Job Title 

Acting School Director (July 21-October 31)

Job Description

Impact & Scope

The Acting School Director (July 21-October 31) is responsible for the success of all school operations and overseeing all programs and services offered at the school including academics, housing, activities, and general administration; looking after the well-being of our students and employees; monitoring student satisfaction, staff professionalism, academic integrity, compliance; meeting student enrollment and operating income goals; ensuring that the goals of the company are met; and for using good judgment and common sense in all decisions relating to the local operation.

Responsibilities

Business Management: manage and assume ultimate responsibility for service, operations, academics, housing, student activities, ancillary programs and services

Accommodation: ensure appropriate management of all aspects of housing program, including host family recruitment, supply, quality and retention; availability and profitability of residences/ dorms/ apartments; strong involvement in conflict resolution between students, families and vendors; accurate payments to families and vendors; effective response and resolution to issues and complaints raised by Customer Service and Agents; correct use and utilization of databases; staffing and training

Personnel Matters: hire, train and supervise staff; train and supervise staff in product knowledge, sales conversion techniques, and customer services expectations; ensure all HR processes and requirements are adhered to 

Budget and Financial Oversight: manage and oversee all aspects of school budget and finances; work closely with accounts receivable and payment processing; maintain constant control of and knowledge of school finances and respond/ adjust accordingly

Student Welfare: ensure quick resolution to customer service challenges; work in close partnership and cooperation with Customer Service teams world-wide; surveys and adjustments

Affiliations and Compliance Issues: manage compliance issues and counsel students on visa regulations; ensure adherence to and communicate on immigration and regulatory standards (e.g. ACCET and SEVIS)

Sales and Marketing: participate in national initiatives and communicate feedback to national team; develop and solidify relationships with agencies locally and world-wide

Execution of local, grass-roots marketing

Train all staff on effective sales techniques (e.g. closing domestic enrollments, maximizing extensions and minimizing terminations)

Pro-actively seek out new partners and vendors within the community, including post-secondary institutions, vendors, host families, residences, etc

Public Relations: conduct sales and informational seminars both in-house as well as within the community (e.g. presenting to local colleges, embassies/ consulates, etc)

Work with counterparts in other KI schools, as well as shared center staff, vendors, partners and Customer Service teams world-wide

Complete other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent management and staff supervision skills

Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to handle numerous details

Excellent problem solving, decision-making, and creative thinking abilities

Excellent leadership, management and team motivation skills

Strong understanding of and ability to use database systems

Strong understanding of P/L responsibilities

Strong ability in planning, developing and executing marketing initiatives

Proven customer service skills

Tact, patience and diplomacy, particularly with non-native English speakers

Need for cultural sensitivities and/or a desire to work in a diverse environment

High energy level and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Measurements (including, but not limited to)

Managing to budget; profitability of school

School performance per Board Report

Student Survey Results, with particular reference to recommendation rate, teacher excellence and impression of staff

Ability to develop and follow up on marketing plans, success of initiatives

Maximization of Extensions and Minimization of Terminations

Short-term and long-term development and domestic planning; ability to adjust plans accordingly

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

3-5+ years experience in a business or operational setting

Prior management experience as evidenced by strong leadership, entrepreneurial, and team motivation skills

One or more foreign language ability a plus

Hands-on approach to customer service and business growth

High energy level and diligent work ethic

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Ability to travel locally and work occasionally during evenings and weekends

Must be authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

Prior experience with international students and ESL/ EFL field and/or sales and marketing

Physical Requirements

Sitting

Standing

Walking

Climbing

Lifting up to 50+ pounds 

Pulling

Pushing

Carrying

Grasping

Reaching

Bending

Visual Acuity

Color Determination

Speaking

Listening

Location

Chicago, IL, USA

Employee Type

Employee

Job Functional Area 

Operations

Kaplan lnternational is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly. All positions with Kaplan are paid at least $15 per hour or $31,200 per year for full-time positions.  Compensation for specific positions are based on job level, skills, years of experience, and education, among other factors.  Additionally, certain positions are bonus or commission eligible.