Each year, the U.S. Department of State assigns Senior Foreign Service Officers to the position of Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at certain colleges and universities throughout the United States. The DIR program is central to the effort to recruit the best and brightest to represent America's rich diversity to the world.

What Do Diplomats In Residence Do?

Administrative Support

School Selection

Diplomats in Residence for the 2005-2006 Academic Year

What Do Diplomats In Residence Do?

DIRs disseminate information about career opportunities not only at their home universities but throughout the region where they are located; they also

• Identify and counsel diverse candidates for student and career opportunities;
• Guide candidates through the Foreign Service exam application and examination process;
• Represent the Department at conferences and career fairs;
• Support programs sponsored by Foreign Affairs groups;
• Engage in outreach to the military, professional organizations and other local groups.

RETURN TO TOP

Administrative Support

The Department of State pays the DIR salary and benefits, and Department of State-related travel expenses. The university gives the DIR a "home" in a department, and provides an office, general administrative support, computer links and tech support and a telephone. The Bureau of Human Resources at the U.S. Department of State administers the program through the placement of officers at host institutions, coordinates with DIRs on local and regional outreach and recruitment activities, and provides logistical and administrative support to the officer.

RETURN TO TOP

School Selection

The selection of schools for the program is directly linked to the attainment of the U.S. Department of State's outreach and recruitment objectives. Factors considered in the identification of potential DIR sites include regional diversity, academic curriculum, size and composition of student population, and level of institutional commitment to preparation of students for careers in international relations and public service. An expression of interest from the school should note how the assignment would contribute to the host institution's program and the U.S. Department of State's recruitment goals.

RETURN TO TOP

Diplomats in Residence for the 2005-2006 Academic Year

* Contact info TBD. Please check this site later for updated contact e-mails and numbers.

Equal Opportunity Employer.