Director, Study Abroad Programs - San Jose, Costa Rica

Job description

Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a leader in study abroad and educational travel programs. Our intercultural centers are locally-based organizations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru; and we offer online programs as well. Maximo Nivel-Online programs include: English as a Second Language, Spanish Immersion, TEFL Certification, and International Internships. Other bespoke programs are offered virtually as well. Tasks GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Director of Study Abroad Programs is responsible for Maximo Nivel’s international study abroad programs, including: Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Native Spanish Program, Adventure & Culture, Gap Year, and more. The Director of Study Abroad Programs leads the international programs business and ensures excellent client service and program management. The Director works closely with international clients providing in-country support, project organization, class scheduling, housing, travel, and responding to any other needs that program participants have. The Director is also closely involved with partner management, including regular communication with both international and local partners. PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES - Work at improving and advancing Maximo Nivel’s International study abroad programs. Increase enrollment into Maximo Nivel’s international programs. Deliver excellent client service; and driving the philosophy of “great client service” within the International Programs Team. Lead the identification and development of new volunteer projects and internship placements. Lead the sourcing and development of host families and other accommodations for international clients. Recommend travel and tourism services—trekking, tours, and other travel and adventure programs. The Director is in charge of client and program management, including: - Airport pick-up - Orientation and welcome - Sales and client service - Site visits and problem-solving - Coordinating donations and aid - Housing support and problem solving - Sending emails, answering phones, and updating the CRM system - Scheduling: Volunteers, Spanish classes, family-stays - Travel details (Flights, hotel, arrival, departure, etc.). There are several reports and administrative tasks the Director is responsible for on a regular basis using Excel: Monthly program registration, Weekly Arrivals, Families & Beds, Spanish class schedule, and participant feedback summary. The Director is also involved with collecting payments, invoicing, and proactively liaising and working with the Academic and Accounting teams. TEAM MANAGEMENT - The Study Abroad Programs Team consists of the Director and a team of 5-7 people, including 4-6 Field Managers and a Client Service Manager. The Director is responsible for organizing, leading, and motivating the International Programs Team to achieve business results and annual objectives. The Director is part of the in-country Executive Team and reports to the Country Manager. Field Managers— Field Managers provide overall program management for all of Maximo Nivel’s Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs. With respect to volunteers, Field Managers work to ensure program participants are busy and productive at their projects—that they’re engaged and actively working at their placements. Resources include some limited funding, volunteers, and the creativity and organizational skills the Director and Field Managers bring to the project sites. Client Service Manager— The Client Service Manager is an “inside person" who works to deliver daily client service to all clients and ensure excellent, overall program management. The Client Service Manager works closely with international clients providing in-country sales, client service, housing, travel, and all other ongoing support required. Development Work— The Director meets with and assesses new and existing volunteer project sites for suitability to host international volunteers and to work with Máximo Nivel. Suitability is determined by assessing the existing organization, existing team, need, ability and willingness to work with international volunteers, and the ability for Maximo Nivel and its volunteers to bring impact to the project. The Director must develop strong, interactive relationships with the Director(s) of every volunteer project. They must work toward creating mutually beneficial relationships—ensuring Maximo Nivel is a good partner and that international volunteers and the project benefit from the relationship. Benefits include: improved realization of the project’s mission, improved organization, improved cleanliness, improved attendance, construction, food, supplies, improved support for the project Director and staff, etc. Family-Stays— The Director meets with and assesses new and existing family-stay homes for their suitability to provide housing and food to Maximo Nivel’s international clients. Suitability is determined by assessing motivations of the family for housing international clients, cleanliness, hospitality, number of rooms/beds, ability to provide good food and timely meals, and the family’s willingness to provide a cultural immersion experience. The Director must work closely with and proactively build relationships with all family-stays. It is the Director’s responsibility to ensure that capacity and scheduling of beds and family-stays is optimized. Requirements Bilingual English/Spanish (Required) Bachelors Degree; Masters Degree preferred At least 5 years professional experience Experience leading and motivating a busy team Must be very client service oriented Business minded and very strong at managing details Passion for traveling and helping others Excellent computer skills including Word and Excel Benefits Health insurance, paid vacation, and work visa assistance is also provided. The Director works Monday - Friday 7:00AM/8:00AM to 6:00PM with 1 hour for lunch; and whenever business needs dictate the Director of Study Abroad Programs should be present. Generally speaking, the Director works every other weekend—normally alternating with one weekend off and the next weekend on; weekends require only Saturday or Sunday, but not both days other than at peak times of the year. PLEASE SEND RESUME/CV IN PDF FORMAT ONLY.