Application
Before submitting your application below, please carefully browse our website and familiarize yourself with the program dates and seminar/position offerings for which you are most qualified. Read through the Leadership Requirements below, and if you meet our eligibility requirements follow the link below to apply. Successful candidates have the ability to inspire, lead, mentor, empathize, educate, set limits, enforce rules, and collaborate as a team with their Oxford Academia colleagues.
In your resume and on the application, be sure to highlight your relevant language abilities as well as time spent in countries outside of the U.S., specifically the countries where you are interested in working. Please also elaborate on your experience working with students in a teaching or leadership capacity. For Oxford Academia teaching positions, highlight any experience that would make you an effective instructor of your chosen seminars.
Please apply for the program and positions for which you are the most qualified. If you are also interested in non-Oxford Academia programs with Putney Student Travel or our collaborators, you may indicate that interest as part of your application or complete an application specific to that branch. Regardless of which programs you apply for, all candidates will be considered for open positions across Putney Student Travel and its collaborators.
Leadership Requirements: Oxford Academia Instructors and Program Assistants
It is impossible for all candidates to embody everything on this list, however our most successful candidates meet some combination of the following criteria:
- A strong desire to work with, educate, and lead youth from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Specific in-country experience in the program destinations.
- Advanced proficiency or fluency in the language specific to the destination.
- Significant experience working with students both in and out of the classroom and the ability to problem solve and make decisions that facilitate an engaging learning environment.
- Patience, flexibility, and adaptability in a highly dynamic work environment.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher or considerable professional work experience in the seminar topic. Applicants for Program Assistant positions must have completed their second year of undergraduate studies.
- Faculty should have a working understanding of the seminar/program theme and have the ability to bring the subject to life through discussions and workshops with students. Must have an imaginative approach to the subject they teach and enthusiasm for creating their own hands-on, project-based curriculum..
- Program Assistants must be flexible and resourceful, willing to take ownership of tasks as well as be able to follow instructions and work independently without a lot of direct supervision.
- An ability to assess risk and make smart decisions regarding the health, safety, and overall well-being of the group.
- Certification in Basic CPR/First Aid at your own expense before the start of the program.
- Ability to attend a mandatory training in the program destination during the week prior to the start of the program. See specific dates below under Faculty and Staff Training.
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to apply early in the cycle (December-January). Candidates with the skills and qualifications we seek for available positions will be invited to interview via a video call.
We are proud to have a high percentage of returning faculty and staff each year and we prioritize placement of those individuals. First-time applicants can expect decisions about available opportunities beginning in late-February/March until all positions are filled.
A more exact decision-making timeline will be clarified during your interview as circumstances may differ.
Background Checks
All applicants offered a position are required to complete a background check every year. Returning faculty and staff must submit a background check every year of employment.
Faculty and Staff Training
All faculty and staff are required to attend an intensive training on-site every year.
Training occurs June 25-July 1 and is currently scheduled as follows:
- Directors and Deans – arrive to destination June 22, 2024
- Program Assistants – arrive to destination June 23, 2024
- Non-local faculty – arrive to destination June 26, 2024
- Local faculty – Plan to join training beginning on June 27, 2024
All faculty and staff will be required to attend a brief pre-training Zoom meeting in late May or early June, to be scheduled at a later date.
Compensation
Putney pays a stipend, commensurate with education and experience, as well as all necessary travel, lodging, meals, and reasonable, pre-approved expenses incurred during your contracted dates. Travel will be booked by Putney and must be arranged within a reasonable amount of time after the position is accepted. In addition to the contracted dates above, the stipend includes two additional workdays, one for pre-trip preparation, including a faculty/staff meeting to occur via Zoom prior to program start, and one to complete any outstanding paperwork and/or program evaluations post-trip.
Code of Conduct
Putney has a clear code of conduct that our students must read and sign in order to participate. We expect our faculty and staff to enforce these rules throughout the program, and live by them as well.
Additional Expectations
Outside of teaching duties faculty are expected to lead or assist with a minimum of two extracurricular afternoon or evening activities, outings, and/or events per week of their contract, including one weekend excursion, as well as one presentation or workshop related to the theme of their course or their professional area of expertise. Participation beyond that is strongly encouraged but not mandatory for non-residential faculty. Residential staff should plan on being available to assist with student needs that may arise at the dorm and generally participate in student residential life. All faculty and staff are expected to assist with arrival and departure dates, including assisting with duties related to transfers to/from the airport as needed. Attendance at faculty meetings is required.
Click here to begin your application for summer 2025 positions.
Hiring Directors
Please contact the Hiring Directors if you have specific questions about employment opportunities or the hiring process.
Hiring Directors: Hannah Gilkenson, Mike Oster, Sylvie Littledale, and Avery Stern
jobs@goputney.com