Academic Coordinator (SIT Study Abroad Portugal)

Reports to: SIT Center Director in Lisbon Portugal

Gross Salary: 1800 per month

Anticipated Start Date: December 1 2025

Term of Employment: Full-time

Apply by: November 30 2025

Base of Designation: Lisbon Portugal

Contingent on: Applicants current legal authorization to work in Portugal

World Learning Portugal seeks an Academic Coordinator for its program SIT Study Abroad Portugal: Communications & Media program located in Lisbon. The program follows the SIT semester model with its focus on experiential learning to complement traditional classroom addition to academic coursework composed of Global Media & Advertising in a Digital World Multimedia Studio Research Methods & Ethics and Portuguese students also carry out an independent study project on a communications and media topic or project of their own.

The Academic Coordinator reports to the Center Director in Lisbon and provides planning coordination and student advising support throughout the semester to ensure that academic standards are upheld and enhanced and the program runs smoothly. The Academic Coordinator also provides support for maintaining and building the network of lecturers partner organizations and local academics to guarantee coherence across the different elements of the program. Depending on the needs at the Center the Academic Coordinator may be called upon to support other center programs.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the programs web page at before they send their application material.

Responsibilities

The Academic Coordinator is responsible for the completion of the following tasks while working under guidance of and in close communication with the Center Director . Their responsibilities include but are not limited to

Academic Coordination:

• Scheduling of the program and development of a network of media and communication institutions for field visits;
• Co-organizing and delivering the students initial cross-cultural orientation as well as coordinating the semester academic calendar in collaboration with the Center Director ;
• Leading the group during field visits and educational excursions;
• Working closely with each student to help them prepare for their independent study project and this by advising and holding regular office hours and individual meetings recommending advisors and resource networks and leveraging the network media and communication institutions in collaboration with SIT Center Director;
• As needed grading assignments and providing timely feedback to students;
• Facilitating a constructive relationship between SIT students and host country nationals through the establishment of partnerships with local media and communication institutions;
• Working with SIT Center Director to ensure smooth and fluid management of logistics and program administration;
• Guiding and advising students in both their cross-cultural learning processes and academic experiences - thus serving as educator/teacher in the broadest sense by assisting students to draw substantive connections from among different aspects of the experience;

Program Coordination:

• Negotiating cost-effective program services;
• Managing the program budget;

• Preparing and disseminating appropriate program materials per Center Director instructions;
• Paying vendors and ensure financial transactions are up to date on SIT financial reporting system;
• Proactively updating editing and disseminating program materials;
• Accompanying students to medical appointments and provide student support when needed;
• Organizing receptions and other special events (reserving spaces negotiating prices and menus issuing invitations etc.) in consultation with the Center Director;
• Serving as a point-of-contact for the students in regard to student stipends
• Maintaining confidentiality and security of the organization student and employee documents at all times;
• Adhering to SIT policies and procedures;
• Providing guidance and information on local culture and serving as a point-of-contact for students throughout the scheduled program;

Participating in training as requested;

Other relevant tasks as assigned.

Must be willing and able to travel on program excursions as determined by the Center Director. Excursions may range from one day up to several days in duration.

SIT programs are situated in urban as well as remote locations where accommodations may be rudimentary and accessibility limited. Some aspects of the program may require physical exertion such as but not limited to occasionally driving walking as well as remaining stationary for long periods. Depending on the theme of the program there may be excursions in rugged terrain which may require but are not limited to activities such as hiking climbing and/or water-based sports.

Requirements

Required Experience/Education:

• Masters degree in communication or media studies media production marketing advertising or a relevant field.
• Experience in the field of media or advertising a plus.
• Experience teaching at the college level is preferred.
• Experience working and living in Portugal
• Applicants must possess current legal authorization to work in Portugal where this position is offered;

Required Skills:

• Solid written and verbal communication skills in English; basic knowledge of Portuguese is helpful
• Good organizational skills - must be able to manage multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills;
• Strong analytic skills strategic thinking and problem-solving ability;
• A strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy;
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity;

Required behaviors:

• Flexible and demonstrates sound work ethics;
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team;
• Demonstrates the capacity to manage changing priorities and ambiguity while remaining calm and controlled;
• Communicates a can do attitude and positive outlook
• Kindness and Respect: This role requires a person who is compassionate respectful and able to interact professionally and courteously with students faculty staff and program partners. A genuine approach to helping others and fostering a positive working environment is essential.
• Understanding and Empathy: The Academic Coordinator must be able to listen and understand the needs of others providing support that is both thoughtful and responsive. They should be approachable and empathetic making sure everyone feels heard and value (specially students).
• A demonstrated commitment to SIT and World Learnings mission and values

Benefits

World Learning provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes: medical dental vision FSA/HRA Life/AD&D Short Term/Long Term Disability EAP Parking and Transit 403 (b) retirement plan for full-time and eligibile part-time employees.

The World Learning Inc. Family

For more than 90 years World Learning Inc. is a thriving global organization made up of The Experiment in International Living the nations most experienced provider of international education through exchanges for high school students; School for International Training offering accredited undergraduate study abroad programs through SIT Study Abroad and internationally focused masters degrees through SIT Graduate Institute; and World Learning a global development and exchange nonprofit organization.

World Learning

World Learning has worked to create a more sustainable peaceful and just world. World Learnings education development and exchange programs help people find their voices connect with their communities strengthen the institutions that form the backbone of a democratic society and build relationships across cultures. With World Learnings support these emerging leaders tackle critical global issues like poverty conflict and inequality.

The Experiment in International Living

The Experiment in International Living is the nations most experienced provider of international education through exchanges for high school students. For more than 90 years The Experiment has empowered young people to step off the beaten path experience the world as a classroom immerse themselves fully in another culture and build the knowledge and skills needed to confront critical global issues.

SIT

School for International Training (SIT) was founded in the early 1960s as a training center for the first Peace Corps volunteers. For nearly 60 years SIT has prepared students to be effective changemakers and global citizens through experiential education focused on the worlds most critical global issues. SIT Study Abroad offers accredited summer and semester undergraduate programs in Africa Asia and the Pacific Europe Latin America and the Middle East as well as comparative programs on multiple continents. SIT Graduate Institute offers global and hybrid certificates masters and doctoral degrees.