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: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape transformative student experiences and make a real impact in international education.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in leadership, strong strategic skills, 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.
Location: London (Onsite – IFSA London Centre)
Employment type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000 per annum
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
- Custom group programmes 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 to ensure an outstanding experience for students and partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- 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
- Programme Development & Partnerships
- 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)
- Financial & Operational Management
- 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.
Essential
- Minimum 10 years of 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
Why Join IFSA
At IFSA, you’ll be part of a global, mission-driven organisation where your work has real impact.
We Offer
- 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
Working Environment
Primarily office-based in London, with travel to programme locations. Occasional evening or weekend work required. Some international travel.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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: The Institute for Study Abroad
At IFSA, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven non-profit that creates transformative global learning environments. As the Director for England and Wales Programmes, you will join a collaborative and inclusive culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance, while leading innovative academic programmes that have a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a strong commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of international education in a vibrant London setting.
Contact Details:
The Institute for Study Abroad Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director for England and Wales Programmes (London)
✨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 The Institute for Study Abroad.
✨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 The Institute for Study Abroad.
✨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 The Institute for Study Abroad.
✨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 The Institute for Study Abroad. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director for England and Wales Programmes (London)
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 The Institute for Study Abroad. 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 (London), 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 The Institute for Study Abroad
✨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 The Institute for Study Abroad. 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!
