Academic Director, Vancouver

Description

Job Purpose

The Academic Director, Vancouver will oversee and be responsible for all Operations, Academics, Compliance, and Management of the OI Vancouver school campus; Manage or Assist with Business Development and Projects for the North America division of OI; and Support or Manage any other Activities or Projects for OI North America as assigned.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Business, Finance and Corporate Functions

• Execute all elements of the Business Plan and budget accordingly as they pertain to the role
• Meet budget and expense management requirements and policies at all times
• Participate in business development initiatives, including sales trips, campus representation, and recruitment activities, with the potential to expand market presence and build strategic relationships.

Vancouver School Operations & Premises

• Oversee management and daily operations of the Vancouver school campus
• Liaise with the other Academic Directors across North America for departmental cohesion
• Ensure front office automation is effective and efficient
• Maintain premises in line with Oxford International Quality Standards; tidy and clutter free
• Act as the main point of contact and lead response in all emergency situations involving students, staff, or the school population
• Oversee education and program delivery, including all instructor duties

People Management

• Provide leadership and support to all Vancouver school staff and across the company as applicable
• Schedule and supervise instructors, including substitutes and specialist programs
• Manage reviews, training, and professional development for instructors
• Maintain up-to-date files and documentation for all instructional employees
• Handle staffing needs at the Vancouver school
• Oversee and Manage 24-hour hotline

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Support Senior Directors with maintaining accreditations, licenses, and compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Ensure safeguarding measures for students, staff, clients, and partners are implemented and followed
• Monitor and implement company KPIs and Oxford International Quality Standards
• Ensure compliance with local health, safety, and data security regulations
• Complete all required reporting to provincial regulatory bodies, Languages Canada, and internal company stakeholders on schedule

Curriculum Leadership

• Lead and update local and North America curriculum in collaboration with senior academic staff
• Communicate curriculum changes to staff and leadership
• Stay informed on ELT trends and pedagogy (e.g. CEFR, GSE)

Scheduling & Communication

• Develop and manage schedules for instructors and students using CLASS
• Notify staff and students of schedule changes, room assignments, substitute needs, and procedural updates
• Post master curriculum rosters and manage student groupings and elective assignments per OI criteria
• Collect and file new student rest results

Student Orientation, Records & Counselling

• Manage all aspects of Student Orientation, including materials, room prep, sessions, and teacher scheduling
• Maintain comprehensive student records: test results, progress, interviews
• Supervise attendance accuracy for all classes
• Provide and document student counselling on academic progress, personal issues, policies, level placement, and program choices
• Liase with universities and colleges for students advising, campus tours, and on-site sessions
• Organize graduations, including program creation, ceremony logistics, and liaising with university reps
• Maintain end-of-term records and transcript distribution

Meetings & Collaboration

• Schedule, coordinate agendas, chair, and document staff, teacher, and director meetings

Junior & Year-Round Group Programs

• Lead on pre-arrival preparation and delivery of Year-Round Groups programs
• Ensure program quality and curriculum compliance, including online platforms
• Oversee academic records and virtual campus management
• Plan school social programs and activities
• Support Junior and Group programs as needed

Direct To Consumer (D2C) Admissions:

• Assist walk-in students and handle inquiries by phone or email, providing accurate information on all available programs
• Follow up with prospective students through multiple channels (phone, email, and in-person meetings) to support conversions
• Guide applicants through the admissions process, including entrance and language requirements, and application completion
• Ensure all applications meet ESL and Career College regulatory requirements
• Represent Oxford International by promotion programs and hosting on-campus visits for prospective students, parents, and institutional partners
• Conduct campus tours and liaise with faculty to ensure an engaging and informative experience

Person Specifications

Legal status

• Eligibility to work in Canada
• Clear background or criminal record check

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related field.
• Recognized TESL/TEFL qualification (e.g., TESL Canada, CELTA, DELTA, Trinity CertTESOL or equivalent).
• Master's degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a related field.
• DELTA or equivalent advanced teaching qualification.

Experience and knowledge

• Experience overseeing daily operations of an English Language or similar school campus, including front office management, premises, and emergency response
• Leading academic programs, updating and implementing curriculum and supervising instructors across multiple departments
• Managing student records, orientation, progress tracking, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and accreditation standards
• Implementing safeguarding measures, health and safety standards, and data security protocols
• Experience guiding prospective students through an admissions or application process • Experience with accreditation standards (Languages Canada, ACCET, British Council, NEAS, etc., depending on location).
• Experience managing academic budgets and timetabling.
• Experience working with international students and multicultural teams.
• Familiarity with safeguarding, student welfare, and compliance requirements.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with ability to build rapport
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including confidence presenting to individuals and groups
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing teaching staff.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
• Experience with student placement, progression, and academic support.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and learning management/student information systems
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic teams, faculty, and other internal stakeholders

Personal qualities

• A professional, approachable, and student-centred approach with a commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience

Disclaimer

This job description is provided as a guide to the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive description of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to periodic revision.

As part of our recruitment process, we use AI-enabled technology to assist with tasks such as application screening and process administration. These tools are designed to support fairness and consistency, and human reviewers make all final decisions.

Oxford International is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Recruitment checks, including checks with past employees, are undertaken in accordance with our Recruitment and Selection policy.

Oxford International is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant and employee has the same opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status

If you require accommodations at any point during the application or hiring process, please contact nahr@oxfordinternational.com


We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible.


Oxford International Education Group is a renowned institution dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences to international students. With a global presence and a commitment to academic excellence, we strive to empower students to achieve their full potential and thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world. We are proud of our culture and have recently been officially certified as a Great Place to Work ©!