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Move Language Ahead

Summer Center Director

Move Language Ahead, Mahwah, New Jersey, us, 07495

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Center Director We are seeking Center Directors to ensure the delivery of our exciting international summer school program in our Summer Schools in North America for 2026 Summer.

The MLA Center Director is a full-time, seasonal position (mid-June until mid-August). As the Center Director, you would be the main point of contact at an MLA Summer School and responsible for all operations and employees. You will reside on campus and monitor the safety and well-being of international high school students attending our cultural immersion program.

Position Overview

Responsible for the overall Management of the Summer School

Reports to Operations Manager

6 working days per week

1 Day off per week

The Center Director is required to reside on campus for the duration of the program. They will also oversee nightly on-call responsibilities.

Required Skills

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Positive outlook

Enthusiasm

Dedicated leader

Excellent organization skills

Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment

Company For 50 years, MLA World has been bridging cultures together through education and world travel. We are a company dedicated to encouraging the growth of global citizens through English language learning abroad and safe, culturally immersive youth programming. With travel and education at the forefront of our mission, MLA’s work culture is always exciting and full of change. We are an international team who loves sharing culture, stories of travel, and a passion for working with youth and enlarging their perspectives of the world.

Company Mission Statement MLA Move Language Ahead is an industry leader committed to providing premier international study abroad programs that ensure the highest levels of safety, education, and cultural immersion.

Locations and Dates USA

Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ: 20th of June - 14th of August

Pitzer College, Claremont, CA: 27th of June - 14th of August

Florida International University in Miami, FL: 27th of June - 1st of August

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience As a successful candidate for this role, you should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent. You are also enthusiastic with excellent organizational skills, the ability to be creative, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment. As a representative of MLA and our values, you will be a good model of those values to subordinates and colleagues.

Further required skills include:

Capacity to motivate a team and lead by example

Ability to multi-task

Excellent communication (verbal and written)

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Excel

Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative with fellow employees, vendors, and guests

Additional preferred qualifications:

Prior work experience leading a team

Prior experience overseeing a strict operating budget

First Aid certification

Lifeguard certification

The completion of a satisfactory background check, including a child abuse clearance, is required

Key Positions Accountabilities Smaller Centers do not have all management positions, such as a Center Administrator. Those responsibilities would fall to the Center Director who will oversee taking on and delegating such tasks.

Pre-Program

Attend all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to the start of a session

Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the program

Review the Center Set-up Guide and all handbooks

Become familiar with the MLA Easy Center Management software

Communicate with the center staff regarding move-in, training, and any other pre-program information

Management of the Center

Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Center Office

Oversee the efficient completion of all duties of all staff

Review all details pertaining to the day-to-day Center operations and ensure all program components are properly planned and delivered

Work in conjunction with the Director of Studies to confirm the tuition program is running in accordance with company standards

Hold a minimum of two meetings with Group Leaders to be sure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and to ensure their needs and those of their students are being met

Ensure the Center Administrator holds regular meetings with Campus Partners which may include Conference Services, Dining Services, and Public Safety to ensure the program is running smoothly and the contract is being upheld

Welfare & Safeguarding

Constantly monitor students and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively

Establish and effectively communicate to staff and guests’ site-specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans

Maintain 24-hour on-call emergency assistance for the Center

Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns

Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18)

Work with the head office for any Authorized Student Pick-Up requests, ensuring proper documentation is received and recorded

Oversee the Medical Doctor ensuring all job requirements are being dutifully executed as well as the infirmary is properly maintained

Become familiar with the British Council (UK) or Accreditation International (US) Safeguarding Policy and prepare the center for an inspection by BC or AI officials

Company Quality Performance

Ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the Center

Deliver a comprehensive Center induction to all new guests within 24-hours of arrival

Host a Group Leader meeting within 24-hours of arrival

Confirm the student and Group Leader handbooks are available and the contents are being adhered to

Follow-up with staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively

Program Set-up

Oversee the staff with the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programs

Direct the set-up of student rooms by distributing linen, arranging furniture, and preparing keys

Ensure Center Administrator has sent Welcome Email to Group Leaders at least one week prior to arrival detailing the accommodations, campus information and rooming list requirements

Collaborate with the Center Administrator to ensure a correct rooming list has been provided to the Center in accordance with the Center contract

Administrative Duties

Maintain a log of all meetings and guest feedback

Oversee the Master Center Excel file with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage in support of the Center Administrator

Complete the Airport Transfer Check within the MLA Easy software to ensure all airport transfers have been booked and confirmed correctly

Assist the Activity Manager in sending of Center SMS from MLA Easy to Group Leaders and students including but not limited to Parent Arrival, Group Leader Arrival, Parent Departure, and Group Leader Departure notifications

Oversee the collection and distribution of the student passports and security deposits

Verify all program expenses are being accurately maintained by the Center Administrator and conduct weekly audits of the Petty Cash

Work with the Activity Manager and Director of Studies to ensure weekly staff schedules are accurate and available within the online employee scheduling software

Submit bi-weekly payroll reports to the Operations Manager

Hold regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale

Perform end-of-program staff evaluations and program report

Liaising

Develop a good business relationship with the college/university to ensure the contract is being applied properly

Ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to

Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary

Maintain regular communication with the Operations Manager as well as the Head Office

Use company-provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone

Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders

Support MLA Center Directors at other Centers when required

Off-Campus Excursions

Support the Activity Manager with directing off-campus excursions to ensure they are properly organized and delivered to all guests

Work alongside the Center Administrator to confirm all contracts and payments have been made to vendors

Perform regular checks with Center Administrator to guarantee all buses and transportation have been scheduled and confirmed

Attend the mini breaks, when able, to monitor guest and staff conduct and to support the program when necessary

On-Campus Activities

Maintain a visible presence at the Center

Make regular visits to the dining hall during mealtime to interact with the guests and confirm operations are running smoothly

Verify all sports and evening activities have been properly planned and executed

Oversee the MLA Conversation Room to certify the company procedures and standards are being maintained

Residence Hall Supervision

Supervise the Night Guardian in ensuring the center's rules are being upheld regarding the quiet hours and lights out

Support the Night Guardian in the event any issues arise requiring a senior manager be present

Apply fines to guests for damages to residence halls and/or campus property

MLA Reputation and Code Of Conduct

To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning

To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them

To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organizations such as British Council or Accreditation International in a timely and accurate manner

To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible

Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible

There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook

Compensation The Center Director is compensated as a weekly salary, commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and experience. The starting salary is $1,200 per week. The Center Director will also receive a complimentary room and full board as part of their compensation package.

Benefits Paid formal training Accommodation in single ensuite room All meals provided Free First Aid and CPR Certifications if required

UK EQUALITY ACT 2010 MLA is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and color), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job related criteria.

USA AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT MLA Move Language Ahead is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, Vietnam-era/disabled veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non-job related criteria.

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