University Pathways Director

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University Pathways Director – UK

Are you a driven and strategic education leader, passionate about preparing international students for success at top universities in the UK and beyond?

EF Education First is seeking a forward-thinking and experienced University Pathways Director to lead our University Preparation (UP) programmes across our Oxford and Manchester campuses in the UK.

Based at our Oxford campus, this role offers a unique opportunity to oversee academic operations, drive programme excellence and student satisfaction, strengthen university relationships, and lead a highly motivated academic team to deliver life-changing educational outcomes for our students.

• Location: EF International Language Campus, Oxford
• Start Date: October 2025
• Reports to: Senior Director of Academic Management

Careers at EF | Open the world with us

At EF Education First, we believe the world is better when people strive to understand one another. With 600+ schools and offices in 50 countries, we offer immersive programs in language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics, turning dreams into global opportunities. Join us in our shared mission of opening the world through education.

About the Role

As the University Pathways Director, you will serve as the academic and strategic lead for EF’s university preparation offerings in the UK. You’ll work closely with UP Managers, academic staff, sales and admissions teams globally, and partner institutions to ensure the highest standards of academic delivery, pastoral support, and student outcomes.

Who we are looking for

• A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree or PGCE preferred).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in academic management or senior leadership within international education, pathways programmes, or EFL.
• Strong working knowledge of the UK higher education system, UCAS processes, and university admissions criteria for international students.
• Experience managing multi-campus or multi-disciplinary teams, including recruitment, performance, and development.
• Experience working with international students and understanding their unique academic, cultural, and pastoral needs.
• Familiarity with university pathway models, foundation programmes, or subject-specific pre-university curricula (e.g., A-Level, IB, Pre-Masters).
• Knowledge of accreditation standards such as British Council, ISI, or OfS is advantageous.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Able to plan long-term, identify opportunities, and develop innovative academic solutions.
• Inspirational Leadership: Skilled at motivating teams, coaching managers, and creating a culture of trust, performance, and accountability.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; confident when liaising with stakeholders at all levels, including students, staff, and external partners.
• Project Management: Comfortable managing complex initiatives, setting clear goals, and delivering on time.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Able to interpret performance data to drive improvements and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Cultural Competence: Empathy and sensitivity when working across cultures and supporting international learners.
• Student-Centred: A passionate advocate for student success and wellbeing throughout the academic journey.
• Team player: Cooperate with teams including operational, teaching and sales teams globally to achieve best outcomes for the students.

Key responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead the academic vision, planning, growth and performance of University Preparation programmes in Oxford and Manchester.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, outcome-driven instruction aligned with university admission standards and EF’s educational ethos.
• Oversee the implementation of academic policies, programme evaluations, and internal audits to ensure continual improvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Support University Preparation Managers and academic staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Identify staffing needs, support recruitment, and lead on professional development initiatives to build teaching and leadership capacity.
• Able to deputise UP Managers in his/her absence.

University Relations & Partnerships

• Strengthen and expand EF’s network of university partners, particularly targeting increased student placements into EF partner institutions.
• Develop new partnerships with high-ranking UK and international institutions, and facilitate direct engagement through visits, events, and ongoing communication.

Programme Development & Growth

• Work closely with EF sales offices and agent networks to promote the UP programme, delivering webinars, conduct individual student consultations virtually, Q&A sessions, participation in familiarisation tours of sales staff and agents in our campuses, and marketing input.
• Identify market trends and new academic pathways to expand EF’s offering and maintain its competitive edge in the sector.
• Work with global UP Director to identify and achieve targets for growth.

Student Experience & Support

• Support the UPMs with key touchpoints in the student lifecycle, including academic progress monitoring, university application support, and student wellbeing.
• Support the UPMs with exam preparation, including UCAS personal statements, interviews, and entrance exams such as IELTS, as applicable.
• Ensure a seamless application process for all UP students with specific focus on deadlines and fostering of university partnerships.

Cross-Campus Collaboration & Representation

• Act as the face of the University Preparation programme in the UK for both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Act as the key overall point of contact for global recruitment staff ensuring the programme operations are operating in line with sales expectations.
• Represent EF in university fairs, recruitment events, accreditation reviews, and internal knowledge-sharing platforms such as SharePoint and newsletters.

EF Education First benefits

• Join a global leader in international education with over 60 years of impact.
• Work in a vibrant, multicultural environment that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.
• Access career growth opportunities across EF’s worldwide network of schools and offices.
• Contribute meaningfully to students’ success at leading UK and global universities.
• Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for travel and professional development.
• Staff are encouraged to innovate, take ownership of their ideas and bring them to fruition.
• Global career opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Private health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Management trainings.
• Subsidised catering outlets.

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EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be followed up and will ask specifically whether there is any reason that the applicant should not be engaged in situations where they have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18. Upon interview all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily and proof of identity and, where applicable, qualifications will be required. Appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of appointment. EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, identity, parental status, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.

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