Position Overview:
Learn International, a leading organisation dedicated to fostering global understanding and providing transformative international education experiences, is seeking a highly experienced, strategically-minded, and results-orientedCustom & Faculty-Led Programme Operations Manager.
This critical leadership role will be instrumental in guiding our dynamic team responsible for the development, planning, and execution of high-quality, customised study abroad programmes tailored to the unique academic objectives and pedagogical approaches of our partner institutions. The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring that each programme not only meets the stringent educational requirements of our partners, but also provides enriching, culturally immersive, and truly transformative experiences that leave a lasting positive impact on participating students.
This position requires a proactive individual with exceptional organisational capabilities, proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of the complexities of international education, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Management:
* Provide leadership, mentorship, and direct management to a team of dedicated Programme Development Coordinators, cultivating a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing work environment where innovation and proactive problem-solving are encouraged.
* Establish clear, measurable individual and team goals aligned with departmental and organisational strategic objectives, define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and success, and develop comprehensive professional development plans to foster the continuous growth and expertise of team members.
* Take ownership of the full employee lifecycle for the team, including overseeing the recruitment and hiring processes to attract top talent, designing and delivering comprehensive onboarding and training programmes to ensure new team members are well-equipped for their roles, and conducting regular performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Programme Development & Oversight:
* Provide expert guidance and oversight in the conceptualisation, detailed design and seamless implementation of a diverse portfolio of short-term, intensive faculty-led study abroad programmes spanning various academic disciplines and global destinations, ensuring meticulous alignment with the specific academic learning outcomes, pedagogical philosophies, and institutional requirements articulated by our partner universities.
* Conduct thorough and critical reviews of programme proposals, scrutinising detailed budgets, comprehensive logistical itineraries, and well-defined academic components developed by Programme Development Coordinators, providing constructive feedback and final approval to ensure programme feasibility, academic rigour and financial soundness.
* Proactively monitor all stages of programme execution, ensuring adherence to established timelines, strict budget constraints, and consistently high-quality benchmarks in all aspects of programme delivery, proactively identifying and mitigating potential challenges to ensure successful programme completion and positive participant experiences.
Budgeting & Financial Management:
* Assume ultimate responsibility for the strategic creation, oversight, and responsible management of detailed programme budgets, ensuring long-term financial viability, maximising resource utilisation, and maintaining transparent and accurate financial reporting for all customised programmes.
* Lead and actively participate in the negotiation of favourable pricing and comprehensive contracts with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty members for their instructional services, representatives from university study abroad offices to define partnership terms, and various third-party vendors providing essential logistical and in-country support services.
* Implement robust systems for the diligent monitoring of programme expenditures throughout the programme lifecycle, proactively analyse financial performance against budget projections, and implement effective cost-control measures and resource adjustments as necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and programme profitability.
Process Improvement & Compliance:
* Spearhead the continuous development, systematic refinement, and thorough documentation of efficient and effective operational processes, standardised procedures, and best practices aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency, maximising programme quality, and ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional study abroad experiences.
* Actively champion a culture of compliance by ensuring all programmes and operational activities strictly adhere to all relevant institutional policies and procedures, applicable international regulations governing study abroad programmes, and comprehensive risk management protocols designed to safeguard the well-being of participants and the organisation’s interests.
* Establish and implement robust feedback mechanisms, including post-programme evaluations for students, faculty, and institutional partners, to systematically gather valuable insights, analyse trends, and use data-driven evidence to continuously assess and improve the quality, relevance, and impact of our programme offerings.
Stakeholder Engagement:
* Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation point for addressing complex or sensitive issues, resolving conflicts effectively, and providing timely and comprehensive solutions for inquiries and concerns originating from faculty leaders, representatives of partner institutions, and internal Learn International teams involved in programme delivery.
* Proactively cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationships with key personnel within university study abroad offices, fostering open communication, building trust, and ensuring alignment of programme goals and objectives, as well as nurturing productive relationships with faculty members who lead our customised programmes.
* Collaborate closely and strategically with Learn International’s marketing and student recruitment teams to provide essential programme information, compelling content, and strategic insights that effectively promote our customised programme offerings to prospective students and partner institutions, contributing to enrolment growth and programme visibility.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in International Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field; a Master’s degree in one of these areas is strongly preferred.
* A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience within the field of study abroad programme management, with a demonstrated track record of success in all aspects of programme development, implementation, and evaluation, including at least two (2) years of direct supervisory experience leading and developing a team of professionals.
* Substantial and verifiable experience in the development, management, and oversight of complex programme budgets, including demonstrated proficiency in financial forecasting, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and the implementation of effective cost control strategies, coupled with proven expertise in negotiating favourable terms and drafting comprehensive contracts with various stakeholders.
* Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills characterised by the proven ability to effectively motivate, inspire, and develop a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive and productive work environment, delegating effectively, and providing constructive feedback to enhance individual and team performance.
* Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, adapt communication style to diverse audiences, deliver compelling presentations, and maintain strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
* High level of proficiency in utilising project management methodologies and tools to plan, execute, and track project progress effectively, coupled with strong familiarity and practical experience working with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; prior experience with Salesforce is considered a significant advantage.
* Unrestricted ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as required to attend meetings, conduct site visits, support programme operations, and represent Learn International at professional conferences and events.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Personal experience studying, working, or living abroad, demonstrating a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards of international education and cross-cultural engagement.
* Comprehensive knowledge of the organisational structures, academic processes, and faculty engagement strategies prevalent within higher education institutions in the United States and internationally.
* Thorough familiarity with best practices and established protocols related to health, safety, security, and risk management within the context of international study abroad programmes, including experience developing and implementing emergency response plans and participant safety guidelines.
To view open position and apply: https://learninternational.ie/who-we-are/employment-opportunities/
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