At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative global programmes in England and Wales, shaping academic quality and innovation.
- Company: Join IFSA, a non-profit dedicated to creating impactful global learning experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and strategic growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in international education and empower diverse student populations.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in leadership, Master's degree, and experience in UK higher education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
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:
- Inclusive excellence
- 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
- Summer 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.
About You
You are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a strong track record in international or higher education.
Essential
- Minimum 10 years' relevant experience, including senior leadership
- Master's degree
- 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
How to Apply
For full details and to apply, please submit your cover letter and CV for this position via IFSA's career page: IFSA Job Openings. In your cover letter, offer a compelling "Why" statement as to your suitability to the role using the job responsibilities and organizational commitments as a framework. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
Equal Opportunity
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 employer: IFSA
IFSA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, dedicated to creating transformative global learning experiences. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact programmes while working alongside passionate professionals in the vibrant educational landscape of England and Wales. Our focus on individualised learning and intercultural agility ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director for England and Wales Programmes
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by IFSA.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like IFSA.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at IFSA.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at IFSA. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director for England and Wales Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of IFSA. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director for England and Wales Programmes, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at IFSA
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of IFSA. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
