Job description
Academic Support Manager
Kaplan International Languages
Kaplan helps individuals achieve their educational and career goals. We build futures one success story at a time. Our core values of Integrity, Knowledge, Results, Support and Opportunity define our company culture and provide the framework for what we deliver to our customers and employees each day. We succeed when our students succeed. All Kaplan divisions, including Kaplan international Languages, share the same Mission and Values as our parent company, Kaplan, Inc.
Every year, Kaplan International Languages (KIL) helps over 50,000 students from more than 150 countries to develop and improve their English language skills. With a network of schools spanning 6 countries, KIL has the largest presence of any international language school in the English-speaking world. Our schools are in vibrant, sought-after and convenient locations, providing our students with the right environment to achieve their goals. We offer a wide selection of courses from General English and exam courses through to 8-month intensive programs. Our recommendation rate currently stands at 96%.
Location: The post is based in one main location (Bournemouth) but may require occasional attendance at other sites within the UK or Ireland.
Reports: This position reports to the Director of Studies.
The Academic Support Manager works alongside the Director of Studies to support the teaching team and assist with academic administration and the delivery of K+ products and services. They deliver well planned, engaging and successful lessons in line with the Kaplan International Languages Teaching Standards. They ensure all students have the best Kaplan Experience through top quality customer service.
Duties
Administrative
- To assist the Director of Studies in the organisation and delivery of academic weekly duties such as testing administration and invigilation, inducting new students, stocktaking of resources, checking student reports, assisting with management of the study centre, monitoring and reporting on student attendance, issuing warnings and any other administrative processes that support the smooth running of the academic department
- To process individual student reports
- To keep accurate and up to date records of work including materials used in class
- To complete the attendance portal within 10 minutes of each lesson starting (or returning from break) and report any absences according to school procedures
Teaching
- To conduct regular tutorials in accordance with the Kaplan International Languages Independent Learning policy
- To plan, prepare and deliver lessons in accordance with the standards outlined in the Kaplan International Languages Teaching Standards
- To set homework in line with school policy including exercises on K+ Online and ensure all homework is returned within 1 week
- To teach a lesson bank of up to 21 hours per week plus additional cover where necessary
Academic
- To assist the Senior Teacher/Director of Studies in carrying out MENA support duties to ensure all sponsors’ requirements are fulfilled
- To contribute to the development of Kaplan International Languages materials though trialling and feedback
- To produce personalised 5 weekly reports on student progress
- To promote independent learning via needs analysis, tutorials, support and reports
- To write lesson plans as and when requested by the Director of Studies for example for twice yearly formal observations, inspections or professional development purposes
Customer Service
- To provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers at all times
- To take part in the reception cover rota and assist students with admin as well as academic queries as and when required
- To take part in the induction of new students, ensuring the induction is delivered with the customer journey in mind
- To be helpful and courteous to students and their representatives
Compliance
- To have a good working knowledge and understanding of procedural documents and Kaplan International Languages policies relevant to the role
- To be familiar with all British Council inspection criteria relevant to the department
- All employees of Kaplan International English have a responsibility for data protection. They are obliged to undertake training and have a duty to adhere to our Data Protection policies
General
- To answer the telephone in a prompt, polite manner and field calls appropriately
- To attend the teachers’ meeting once per week and take minutes, if required
- To be proactive about both your personal and professional development including attendance/completion of all compulsory training sessions and to actively participate in any training offered
- To undertake other duties as deemed necessary by line manager
Sales Marketing
- To develop a good knowledge of Kaplan International Languages courses and services in order to deal effectively with day-to-day queries from existing and prospective customers
Social Programme
- To manage the design, provision and promotion of an interesting, varied, well-attended and profitable social programme both in and out of the school in line with best practice guidelines and risk assessment procedures
- To research, set up and develop good working partnerships with tour operators and venues in the local city and in the UK and constantly review and evaluate the range of offerings and suppliers for quality of service and value for money
- To actively lead or organise staffing for all events, if necessary
- To promote the social programme to all students as an integral part of their learning experience
Welfare
- To take part in the 24-hour emergency phone rota if required
- All members of the school team are responsible for all aspects of our students safeguarding and welfare in conjunction with the wider school and company management teams
Qualifications (Essential)
Bachelor’s degree- TEFLI Status - For example via a CELTA or equivalent
Qualifications (Desirable)
TEFLQ Status - For example via a DELTA or equivalent- Qualified EFL examiner status (Cambridge/IELTS)
Experience (Essential)
Experience in administration work (preferably in an ELT environment)- Experience in developing learner autonomy
- Experience in effective student counselling and tutorials
- Experience in teaching a variety of levels
- Experience in teaching exam preparation and/or business classes
- Experience in using IWB’s in the classroom
- Experience in working in a customer-facing environment
- Considerable EFL teaching experience
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in student assessment
Competencies
Ability to deal with and resolve a high volume of queries efficiently- Ability to develop learner autonomy with students
- Ability to find and present solutions to problems
- Ability to motivate others to achieve goals
- Ability to relate to and build rapport with international students
- Ability to teach effectively, achieve results and inspire students to learn
- Ability to use initiative when required
- Ability to work effectively on an individual basis and as a member of a team
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent IT skills including MS Office
- Excellent organisation skills and ability to multitask, manage conflicting priorities and meet deadlines
- Exceptional customer service ethos
- High level of patience and approachability
- High level of self-motivation and a commitment to personal development
- Knowledge of IWB programs and educational technology
- Strong attention to detail and high level of data accuracy
Please note, the vacancy will be closed when we have received a suitable volume of applications. We would encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity.
At Kaplan International, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, depending on the nature of the role, successful candidates may be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Applicants must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
£23,500 Per annum