Director of Studies

Director of Studies – Honolulu

Reports to: School Director (local) and Director of Academic Management, North America (regional)

EF Honolulu is looking for an experienced leader to oversee the academic program at our school in Honolulu. The Director of Studies is responsible for leading the academic department, including managing and developing a small team of teachers and an Academic Coordinator, maintaining academic quality, coordinating classes, and overseeing the academic components of the school budget.

Our Honolulu school is a close-knit campus with a maximum of approximately 250 students during peak seasons. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about developing people, building a positive team culture, and delivering an exceptional student experience. The Director of Studies plays an important role in shaping an engaging academic journey by encouraging innovative teaching practices, meaningful projects, and real-world learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make learning memorable.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader with the ability to guide, inspire, and develop their team. This person enjoys coaching and mentoring others, effectively solves problems, does not subscribe to a "that's not my job" attitude, and has ambitions to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to a highly customer service-focused school. They will work collaboratively with other departments and possess excellent communication, delegation, and leadership skills with a proven background in international education.

This role does not meet the threshold for VISA sponsorship and nor is there a relocation assistance package available to the chosen candidate. On-Island candidates preferred. 

Requirements

• Lead, manage, develop, and inspire a small teaching team and Academic Coordinator while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing academic culture.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and motivate educators to achieve high standards of teaching excellence.
• Proven track record in effective recruitment, onboarding, and staff development.
• Relentless focus on customer service, student experience, and academic quality.
• Global and/or international work experience preferred.
• A model of professionalism, accountability, and quality.
• Ensures that the EF in-house curriculum and materials are delivered with consistency while empowering teachers to bring lessons to life through creativity, project-based learning, and engaging real-world experiences.
• Ensures that all academic department policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintains the academic integrity and quality standards of the school.
• Organizes placement testing and places students in appropriate levels.
• Counsels individual students regarding academic performance.
• Tracks students with excessive absences and initiates Academic Warning Letters.
• Coordinates professional development.
  • Observes teachers and conducts follow-up coaching meetings.
  • Provides written, formal evaluations of observations.
  • Delivers ongoing professional guidance and support.
• Encourages teachers to develop engaging projects, experiential learning opportunities, and innovative classroom practices that enhance student learning and create memorable experiences.
• Coordinates departure evaluation questionnaires and departure testing.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage difficult situations and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication, people management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong, confident decision-maker who is highly motivated, positive, and empathetic.
• Supervises book inventory and book ordering.
• Conducts monthly inventory and maintains the library of class sets in the teachers' room.
• Assigns administrative duties to teaching staff as required.
• Works with the School Director to manage academic staffing, class size averages, and other academic budget considerations.
• Works collaboratively with other departments to create engaging academic experiences that enhance student learning and contribute to an exceptional overall student experience.
• Other tasks as assigned by the School Director.

In addition, you can expect

• Commitment to professional growth: robust monthly calendar of trainings and workshops.
• Four weeks paid vacation your first year, ten paid holidays, and two floating holidays.
• Exciting business travel opportunities.
• 25% company match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Market-leading medical, dental and vision coverage, along with options for life and disability insurance, legal and pet insurance.
• Dependent care, healthcare and commuter Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Access to fertility care and family-building support.
• Wellness benefits including a yearly fitness reimbursement.
• Frequent social and learning events, including access to our employee-run resource groups.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program.
• Tenure-based sabbatical eligibility.
• EF Product Discounts (discounts on travel, international language schools, Au Pair program and more).
• Discounts at local venues and businesses.
• Compensation - Salary range for this role is $60k - $65k based on experience.

About EF Language Abroad

At EF Language Abroad, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, we've helped millions of students discover new places, embrace diverse cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. We're dedicated to our mission of opening the world through education, harnessing the power of language learning to deepen the connection between people across the globe.

We offer immersive short-term and long-term language courses and programs across different languages in the countries where they're spoken. Through blending classroom-based lessons with interactive exercises and real-world practice, our courses bring you to the heart of the language. Together, our global staff help students from around the world develop the language skills they need to achieve their dreams.

EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All positions are subject to a criminal background and and/or reference checks, as applicable.