At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate high-impact academic programmes across England and Wales.
- Company: Join IFSA, a mission-driven non-profit transforming global education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, flexible working, and a collaborative network.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and international travel.
- Why this job: Shape transformative student experiences and make a real impact in international education.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in leadership, strong strategic thinking, and experience in UK higher education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
About IFSA
IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) is a US-based non-profit creating transformative global learning environments. We support students in developing the perspectives, knowledge, and skills needed for future success through high-quality academic programmes in 18 countries and 47 cities worldwide.
Our work is grounded in our commitments:
- Intercultural agility
- Individualised learning
- Enduring impact
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Director for England & Wales Programmes. You will bring deep experience in international education, with a strong track record of delivering academic quality, building partnerships, and leading high-performing teams in complex, multi-site environments.
You will lead a high performing team and a high-impact portfolio of programmes, including:
- Direct enrolment (semester and year)
- IFSA-designed programmes
- Customs groups throughout the year
This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic, student and partner focused leader ready to shape high-impact global programmes. You will lead one of IFSA’s most significant portfolios driving academic quality, programme innovation, and growth across England and Wales.
You will shape programme strategy, drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence ensuring an outstanding experience for students and partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for IFSA programmes across England and Wales
- Lead and develop a senior team, fostering high performance and engagement
- Champion a service-oriented approach with students, universities, and partners
- Contribute to organisational strategy and programme growth
- Design and deliver innovative academic and experiential programmes
- Build and strengthen partnerships with universities and industry stakeholders
- Identify and develop new programme opportunities aligned with market needs
- Represent IFSA with partner institutions and at professional events
Operations & Student Experience
- Ensure high-quality programme delivery and student support
- Oversee student services, housing, and co-curricular programming
- Lead on incident response and crisis management in collaboration with internal teams
- Maintain compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies (e.g. BAC, UKVI, QAA)
- Lead annual budgeting and manage financial performance
- Oversee programme operations and resource allocation across the portfolio
- Ensure effective systems, processes, and compliance across all sites
About You
You are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a strong track record in international or higher education.
- Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience, including senior leadership
- Experience working in the UK higher education context
- Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex programmes
- Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Experience managing student wellbeing, incidents, and crisis situations
- Right to work in the UK
You bring:
- A data-informed and solution-oriented approach
- High emotional intelligence and adaptability
- A commitment to inclusive practice and working with diverse student populations
- Financial and operational management capability
Why Join IFSA
At IFSA, you’ll be part of a global, mission-driven organisation where your work has real impact.
- Professional development opportunities, including potential Butler University tuition remission
- A collaborative global network across the UK, US, and beyond
- A strong commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement
- Flexible working practices and a focus on work–life balance
- The opportunity to shape transformative student experiences
- Primarily office-based in London, with travel to programme locations
- Some international travel
IFSA is an equal opportunity employer, and our hiring process is inclusive of all genders and gender expressions, races and ethnicities, ages, religions and sexualities as well as veterans and people with disabilities.
Director for England and Wales Programmes (London) employer: Ifsa Butler
At IFSA, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As the Director for England and Wales Programmes, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing team while shaping transformative educational experiences for students across the UK. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working practices, and a focus on work-life balance, IFSA is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in international education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director for England and Wales Programmes (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at IFSA or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its programmes. Understand their mission and values, especially around intercultural agility and individualised learning. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in leading teams and managing complex programmes. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Keep an eye on our careers page for updates and new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Director for England and Wales Programmes (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director role. Highlight your experience in international education and leadership, and show how it aligns with our mission at IFSA.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes. Whether it’s improving programme quality or building partnerships, we want to see how you’ve made an impact.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for education and student experiences!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and keep track of all candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ifsa Butler
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into IFSA's programmes across England and Wales. Understand their unique offerings, partnerships, and how they align with the needs of students and universities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Share specific examples of how you've fostered high performance and engagement among your team members, as this is crucial for the Director role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about crisis management and student wellbeing. Think of past experiences where you handled incidents or challenges effectively. Highlight your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence, as these are key traits for a leader in international education.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about IFSA’s future direction, programme innovations, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
