Finnish Language Summer Camp Program Leadership

Concordia College is fully committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment decisions in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, for all individuals without regard to 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 or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Director, Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, Lorentzsen Hall, Room 150, 218-299-3339. We are committed to providing equal opportunity in the recruitment process for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@cord.edu or 218-299-3339, or visit the Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title:
Finnish Language Summer Camp Program Leadership - Concordia Language Villages

Position Type:
Seasonal

Location:
Bemidji

Employment Type:
Seasonal Recreation Exempt

General Employment Period:
June 7-July 19

Summer Staff Orientation Dates:
June 7-14

Program Dates:
June 15-July 18

General Work Schedule (days of week):
Up to seven days per week

General Shift Hours:
residential: 14 – 16 hours per day, plus overnight residential supervision responsibilities

Minimum Salary:
$450/week

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the camp (“Village”) dean, leadership staff members will, in the target language, plan and lead cultural programs, implement educational curriculum and be a leader & mentor to staff and camp participants. We have a variety of different leadership positions including Team Lead, Credit Curriculum Facilitator, Non-Credit Curriculum Facilitator, Adventure Day Camp Coordinator, and Assistant Dean.

This opportunity is for you if you love being outdoors, making friends from all over the world, and working with children. Join us this summer!

Perks:

• Free Meals
• Free Lodging
• Paid, on-the-job training
• Tuition Discount for your child at camp
• J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship for international applicants (Must be at least 18 years old)

About Concordia Language Villages:

Named one of Minnesota’s Best Summer Camps by Star Tribune readers for three years in a row, we bring language alive at Concordia Language Villages! In the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota, we create a place that is both culturally authentic and uniquely our own. At the Language Villages, everything from the music played to the dishes used in the dining hall reflects the culture each was designed to represent.

That’s where you come in! Our dedicated staff is essential to creating the unique, immersive experience our participants have come to love. Share your passion for language and culture with the next generation and beyond by joining us at one (or more) of 14 Language Villages.

Position responsibilities:

• Speak the target language with children (“villagers”) and other staff members as much as possible
• In collaboration with the dean, develop and implement pre-summer planning and preparation.
• Organize and supervise the proficiency-based villager placement process
• Participate in all aspects of Village life, including meals, song times, evening programs, cultural presentations, and staff meetings.
• Under the direction of the dean, supervise staff members, assist with staff training and coach staff.
• Be a positive role model for desired behaviors among villagers, including use of the target language.

General Responsibilities for All Positions

• Be familiar with and abide by specific policies set forth in the “Personnel Policies,” which are designated by Concordia Language Villages administration and individual Village deans.
• Read and become familiar with the responsibilities for your specific area of assignment.
• After receiving your Staff Handbook and other material, read all the information carefully and thoroughly before arriving at the Village.
• Report to orientation prior to your first session as designated by your staff agreement.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Speak the target language with villagers and staff members as much as possible.
• Live in community living arrangements, assigned according to gender; nearly all positions include living and sleeping in a cabin or other housing unit with villagers (participants) of the same gender; positions that do not include living with villagers do include living with other staff members of the same gender.
• Be prepared to use shared bathroom facilities assigned according to gender; shower and toilet stalls are private but situated within common bathroom areas shared with other staff and villagers.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.
• Remain one day after your final session for cleanup, inventory, and evaluation of the program.
• Be at least 16 years of age to be considered for a staff position.
• Be at least 18 years of age to be considered for a staff position if you are not a United States citizen.

Essential Functions of All Positions

• Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities specifically in the busy, noisy, communal environment that is the Village.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage your own needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups in respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous Concordia Language Villages experience (staff or participant)
• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent
• Ability to communicate effectively both in English and the target language with adults and children.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled leader in resolving conflicts
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
  
• Enjoy interacting with and managing children
  
• Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing situations

Preferred Qualifications:

• All positions: Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record
• Credit Facilitator: Teaching licensure

Position Opening Date:
12/15/2025

Position Closing Date:

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Screening Begins:
1/15/2026

EEO/AA Statement:
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.

Employment Contingencies:
Background Check

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Concordia Language Villages follows a standard hiring timeline each year. Applicants can expect notification by the following dates based on when they apply:

• Returning staff who apply by January 15 will be notified by March 1
• All staff who apply by February 15 will be notified by April 1
• All staff who apply by March 15 will be notified by May 1

All staff must attend their scheduled Staff Orientation Week.

Documents Needed to Apply

• 
  Required Documents
  • None
• Optional Documents
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • List of References
  • Licensure
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Other