Center Director

Center Director

As Center Director, you'll be the leader who creates an experience for students from around the world to improve their English, prepare for university, and pursue life-changing opportunities. This role combines the responsibilities of a business leader, community ambassador, operations executive, and student advocate. You'll lead a talented team, oversee center operations, build relationships with university partners, and create an environment where students and employees thrive.

Job Duties

• Lead the Center
• Provide overall leadership for daily operations.
• Hire, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, student-centered culture.
• Drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Deliver an Outstanding Student Experience
• Create a welcoming environment for international students.
• Support student engagement, retention, and success.
• Partner with the Academic Director to ensure educational excellence.
• Resolve student concerns with professionalism and empathy.
• Build Strategic Relationships
• Serve as the primary liaison with university partners.
• Develop relationships with referral partners, landlords, and community organizations.
• Represent ELS in the local community.
• Run the Business
• Own the center budget and financial performance.
• Monitor KPIs, enrollment, revenue, and expenses.
• Identify opportunities for growth and operational efficiency.
• Ensure Operational Excellence
• Maintain compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Oversee center appearance, safety, reporting, and audits.
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• What Success Looks Like
• Engaged students and strong retention.
• A high-performing, collaborative team.
• Trusted relationships with university and community partners.
• Consistent financial and operational performance.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and professional culture.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Leadership experience in higher education, international education, hospitality, student affairs, or another service-oriented organization.
• Experience managing student housing in multi-unit properties is preferred.
• DSO experience is considered a strong asset. Candidates without prior DSO experience should be willing to undergo training and take on DSO responsibilities as part of the role.
• Experience managing budgets and business operations.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and international populations.
• ESL, TESOL, or English language program experience preferred but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 annually.
• ELS' total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards.
• This position will be eligible for health insurance, including options for medical plans, dental, vision, HSA or FSA plans, life insurance and AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off/Leave (Vacation, Paid Holidays and Sick Leave)