Sidwell Friends, a co-educational PK-12 independent Quaker day school with campuses in Bethesda, Md., and Washington D.C., seeks applicants for the position of Director of the John Fisher Zeidman Chinese Studies Program. Established in 1983, the Zeidman Chinese Studies Program is among the first endowed high school programs in the United States to focus on the study of the Chinese language, history, and culture. Sidwell Friends offers an eight-year language sequence in the study of Chinese beginning in 5th grade. The Director will have teaching responsibilities (language and/or history courses); manage a student exchange program and relationships with Chinese schools; lead curricular and co-curricular initiatives related to Chinese Studies; and plan and coordinate an endowed annual lecture series focusing on China; and coordinate partnerships with relevant cultural organizations in the DMV. The Director reports jointly to the divisional principal and the associate head of school. The appointment will begin late August 2025

Ideal candidates will have middle or high school teaching experience and the ability to coordinate with teachers and administrators across the three divisions of the school to implement related programs for students PK through 12. A deep knowledge of Chinese culture and native or near-native proficiency in spoken and written Chinese are required. Excellent communication skills, experience with fundraising and program development, and experience working with various constituencies (students, faculty, parents, alumni, donors, school administrators) are vital qualities. Administrative experience and experience in diplomacy with Chinese officials are highly desirable. We seek a candidate who can lead the program as it continues to evolve in the 21st century.

This position has a minimum requirement of a Bachelor's degree. An advanced degree in Chinese Studies, Chinese History, Language, or Culture or a related field is preferred.

Job Description

Responsibilities

The Director of the Zeidman Program in Chinese Studies reports to the Associate Head of School and the principal of the division(s) in which teaching responsibilities are assigned. The Director is charged with the following responsibilities:

• Develop, plan, and support, in collaboration with relevant faculty and staff, all curricular and co-curricular initiatives associated with the Zeidman Program in Chinese Studies within and across the three academic divisions.

• Ensure that the Program’s activities are consistent with the mission of the school and are effectively publicized to the community.
• Organize and when possible, lead student exchange and travel programs to China.

• Convene and lead meetings of the Zeidman Program Advisory Committee.

• Design and coordinate the selection process for the Zeidman Fellows Program, which enables Sidwell Friends alumni to study in China for a year.

• Build and maintain, with the Associate Head of School’s approval, appropriate relationships with the Chinese embassy and relevant institutions and individuals, including current and prospective donors.

• Prepare and deliver an annual report on the state of the program.

• Teach a specified course load in the discipline(s) and division(s) in which the Director has expertise and experience; complete additional duties typically associated with teaching (e.g., student advising, serving on institutional committees, etc.).

• Work with the Advisory Committee, School Advancement, and Head of School to plan and coordinate the annual John Fisher Zeidman Lecture in Chinese Studies.

• Manage all aspects of the Chinese exchange student program, including the identification of and relationships with host families.

• Manage budgets associated with the Zeidman Program.

Salary

• Salary Range $64,371-$132,094. Salary will be commensurate with experience

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world.”