Director of Studies & Pastoral Lead

Role Overview

The Director of Studies & Pastoral Lead is a dual-role position combining strategic academic management with holistic student welfare leadership.

Minimum qualifications, work experience, skills or other specifications for the job

• TESOL qualification
• Has a level of English of at least CEFR C1 level
• Diploma in Second Language Teaching or ESOL or a degree specifically in language teaching
• A minimum of 5 years teaching experience

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Academic Management & Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and organisational management of the academic team.
• Establish and maintain an academic plan that exceeds English NZ academic standards.
• Lead placement testing for new students and ensure accurate, appropriate class level allocation.
• Maintain the weekly class schedule and communicate updates to relevant academic staff.
• Oversee student attendance tracking, implement appropriate interventions, and engage in forecasting.
• Coordinate student quarterly progress reports and ensure timely preparation of graduation assessments and certificates.
• Lead weekly academic meetings and maintain detailed minutes.
• Develop and recommend budgets for resource acquisition.
• Research, develop, and lead on new courses and electives while maintaining high academic standards.
• Maintain effective human resource management for academic staff, including recruitment, induction, scheduling, and timesheet approval.
• Recruit, support, and maintain a list of relief teachers.
• Deputise for the Centre Manager when required.
• Ensure academic staff fulfil administrative duties and intervene where necessary.

Pastoral Care & Student Welfare

• Act as the Designated Pastoral Lead and primary point of contact for student welfare concerns.
• Ensure students are informed of available support services including mental health, accommodation, and cultural adjustment.
• Support students in their transition to New Zealand, promoting personal wellbeing and social integration.
• Develop initiatives to foster student wellbeing, engagement, and inclusivity.
• Ensure full compliance with the Code of Practice 2021, leading regular reviews of pastoral policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of all pastoral interactions and report according to Code requirements.
• Monitor student attendance and engagement to identify at-risk students and implement interventions.
• Conduct student welfare surveys and feedback sessions.
• Work with accommodation providers and external welfare services to maintain appropriate living standards.
• Support students facing personal challenges and refer them to professional services when needed.
• Assist students with discrimination, bullying, or cultural adaptation issues.
• Plan and lead social activities, student clubs, and peer support initiatives that promote cultural exchange and wellbeing.
• Develop workshops on mental health, academic integrity, living in New Zealand, and culture shock.

Staff & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and deliver professional development programmes for academic staff based on appraisal outcomes and organisational strategy.
• Train and support academic and administrative staff on pastoral responsibilities and Code compliance.
• Observe academic staff classes at least twice annually, providing tailored feedback and follow-up.
• Liaise with student support services, counsellors, and community organisations to enhance welfare support.
• Collaborate with the Centre Manager, Director of Studies, and Admissions Team to identify and support vulnerable students.
• Engage with parents, guardians, and education agents to provide updates on student welfare and progress when required.
• Deliver in-house professional development sessions as needed.

Resource Management

• Maintain, update, and oversee teaching resources to ensure relevance and accessibility.
• Track and order coursebook inventory and prepare materials for optimal durability and reuse.
• Ensure bi-weekly tests are resourced and administered properly, with results tracked on internal systems.
• Guide academic staff in developing supplementary materials and promoting teaching innovation.

Teaching Duties

• Deliver high-quality English language lessons as needed, especially when relief teachers are unavailable.
• Follow the standard EFL Teacher job description when teaching.

Examinations

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of major international English exams (e.g., IELTS, Cambridge, TOEIC).
• Ensure adequate resources for all preparation courses.
• Coordinate application processes for exams in advance of deadlines.
• Attend training and development sessions relevant to exam offerings.

Other Duties

• Assist the School Administrator during peak periods or absences with tasks such as taking payments or supporting administrative operations.
• Contribute to marketing and branding initiatives alongside the Marketing Team.