Academic Director

The Academic Director is responsible for all operations concerning the academic program. Specifically, the Academic Director is responsible for the hiring, training, development, and dismissal of instructional staff; the development and implementation of the curriculum; the testing, placement, and evaluation of students; and the scheduling of classes. In the absence of the Center Director, the Academic Director is responsible for the operation of the Language Center which is currently located in Perú. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and conducting the academic program in such a manner that it meets all standards of ELS Language Centers standardized curriculum. Hiring, training, and supervising instructional staff. Providing substitute and/or regular classroom instruction. Maintaining the instructional budget by staying within instructional-hour guidelines. Ordering and maintaining all instructional materials and staying within the academic materials budget. Supervising the placement, testing, and evaluation of students. Scheduling classes, teachers, and students. Orienting new students to the academic program. Submitting required academic reports to universities and/or sponsors. Submitting required reports to the Corporate or District Office. Maintaining Center operations in the absence of the Center Director. Supervising the Assistant Academic Director. Assisting with the management of special programs as assigned. Performing other duties as necessary or assigned.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

The Standards of Performance for the Academic Director position are met when:

• Materials are purchased or developed for use in the classroom as necessary to supplement the ELS curriculum. 
• Curriculum materials and information are presented to the instructional staff and implemented in the classroom within the specified guidelines and time frame. 
• The ELS Student Survey results equal or exceed the system-wide average on the Academic Program category or, if not, improvement is being made over the previous year's results. 
• Action plans for those items which do not meet system-wide averages are developed and implemented. 
• Based on projected enrollment, a sufficient number of instructors is hired and oriented in accordance with company policy and in advance of the start of each session Up-to-date personnel files are maintained on all instructional staff.
• All personnel-related actions (onboarding, merit increases, terminations, etc.) are completed in Ultipro in an accurate and timely manner. 
• Instructors are observed a minimum of 3 times during their first year. Thereafter, instructors are observed a minimum of twice annually. Performance reviews are conducted in accordance with company guidelines.
• A minimum of one staff development in-service workshop is conducted each session. Additional training and support are provided for the instructional staff as needed.
• Teachers' meetings are held according to Center policy. Employee concerns are addressed in a timely manner and per company guidelines. 
• Qualified substitutes are hired to cover for instructors who are absent. Classes are taught as necessary when substitutes are not available or when lower enrollment warrants it.
• The instructional-hour budget and the academic materials budget are maintained within the approved guidelines.
• An inventory of all instructional materials is done each session and items are ordered so as to ensure their availability in sufficient quantities when needed.
• Instructional materials, including books, teacher laptops, LTC computers, and more, are professional in appearance and maintained in usable condition and/or good working order.
• Students are tested and placed in the appropriate levels in accordance with instructional standards.
• Student placements are adjusted as necessary following the start of the session.
• Students are given evaluations of their progress throughout the session and are counseled on how to succeed in learning English.
• Class schedules and class lists are completed in keeping with instructional standards and are disseminated within the established Center time frames.
• Instructors are given sufficient notice of the classes they will be teaching to allow adequate time to prepare.
• Information about the academic program is provided to all new students during orientation.
• Student progress and academic reports are mailed to universities as requested and/or to sponsors by the second Friday of the subsequent session.
• Reports, curricular updates, Class List On-Line, and other information requested by the Corporate or District Office, are submitted accurately and on schedule 90% of the time.
• Normal operating procedures are followed in the absence of the Center Director.
• A job description is provided for and the ADD is supervised so as to ensure the standards of performance are met.
• In the absence of an Executive Program Coordinator, the Academic Director assists with the management of special programs as assigned by the Center Director.
• The Academic Director performs other duties as necessary or assigned by the Center Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: BA from an accredited college/university and TEFL Certificate with equivalent experience required; MA in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or related field preferred.

Experience: A minimum of five years teaching experience in the field of ESL and a minimum o 3 years of experience as an administrator in charge of teachers and teaching-related responsibilities. Curriculum planning and implementation experience are helpful.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience in online education.