Center Director

We are seeking Centre Directors to ensure the delivery of our exciting international summer school programmes in our Summer Schools in United Kingdom and North America for 2024 Summer.

The MLA Centre Director is a full-time, seasonal position (mid-June until mid-August). As the Centre 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 programme.

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 Centre Director is required to reside on campus for the duration of the programme. 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 almost 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

CANADA

• Metropolitan University, Toronto, ONT

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

Pre-Programme

• Attend all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to the start of a session
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme
• Review the Centre Set-up Guide and all handbooks
• Become familiar with the mlaEasy Centre Management software
• Communicate with the centre staff regarding move-in, training, and any other pre-programme information

Management of the Centre

• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Centre Office
• Oversee the efficient completion of all duties of all staff
• Review all details pertaining to the day-to-day Centre operations and ensure all programme components are properly planned and delivered
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Studies to confirm the tuition programme 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 Centre Administrator hold regular meetings with Campus Partners which may include Conference Services, Dining Services, and Public Safety to ensure the programme 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 Centre
• 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 policies and prepare the centre 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 Centre
• Deliver a comprehensive Centre 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

Programme Set-up

• Oversee the staff with the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programmes
• 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 Centre Administrator to ensure a correct rooming list has been provided to the Centre in accordance with the Centre contract

Administrative Duties

• Maintain a log of all meetings and guest feedback
• Oversee the Master Centre Excel file with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage in support of the Centre Administrator
• Complete the Airport Transfer Check within the mlaEasy software to ensure all airport transfers have been booked and confirmed correctly
• Assist the Activity Manager in sending of Centre SMS from mlaEasy 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 programme expenses are being accurately maintained by the Centre 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-programme staff evaluations and programme 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 Centre Directors at other Centres 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 Centre Administrator to confirm all contracts and payments have been made to vendors
• Perform regular checks with Centre 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 programme when necessary

On-Campus Activities

• Maintain a visible presence at the Centre
• Make regular visits to the dining hall during meal times 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 Centre’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 & 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 organisations 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 Centre Director is compensated as a weekly salary commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and experience. The Centre Director will also receive 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
Free transfers to the College (UK Centers)
Company phone (UK Centers)

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 colour), 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.