Housing Coordinator

Job Description

Industry: Higher Education
Seniority for this role: Entry level
WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? SO DO WE. Job Title : Housing Coordinator Weekly Hours: 40 hours (full time) Start Date: January, 2025 Location: CIEE Center Milan CIEE A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in international education and exchange. For over 70 years CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available. Serving over 300 U.S. College and University consortium members, CIEE operates more than thirty study centers across the globe that support study abroad programs for pre-pandemic more 6,000 students annually. Summary of Position The Housing Coordinator will oversee all housing arrangements for CIEE programs in Milan, including both homestays and non-homestay housing options (e.g., student apartments). The role involves recruiting and managing a robust network of host families, ensuring high-quality placements that meet health, safety, and cultural integration standards, and supporting students’ residential experience. This position will collaborate closely with the Student Life, High School team and other CIEE departments to maintain excellent housing standards and facilitate students’ cultural integration into the Milanese community. The position requires strong organizational skills, intercultural communication abilities, and problem-solving expertise. It is an integral part of CIEE Milan’s mission to provide students with a safe, enriching, and memorable study abroad experience. Main Duties and Responsibilities Homestay Recruitment and Coordination Recruits, selects, and orients host families in accordance with CIEE Health, Safety & Security standards Provides training for the families Performs home visits before the student arrives and at least twice during the year Monthly check-in with homestay families to assess progress and student well-being Match students with host families based on preferences, special needs, and compatibility. Coordinates host family payments or other remunerations with Finance Department Develops a systematic plan for increasing the network of host families through, for example, attendance at parent meetings of CIEE’s partner schools, flyer campaigns, etc. Keeps meticulous records of host family data and profiles, and helps families ensure they acquire necessary documentation (such as a certified background check) on time Retains successful host families through regular communication, feedback conversations, and timely planning of future assignments Collaborates with Student Life and High School staff in preventing and/or managing conflicts during each homestay arrangement (i.e., check-ins with both students and host families on a regular basis and interventions or changes placements when necessary) Supports Student Life Office across different program lines (High School, Open Campus, Faculty-Led-Programs) in facilitating cultural integration and the delivery of experiential learning opportunities Coordinates and cooperates with other CIEE departments for various community-related opportunities and needs Develops and conducts orientation program for new families. Participates in the 24/7 rotating emergency phone system Housing Coordination Identifies suitable number of apartment units for lease on an annual, semester or short-term basis in accordance with program safety guidelines and standards. Oversee the identification and management of non-homestay housing options (e.g., apartments) in compliance with safety guidelines. Collaborate with landlords and housing providers to address maintenance or student concerns, ensuring housing standards are upheld. Implement and enforce CIEE’s housing policies, ensuring compliance with organizational standards. Schedules apartment inspections and end of term cleaning and maintenance. Facilitates pre-move in inspection and supplies of all student apartments by student services team In coordination with Center Director, manages monthly- quarterly payments for apartment landlords and negotiates contracts on an annual basis. Works with Center Director to set annual budgets for housing. Work Experience Experience managing student housing or homestay programs Experience in networking and recruitment Experience with youth or counseling work in a cross-cultural setting Experience in educational exchanges and grassroots community-building Skills Strong interpersonal skills Excellent organizational skills, including record keeping and documentation Strong problem-solving skills, solution-oriented and ability to remain calm in crisis situations Ability and affinity for building community Excellent oral and written communication skills, including intercultural communication skills and ability to work with diverse communities Fluency in Italian & English Enthusiasm, patience, creativity, flexibility, and a good sense of humor A strong team player Other Requirements Strong ties in the local community Interested candidates please send a CV and cover letter to the Program Manager, Maria Leimoni at mleimoni@ciee.org. Show more Show less