Director of Studies - London

Director of Studies – London

Malvern’s core purpose is to provide, with our partners, students from around the world with the opportunities to reach their full potential via access to transformational learning, teaching and support. Our mission is to provide international students essential academic and English language skills, cultural experiences and the support they need to thrive in their academic studies, daily life and career development.

Our company values are COMMITMENT to, and UNDERSTANDING of, our students, colleagues and partners, FLEXIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY in our approach, EXCELLENCE in every aspect of our operations.

We are now seeking an experienced Director of Studies to be responsible for the Academic Department within the Centre and to supervise the weekly workload of the teachers. The DoS will work closely with the reception staff, Centre Manager and sales departments, and attend regular meetings as part of the team. The DoS is a key, front-facing member of the team who will directly deal with students and visitors to the school, including visiting agents and prospective students.

Department: ELT

Location/Branch: Malvern House London

Position reports to: Centre Manager

Length of contract: Permanent

Main duties

New Teachers:

• Complete new teachers’ inductions and first week informal reviews.
• Arrange first observation for newly hired teachers.
• Provide training on all academic and operational procedures and maintain records.
• Work with HR to ensure onboarding documents are in place.
• Ensure all recruited teachers are fully compliant with the company’s safeguarding policies.
• Create teacher profiles on Class and maintain the Single Central Record.
• Provide any training the teachers need regarding policies, systems or procedures.
• Provide basic Health and Safety and fire evacuation training during inductions.

Academic Leadership:

• Take ownership of and accountability for the academic department with a focus on ensuring high levels of student satisfaction and achievement.
• Ensure teachers are provided with daily academic support and have clear schedules.
• Ensure lesson administration is fully completed, including but not limited to: syllabuses for lessons, weekly plans, oral placement tests, monthly progress tests and progress reports (reports on request only).
• Liaise with the DoS at other centres to ensure high quality and standardised delivery.
• Conduct first-week, termly and end-of-course surveys with the students and collate the feedback.
• Conduct weekly teacher meetings and ensure these are accurately recorded.
• Ensure syllabuses are regularly reviewed, of high quality, and communicated clearly in a structured way to both teachers and students.
• Attend external workshops and events (English UK/LONDOSA) when possible.

Student Support:

• Meet with students and offer guidance where appropriate, including student discipline or classroom management issues.
• Liaise with reception for academic and level-assessment issues.
• Conduct placement oral tests for new arrivals and potential students.
• Organise appointments and meet students who have requested them.
• Log and promptly deal with student complaints as they arise.
• Help to provide a safe and secure environment for students under 18, in line with the Safeguarding & Child Protection policy.
• Drive sales: work with agents, regional managers and prospective students to bring groups, students and business to the school and boost business revenue.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Academic qualification at post-graduate or equivalent level or relevant professional qualifications.
• Relevant teaching experience, normally a minimum of five years teaching experience related to the delivery of a Western-style syllabus using Western conventions and methodologies.
• At least 1 year’s experience in a Director of Studies role.
• Education management experience, normally a minimum of five years education management experience.
• The ability to contribute to integrated teaching and assessment across the curriculum.
• An understanding of the needs and requirements of international students.
• Experience of academic assessment and standards and of quality assurance procedures.
• An understanding and appreciation of private sector education.
• Demonstrable cross-cultural awareness and understanding.
• Strong leadership skills and a proven ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop staff.
• A commitment to teamwork, and a demonstrated ability to manage resources effectively, whether human or physical.
• A record of achievement in teaching.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills including fluency in English. Numerate and articulate.
• Proven planning and organisational skills and an ability to take initiative within curriculum and policy objectives.
• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, work under pressure and, when necessary, with minimal resources.

This job specification is not exhaustive and may involve the fulfilment of other duties as deemed required by the organisation.

This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS.

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