Director of Education

Director of Education

West Hartford (WHF)

American Institute, founded in 1924 as the Hartford Secretarial School, provides hands-on training for careers in the world of business, legal, allied healthcare, diagnostic medical sonography, and information technology. Recognizing our single, well-defined teaching mission: reflecting job market demands with flexibility in identifying and incorporating new programs to give our graduates an edge in today's competitive job market.

The Director of Education serves as the campus academic leader responsible for executing the institution's educational strategy and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, compliant, and outcomes-driven academic programs. This role leads curriculum implementation, instructional quality, faculty performance management, and student academic support, with direct accountability for key outcomes including retention, progression, and student satisfaction.

The Director of Education applies independent judgment to drive academic performance, ensure adherence to accrediting and Title IV requirements, and foster continuous improvement. This role partners with campus leadership to align academic operations with institutional goals while building a high-performing faculty culture and maintaining the integrity of the student learning experience.

What you'll do:

1. Academic Leadership : Lead and execute academic program delivery, including curriculum implementation, class scheduling, and instructional quality.
2. Academic Oversight : Oversee student academic advising, attendance monitoring, and academic support services. Partner on academic planning activities, including learning model integration and program launches.
3. Innovative Education Strategies : Develop and implement innovative educational strategies that integrate both online and on-campus learning experiences. Support program evaluation, equipment and course review, and continuous improvement efforts.
4. Student Services Management : Oversee student services, and manage student drops, cancellations, SAP monitoring, and high needs student support processes to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Review and determine student enrollment and re-entry applications. Review and facilitate student enrollment agreements, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, compliant and executed in accordance with institutional requirements.
5. Faculty Management : Manage faculty performance, instructional excellence, and curriculum innovation, promote and facilitate professional development. Drive faculty engagement.
6. Administrative Functions : Manage education department administrative functions, including budgeting, resource allocation, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Conduct student evaluations, instructor performance reviews, and periodic evaluations of equipment, course content, and general school operations.
7. Partnership Development : Establish and maintain relationships with external partners, including educational institutions, community organizations, and industry stakeholders. Collaborate with campus leadership and curriculum team on operational priorities, data review and performance improvement initiatives.
8. Promote Student Success : Lead and implement initiatives to enhance student satisfaction, success, retention, and graduation rates. Develop and publish class schedules, review reports, and advise students on academic and attendance matters.
9. Compliance and Goal Achievement : Ensure adherence to federal, state, and accrediting body regulations, compliance requirements, and academic policies. Support regulatory reporting, audits, and site visit preparation as needed.
10. Lead with Care : Lead, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of wellness, recognition, and engagement. Meet regularly with direct reports in one-on-one and group settings to provide feedback and cultivate/maintain a positive work culture.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Career Level Expectations:

• Manages multiple small teams or departments.
• Owns campus academic strategy, execution and operational direction, and directs activities that have significant impact to the achievement of results for student and organizational success.
• Handles often difficult and complex problems that require extensive investigation and analysis.
• Proven ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to foster a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
• Requires ability to influence others to accept practices and approaches, and ability to communicate with executive leadership.
• Demonstrates strong leadership presence and the ability to influence campus and shared services leadership.
• Desire for growth and professional development.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with an education or business focus with complimentary experience in the field of education and/or business.
• 5+ years of experience leading academic programs, faculty and compliance efforts.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role.
• Strong communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to professionally communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• Ability to support a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Computer literacy/basic computer skills to effectively navigate and utilize the technology required for the role.

Preferred Requirements:

• Any advanced degree, or equivalent experience, especially in education or business.
• Any professional certifications or specialty.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other business tools such as Microsoft Teams.
• Other skills and abilities – leading educational programs serving non-traditional student populations, online learning programs, and/or for-profit or non-profit educational organizations.

Compliance:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and carefully follows all applicable federal and state laws and rules, compliance requirements and regulations including those prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, accrediting agencies, state regulations and, and internal policies and procedures.
• Effectively communicate compliance requirements to other staff as appropriate and quickly escalate any compliance concerns to the Compliance department.
• Participate in activities including, but not limited to, student recruitment activities and/or activities related to securing financial aid.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This is a full-time in-person, on campus position with occasional travel required for in-person events, meetings and/or conferences.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Application Deadline: 9/30/2026

Anticipated starting salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation Range

$85,000 - $90,000 USD

Our Core Values:

Caring We believe every student has the potential to be successful in a rewarding career, with the right support. We partner with you from your first day of classes through your search for a job after graduation.

Respect We view everyone who enters American Institute as a productive adult who deserves respect and the opportunity to excel. Our staff and instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and realize your potential.

Service American Institute is committed to the professional and academic success of each student by actively seeking opportunities to provide service both within the campus as well as within the surrounding community.

Integrity We look forward, not backward. No matter where you come from or what obstacles you've faced in the past, we believe your future is yours to create.

Accountability When you commit to us, we commit to you. When you walk into American Institute, we focus on helping you continue to move forward, so you can create the life you want to live.

Innovation We know that the sooner you have the knowledge and skills you need to begin your career, the sooner you can become successful. American Institute offers focused, practical training that gets you out of the classroom and on your way faster than you thought possible.