Pacific Language Institute (PLI) – A Kaplan Company – is looking for a dynamic Academic Manager to lead and grow PLI’s academic team and program.
Our strong academic focus is what sets Pacific Language Institute apart. We offer a dynamic and exciting selection of programs. The PLI English school curriculum has been developed and continuously improved since we started over 20 years ago and can be customized to fit students’ specific needs or goals.
Kaplan, Inc. is a leading international provider of education and career services and a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). Kaplan, Inc., has 31,000 employees in 600 locations worldwide. We reach over one million students around the globe.
Position Impact & Scope
The Academic Manager is responsible for all academic issues in the school, specifically for ensuring and improving the quality of the academic program and well as consistent delivery and adherence to the PLI and KIC curriculum; for overseeing and addressing the academic needs of all students enrolled in the school; for hiring, training, and supervising all academic staff; for scheduling classes and staff to ensure efficient and effective use of personnel as well as budgetary constraints. Of greatest importance is to ensure the satisfaction and progress of the students.
Responsibilities
•Demonstrate leadership qualities (dedication, respect, cooperation, motivation, innovation, commitment to quality, excellence, and customer service) to staff, students, and management
•Manage the selection, hiring, orientation, training, supervision and observation of all instructors
•Supervise and provide support to teachers on a daily basis, ensure adherence to program curriculum and standards, which includes fulfillment of assigned administrative tasks and duties
•Oversee the academic budget for the center, including teaching budget, Class Size Averages and materials
•Check and approve payroll information for teaching staff on an on-going basis; ensure adherence to HR standards
•Advise new and current students on courses and services
•Work with faculty and school staff to ensure the highest level of student satisfaction
•Collaborate and effectively participate in domestic marketing initiatives and events
•Provide counseling for students on academic matters; handle and mediate disputes/problems between students and teachers, between teachers and teachers, and students and students
•Implement curriculum according to standards and guidelines
•Disseminate information about course updates and changes, including the opening and closing of classes
•Monitor academic record keeping; maintain academic files according to company policies
•Ensure that the school is compliant with Languages Canada policies and retains accreditation
•Secure and monitor classroom facilities
•Conduct regularly scheduled instructional staff meetings, and coordinate staff training
•Stay informed of new developments in the ESL field and communicate this to staff
•Substitute or arrange for substitutes for teachers during illness, vacation, and emergencies
•Assist the Academic Director in development and revision of curricula, syllabi, and materials for various programs
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
•Excellent ability to manage and supervise staff, and all components thereof
•Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
•Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to handle numerous details
•Excellent leadership, management and team motivation skills
•Excellent leadership, management and team motivation skills
•Excellent business sense, with ability to strategize and adapt to changing markets
•Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking abilities
•Understanding of and ability to use database systems
•Thorough knowledge of educational practices, especially in the field of ESL
•Proven customer-service skills and diligent work ethic
•Tact, patience and diplomacy, particularly with non-native English speakers
•Need for cultural sensitivities and/or a desire to work in a diverse environment
•High energy level and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Measurements (including, but not limited to)
•Survey results
•Budgetary performance
•Teacher retention
•Academic audit results (e.g. School Visit Checklist)
•Extension and termination rates
Requirements
•Bachelor’s Degree and TESL certification required; DELTA or Masters in ESL related studies preferred
•Minimum 3 – 5 years experience teaching ESL/EFL
•Prior experience with industry and/or international students required
•2+ years in an administrative or management role required
•Overseas experience strongly preferred
•Teacher training and/or curriculum development preferred
•Foreign language ability preferred
•Passion for customer service and business growth
•Ability to work occasionally during evenings and weekends
•Must be authorized to work in Canada
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Aine Magennis
School Director
Pacific Language Institute
amagennis@pli.ca
Deadline: Wednesday, March 30th, 2011