Role Overview:
OLCA Malta is seeking an experienced Director of Studies to take full responsibility for the academic management and day-to-day academic operations of the school. The successful candidate must have strong practical experience within the English Language Teaching sector and be capable of independently managing courses, teachers, students, academic administration, timetables, teaching resources, quality standards and regulatory requirements.

We are looking for a hands-on and experienced professional who understands the complete operation of an English language school and can work closely with management to ensure the school runs efficiently, professionally and in full compliance with applicable requirements.

Main Responsibilities:

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day academic operations of the school.

• Develop, review and manage English language courses, programmes, syllabi and curricula.

• Recommend appropriate course structures, durations, levels and pricing to management.

• Plan the academic calendar and student intake requirements.

• Recruit, interview, select and onboard qualified teachers.

• Verify teacher qualifications, ELT permits and required documentation.

• Manage, supervise and support the teaching team.

• Conduct teacher observations, performance reviews and appraisals.

• Organise teacher training and Continuing Professional Development activities.

• Prepare and manage teacher, classroom and course timetables.

• Allocate teachers and classrooms according to student numbers, levels and course requirements.

• Manage student placement testing and allocation to appropriate levels and classes.

• Monitor student attendance, progress and academic performance.

• Handle academic student queries, complaints, class changes and level changes.

• Ensure students receive appropriate assessments, progress reports and certificates.

• Select and manage textbooks, teaching materials, digital resources and academic resources.

• Develop and maintain academic policies, procedures and internal documentation.

• Maintain accurate teacher, student, attendance, assessment and academic records.

• Ensure courses and teaching standards meet applicable ELT Council requirements.

• Ensure continuous compliance with Maltese ELT regulations and academic standards.

• Prepare and maintain documentation required for inspections, audits, licence renewals and accreditation.

• Manage and support local and international accreditation processes and renewals.

• Liaise with the ELT Council and other relevant authorities on academic matters when required.

• Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate and ready for regulatory inspection.

• Coordinate closely with admissions, administration, student services and management.

• Support admissions with course placement and academic student enquiries.

• Monitor student feedback and implement improvements where necessary.

• Monitor teaching quality and maintain consistent academic standards across all courses.

• Plan staffing requirements according to current and projected student numbers.

• Ensure sufficient qualified teaching staff are available throughout the year.

• Identify academic and operational issues and implement effective solutions.

• Establish efficient procedures for teachers, students and academic administration.

• Prepare regular management reports covering student numbers, teacher requirements, academic performance, course performance and operational issues.

• Assist management with the development of new courses and educational products.

• Maintain a high standard of student experience and academic delivery.

• Take full ownership of the academic department and ensure its smooth and professional operation.

Candidate Requirements:

• Previous experience as a Director of Studies, Assistant Director of Studies, Academic Manager, Head of Studies or equivalent senior academic role.

• Significant previous experience within an English Language School.

• Previous experience in the Malta ELT sector is strongly preferred.

• Strong practical understanding of the complete day-to-day operation of an English language school.

• Proven experience recruiting, managing and developing teachers.

• Proven experience managing students, courses, levels and timetables.

• Strong curriculum and course-development experience.

• Experience with student placement, assessment and academic monitoring.

• Experience preparing and maintaining regulatory and academic documentation.

• Practical knowledge of ELT Council requirements and Malta ELT regulations.

• Experience with inspections, accreditation and licence-related processes.

• Strong organisational, leadership and people-management skills.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Strong administrative and reporting skills.

• Good knowledge of digital systems, Microsoft Office and school-management tools.

• Ability to work independently, make decisions and take responsibility for the academic operation of the school.

• Hands-on, organised and solution-oriented approach.

• Candidates already based in Malta will be preferred.

Regulatory Requirements:

The successful candidate must meet the applicable ELT Council requirements for approval as a Director of Studies, including the relevant qualifications, valid ELT Permit and required teaching experience.

Compensation:

Starting from EUR 35,000 gross per annum, depending on qualifications, relevant experience and previous experience within the Malta ELT sector.
Full-Time Position - Malta.