Programme Director

WHAT DOES THIS JOB INVOLVE?

The Programme Director (PD) will lead our team of Teachers, Head Counselors, Counselors, a Programme Assistant and a Media Manager, and is responsible for ensuring the campus runs to the standards and schedule as laid out by ISSOS. The PD at each ISSOS campus is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff at their location. 

This role involves a huge amount of responsibility, flexibility, organisational, managerial, leadership, and communication skills. It also requires someone with strong interpersonal skills who can work well with staff and students from all over the world, and who has a great affinity for fun.

It is essential that the PD gives 100% on a daily basis, in all areas, in order to give ISSOS students and our staff teams the best possible summer experience.

Anyone interested in applying for this position must have experience in dealing with the pastoral care of young people and have the ability to motivate and lead a team of staff. 

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creating and facilitating a safe and fun environment for both staff and students
• Managing your team to ensure the smooth running of the whole programme
• Make sure students and staff are safe and happy at all times
• Being a positive role model
• Being an approachable individual for both staff and students
• Liaising with Head Office.

WHAT SKILLS/EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Experience in staff management
• Experience in dealing with student welfare
• Previous experience in a similar environment, and working with international students is preferred
• DELTA/postgraduate teaching qualification or relevant teaching experience desired.
• You must be fluent in English.

THE TYPE OF PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Passionate about working with young people
• A clear and effective communicator
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Flexible and adaptable
• Hard-working and conscientious with a strong sense of fun.

WHEN AND WHERE WE NEED YOU:

St Andrews: 25th June - 14th August 2025

Cambridge: 5th July - 31st July 2025
 

REIMBURSEMENT:

Before the start of the session, we run a three-day orientation (dates are inclusive of this).

Staff members receive reimbursement after the session. Travel reimbursements and any finders’ fees are paid separately. 

We provide accommodation in all locations for all staff. Meals are provided in the halls of residence once students arrive, however, staff are responsible for their meals during Orientation. 

St Andrews: £3750 GBP per session (£7500 GBP for the full contract)
Cambridge: £3750 GBP for the session                                                                                                               

Yale: $4500 USD for the session

TRAVEL:

ISSOS will cover the majority of travel expenses to/from campus. This will be discussed at interview. 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

To apply for the position in St Andrews or Cambridge you must be a UK citizen or have the legal right to work in the UK. Please note that we cannot sponsor visas for working in the UK.

Any nationality is welcome to apply for the role in Yale as we are able to provide sponsorship through the J1 visa. Visa numbers are limited, therefore we strongly encourage US citizens and those who have the right to work in the US to apply for these roles.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW? 

• All of our staff must pass a full criminal background check*
• We provide full bed and board for you at our campuses, plus fixed payment
• You must be available for an in-person training weekend in May/June 2025. Date to be confirmed
• This role is available in St Andrews.

WHAT WILL YOU GET OUT OF IT?

Our Programme Director roles are a great opportunity for anyone looking to build on their previous work with young people and gain invaluable experience that can be put into use in their full-time careers. You will develop your leadership and management skills while working with students and staff from over 80 nationalities, at the same time as having a fantastic summer experience of your own. No two days at ISSOS are the same and we are really proud of the fact that our staff team has as much fun during the summer as our students do.

Read our staff testimonials or check out our Staff FAQs