Language Center Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ICA Language Services is seeking an experienced Team Lead to support our contract with the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey, California.

The Team Lead serves as the primary instructional leader for ICA's GRIT program. The position also includes responsibility for teaching Russian to GRIT students and conducting diagnostic assessments to evaluate language proficiency, identify learning needs, and inform instructional planning. Beyond the Russian program, the Team Lead supports the broader GRIT program by coordinating Enhancement Instruction (EI) across multiple language programs, developing and maintaining EI schedules, supporting the GRIT Program Manager, and serving as Interim Program Manager when needed.

Please note: This position is open only to candidates who currently reside in or are able to commute daily to the Monterey, CA area. Relocation assistance is not available.

This is a collaborative, team-oriented environment. The Team Lead must work effectively with instructors from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, students, and ICA management while fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership & Program Support

• Lead and mentor the instructional team, promoting instructional excellence and collaboration.
• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss student progress, attendance, instructional concerns, and program updates.
• Provide support to instructors on curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and weekly instructional schedules.
• Assist new instructors with onboarding to program procedures and instructional expectations.
• Ensure the students' progress reports are submitted to the PM in a timely manner.
• Maintain effective communication with students, instructors, ICA leadership, and client representatives.

Academic Quality Assurance

• Support the effective use of diagnostic assessment data to inform instructional planning and student support strategies.
• Collaborate with instructors to develop and implement Action Plans for students whose academic performance falls below established program benchmarks.
• Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and Enhancement Instruction participation, identifying concerns and reporting them to the PM

Teaching Responsibilities

• Teach Russian language classes as assigned, including substitution coverage and individual enhancement instruction when needed.
• Deliver proficiency-based instruction using communicative, task-based methodologies.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors on lesson planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional best practices.
• Administer diagnostic assessments, evaluate student progress, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Support the effective use of learning technologies and online instructional platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Russian language proficiency at ILR Level 4 or higher (speaking, listening, and reading).
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Second Language Acquisition, Linguistics, Russian, Education, TESOL, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience teaching Russian to adult learners in an intensive, proficiency-oriented language training environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or supervising language instructors, academic teams, or instructional programs.
• Strong knowledge of the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) proficiency scale and proficiency-based language instruction.
• Experience conducting classroom observations, providing instructional feedback, and supporting instructor development.
• Experience analyzing student performance and implementing academic intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and differentiated instructional methodologies.
• Experience integrating instructional technology, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Microsoft Office applications into language instruction.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and supportive team environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with instructors, students, client representatives, and ICA management.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching or leading programs at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC).
• Experience with Post-DLPT or GRIT programs.
• Experience developing instructional materials or curriculum.
• Experience with proficiency testing or diagnostic assessment.
• Experience mentoring new instructors and leading instructional improvement initiatives.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salaried: $70,000 - $85,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Full-time exempt position.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and other company-sponsored benefits.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

ICA Language Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.