Position Title: Custom & Faculty-Led Program Operations Manager
Location: Newbridge, Ireland
Reports To: Director of Program Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: €50,000 – €55,000 per annum
Overview
Learn International, a leading organization dedicated to fostering global understanding and providing transformative international education experiences, is seeking a highly experienced, strategically-minded, and results-oriented Custom & Faculty-Led Program Operations Manager. This leadership role will guide a dynamic team responsible for the development, planning, and execution of customized study abroad programs tailored to the academic objectives and pedagogical approaches of partner institutions, ensuring programs meet educational requirements while delivering enriching, culturally immersive experiences for participants. The role requires proactive leadership, outstanding organizational capabilities, deep understanding of international education, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities
* Team Leadership & Management: Provide leadership, mentorship, and direct management to a team of Program Development Coordinators; cultivate a collaborative, high-performing environment that encourages innovation and proactive problem-solving. Establish clear, measurable goals aligned with strategic objectives; define KPIs to track progress and develop professional development plans. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and regular performance evaluations to ensure strong team performance.
* Program Development & Oversight: Guide the conceptualization, design, and implementation of a diverse portfolio of short-term, intensive faculty-led study abroad programs across disciplines and destinations; ensure alignment with academic learning outcomes, pedagogical philosophies, and partner university requirements. Review program proposals, budgets, itineraries, and academic components; provide feedback and final approval for feasibility, rigor, and financial soundness. Monitor all stages of program execution to meet timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks, mitigating challenges to ensure successful outcomes.
* Budgeting & Financial Management: Create, oversee, and manage detailed program budgets to ensure financial viability and transparency. Lead negotiations and contract drafting with faculty, university partners, and third-party vendors; monitor expenditures and analyze financial performance against budgets; implement cost-control measures as needed to maintain profitability.
* Process Improvement & Compliance: Develop, refine, and document efficient operational processes and procedures to enhance quality and consistency. Ensure compliance with institutional policies, applicable international regulations, and risk management protocols; implement post-program evaluations to gather insights and drive data-backed improvements.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Act as primary contact for faculty leaders, partner institutions, and Learn International teams related to program delivery. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with university study abroad offices and faculty, and work with marketing and recruitment teams to promote programs to prospective students and partners.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in International Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
* Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in study abroad program management, including at least two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.
* Significant experience developing, managing, and overseeing complex program budgets; proficiency in forecasting, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and cost controls; proven success negotiating terms and drafting contracts with stakeholders.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage a diverse team; effective delegation and feedback to enhance performance.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present clearly to diverse audiences and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Proficiency with project management methodologies and tools; familiarity with CRM systems; Salesforce experience is advantageous.
* Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support program operations and represent Learn International at events.
Preferred Qualifications
* Personal experience studying, working, or living abroad.
* Knowledge of US and international higher education structures, processes, and faculty engagement strategies.
* Familiarity with health, safety, security, and risk management practices for international study abroad programs, including emergency preparedness and participant safety.
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