Program Director – London
Overview
Our client is an international higher education organisation delivering innovative study abroad programmes. Their model combines academic study with experiential learning enabling students to begin their university journey overseas before progressing to partner institutions.
The Role
The Program Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for their London based programme. The postholder will be responsible for the overall quality, delivery and continuous enhancement of the student experience, ensuring alignment with academic standards and institutional objectives.
Reporting to senior leadership, the role oversees all in country operations, including academic delivery, student services, partnerships, compliance and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of the London programme, ensuring academic quality and an excellent student experience
- Oversee student services, including welfare, accommodation, safeguarding, and health & safety
- Work closely with academic teams to support high quality teaching and learning outcomes
- Develop and maintain partnerships with local institutions, providers and community organisations
- Ensure compliance with UK regulatory frameworks and internal academic policies
- Manage programme budgets, financial reporting and supplier relationships
- Lead student induction, orientation and co-curricular programming
- Monitor programme performance through evaluation, data and continuous improvement initiatives
- Recruit, lead and develop a multidisciplinary local team
- Manage complex and sensitive student matters in collaboration with central academic and pastoral teams
- Contribute to recruitment and outreach activities, representing the programme to prospective students
Candidate Profile
- Substantial experience (7+ years) within higher education, ideally in study abroad, international programmes or student services
- Demonstrated leadership experience within an academic or student-facing environment
- Strong understanding of UK higher education frameworks and student support models
- Experience of programme management, including budgeting and operations
- Excellent stakeholder management skills across academic, administrative and external partners
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
- Sound judgement in handling student welfare and safeguarding matters
- Highly organised, adaptable and able to operate effectively in a dynamic environment
- Commitment to inclusive practice and student-centred education