Head of Academic / Director of Studies

Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced and motivated Academic Manager to oversee the academic department of our language school. This role is vital in ensuring high-quality teaching, student progress, and the continuous development of our academic programmes. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of English language education, and a commitment to maintaining academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum & Quality Management

• Design, update, and implement our English language syllabi to align with CEFR, educational standards and student needs.
• Proactively develop new programmes and syllabi in anticipation of evolving student needs, group profiles, and market opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching quality and student outcomes, implementing necessary improvements.
• Ensure all academic and non-academic communication (letters, reports) are accurate before being issued.
• Explore and integrate AI-powered tools to support lesson planning, student assessment, and the continuous improvement of academic processes.

Teacher Recruitment & Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff to ensure high-quality instruction.
• Manage the full HR lifecycle of academic staff, including contracts, performance reviews, disciplinary processes, and ongoing training and development, in line with school policy and Irish employment law.
• Organize ongoing professional development and teacher observations to enhance teaching quality.
• Foster a supportive and positive environment for teachers, including onboarding new staff.
• Maintain a flexible teaching unit capable of scaling rapidly to meet demand, particularly during peak periods when large groups are running alongside the regular timetable.

Student Assessment & Progress Tracking

• Oversee student induction and placement tests to ensure appropriate class levels.
• Manage bi-weekly assessments, student progress evaluations, and level changes.
• Ensure accurate student data entry and tracking in our internal CRM System.

Resource & Policy Management

• Manage academic resources, including textbooks and teaching materials.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce academic policies to promote an effective learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with educational and regulatory standards.

Communication & Coordination

• Liaise with students, directors, and stakeholders to address concerns and foster a positive school environment.
• Provide academic guidance and support to both students and staff.

Budget & Data Analysis

• Analyze student performance data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Contribute to the development and management of the academic budget, ensuring effective resource allocation.

Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of 3 years' relevant ELT experience.
• Must hold, as a minimum, a major award at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent.
• Must have successfully completed an English language teacher training/development programme at Level 9 on the NFQ or equivalent that includes an assessed teaching practice component and that is validated by QQI, a national awarding body or an internationally recognised awarding body.
• A strong background in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teaching and curriculum development.
• Experience in academic management, teacher training, or a similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in staff management, including HR processes such as performance reviews, disciplinary procedures, and training coordination.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and implement improvements in academic programs.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• An open and proactive attitude towards AI and technology as tools for enhancing teaching quality and academic administration.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with CRM or similar student management systems.
• Experience working in an international language school setting.
• Knowledge of accreditation and compliance requirements in language education.
• Experience managing a flexible or part-time teaching pool in a high-volume environment.
• Hands-on experience with AI tools in an educational or administrative context.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in a growing language school.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €39,000.00-€44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bike to work scheme
• Company events
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Does your teacher training qualification includes an assessed teaching practice?

Experience:

• relevant: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• teacher training programme at Level 9 on the NFQ (required)

Work Location: In person