Custom & Faculty-Led Program Operations Manager

Position Title : Custom & Faculty-Led Program Operations Manager Location : Newbridge, Ireland Reports To : Director of Program Operations Employment Type : Full-Time Salary Range : €50,000 - €55,000 per annum Position Overview : Learn International, a leading organization dedicated to fostering global understanding and providing transformative international education experiences, is seeking a highly experienced, strategically-minded, and results-oriented Custom & Faculty-Led Program Operations Manager.

This critical leadership role will be instrumental in guiding our dynamic team responsible for the development, planning, and execution of high-quality, customized study abroad programs tailored to the unique academic objectives and pedagogical approaches of our partner institutions.

The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring that each program not only meets the stringent educational requirements of our partners, but also provides enriching, culturally immersive, and truly transformative experiences that leave a lasting positive impact on participating students.

This position requires a proactive individual with exceptional organizational capabilities, proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of the complexities of international education, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities : Team Leadership & Management : Provide leadership, mentorship, and direct management to a team of dedicated Program Development Coordinators, cultivating a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing work environment where innovation and proactive problem-solving are encouraged.

Establish clear, measurable individual and team goals aligned with departmental and organizational strategic objectives, define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and success, and develop comprehensive professional development plans to foster the continuous growth and expertise of team members.

Take ownership of the full employee lifecycle for the team, including overseeing the recruitment and hiring processes to attract top talent, designing and delivering comprehensive onboarding and training programs to ensure new team members are well-equipped for their roles, and conducting regular performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Program Development & Oversight : Provide expert guidance and oversight in the conceptualization, detailed design, and seamless implementation of a diverse portfolio of short-term, intensive faculty-led study abroad programs spanning various academic disciplines and global destinations, ensuring meticulous alignment with the specific academic learning outcomes, pedagogical philosophies, and institutional requirements articulated by our partner universities.

Conduct thorough and critical reviews of program proposals, scrutinizing detailed budgets, comprehensive logistical itineraries, and well-defined academic components developed by Program Development Coordinators, providing constructive feedback and final approval to ensure program feasibility, academic rigor, and financial soundness.

Proactively monitor all stages of program execution, ensuring adherence to established timelines, strict budget constraints, and consistently high-quality benchmarks in all aspects of program delivery, proactively identifying and mitigating potential challenges to ensure successful program completion and positive participant experiences.

Budgeting & Financial Management : Assume ultimate responsibility for the strategic creation, oversight, and responsible management of detailed program budgets, ensuring long-term financial viability, maximizing resource utilization, and maintaining transparent and accurate financial reporting for all customized programs.

Lead and actively participate in the negotiation of favorable pricing and comprehensive contracts with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty members for their instructional services, representatives from university study abroad offices to define partnership terms, and various third-party vendors providing essential logistical and in-country support services.

Implement robust systems for the diligent monitoring of program expenditures throughout the program lifecycle, proactively analyze financial performance against budget projections, and implement effective cost-control measures and resource adjustments as necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and program profitability.

Process Improvement & Compliance : Spearhead the continuous development, systematic refinement, and thorough documentation of efficient and effective operational processes, standardized procedures, and best practices aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency, maximizing program quality, and ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional study abroad experiences.

Actively champion a culture of compliance by ensuring all programs and operational activities strictly adhere to all relevant institutional policies and procedures, applicable international regulations governing study abroad programs, and comprehensive risk management protocols designed to safeguard the well-being of participants and the organization's interests.

Establish and implement robust feedback mechanisms, including post-program evaluations for students, faculty, and institutional partners, to systematically gather valuable insights, analyze trends, and use data-driven evidence to continuously assess and improve the quality, relevance, and impact of our program offerings.

Stakeholder Engagement : Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation point for addressing complex or sensitive issues, resolving conflicts effectively, and providing timely and comprehensive solutions for inquiries and concerns originating from faculty leaders, representatives of partner institutions, and internal Learn International teams involved in program delivery.

Proactively cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationships with key personnel within university study abroad offices, fostering open communication, building trust, and ensuring alignment of program goals and objectives, as well as nurturing productive relationships with faculty members who lead our customized programs.

Collaborate closely and strategically with Learn International's marketing and student recruitment teams to provide essential program information, compelling content, and strategic insights that effectively promote our customized program offerings to prospective students and partner institutions, contributing to enrollment growth and program visibility.

Qualifications : Bachelors degree in International Education, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field; a Masters degree in one of these areas is strongly preferred.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience within the field of study abroad program management, with a demonstrated track record of success in all aspects of program development, implementation, and evaluation, including at least two (2) years of direct supervisory experience leading and developing a team of professionals.

Substantial and verifiable experience in the development, management, and oversight of complex program budgets, including demonstrated proficiency in financial forecasting, expenditure tracking, variance analysis, and the implementation of effective cost control strategies, coupled with proven expertise in negotiating favorable terms and drafting comprehensive contracts with various stakeholders.

Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills characterized by the proven ability to effectively motivate, inspire, and develop a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive and productive work environment, delegating effectively, and providing constructive feedback to enhance individual and team performance.

Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, adapt communication style to diverse audiences, deliver compelling presentations, and maintain strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

High level of proficiency in utilizing project management methodologies and tools to plan, execute, and track project progress effectively, coupled with strong familiarity and practical experience working with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; prior experience with Salesforce is considered a significant advantage.

Unrestricted ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally as required to attend meetings, conduct site visits, support program operations, and represent Learn International at professional conferences and events.

Preferred Qualifications : Personal experience studying, working, or living abroad, demonstrating a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards of international education and cross-cultural engagement.

Comprehensive knowledge of the organizational structures, academic processes, and faculty engagement strategies prevalent within higher education institutions in the United States and internationally.

Thorough familiarity with best practices and established protocols related to health, safety, security, and risk management within the context of international study abroad programs, including experience developing and implementing emergency response plans and participant safety guidelines.