align operational activities with the broader mission and strategic priorities of Concordia Language Villages; engage in donor stewardship and fundraising efforts in support of facility stewardship and program growth
- Community Relations: Represent Concordia Language Villages at community events, local forums, and other engagements to foster positive relationships and support institutional reputation.
- Lease Management: Negotiate and maintain facility lease agreements; coordinate with property owners and program leadership to ensure compliance and smooth operations at leased sites.
6. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Contribute to organization-wide projects and initiatives as needed.
- Participate in key institution-wide meetings, training, and development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent by experience
- Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience, including managing full-time staff and overseeing cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $1M+ and coordinating multiple operational departments (e.g., food service, maintenance, custodial, transportation)
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- 5+ years of hospitality, operational oversight, or related industry experience, particularly in a camp, resort, or campus environment
- Experience working with or supporting remote leadership teams
- General knowledge of building construction methods, building systems, or related infrastructure and facilities management or construction project experience
Benefits
Concordia College is proud to offer numerous benefits to its employees, including:
. Health Insurance
. Flexible Savings Account
. Vision Insurance
. Dental Insurance
. Preventative Chiropractic Program
. Retirement Plan
. Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
. Life Insurance (full-time only)
. Planned Time Off (PTO) starting at 18 days/year
. 13 paid holidays including the time off in between Christmas and New Year
. Paid parental leave
. Extended Illness Benefit (EIB)
. Up to 100% tuition with discounts and scholarships at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages.
. Up to 50% tuition discount with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
. Up to 100% tuition discounts with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
. Health Insurance
. Flexible Savings Account
. Vision Insurance
. Dental Insurance
. Preventative Chiropractic Program
. Retirement Plan
. Long-Term Disability Insurance (full-time only)
. Life Insurance (full-time only)
. Planned Time Off (PTO) starting at 18 days/year
. 13 paid holidays including the time off in between Christmas and New Year
. Paid parental leave
. Extended Illness Benefit (EIB)
. Up to 100% tuition with discounts and scholarships at Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages.
. Up to 50% tuition discount with Oak Grove Lutheran Schools
. Up to 100% tuition discounts with participating partners: CIC-TEP, ELCA schools, and Tuition Exchange Inc.
Salary – $86,000 – $100,000 annually
The final salary will be determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, and alignment with the position’s requirements. Other considerations may include internal equity and market conditions.
EEO/AA Statement
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Concordia College will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
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