Program Director

Verto is on a mission to provide the best possible start to college. We start by making travel and experiential education a core part of every student’s first year. Our participants begin college overseas in one of five Verto locations and take fully accredited in-person classes from our Academic Provider, the University of New Haven. After completing 1-3 semesters with Verto, participants seamlessly transfer to one of 50+ partner universities in the United States. Along the way, participants become more mature, empathetic global citizens who have a greater sense of purpose and direction for their lives.  

At Verto, we’re creating a different model. We’re driving the costs down and acceptance rates up. We connect participants to the world and give them a chance to discover who they are before making them choose a major. We’re out to build a transformational company that makes higher education more accessible and impactful. We are backed by First Round Capital and other top VCs. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The London Program Director will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Program, overseeing Program planning and delivery, recruiting, and developing the Program’s core team, and ensuring the highest levels of Program quality and customer satisfaction.

The London Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Verto Education program in their location. This position provides leadership and direct oversight to all student support functions, including but not limited to student success, housing, and health & safety. The Director also oversees the day-to-day management of the Academic team in collaboration with the Academics and student success departments. The Director oversees on-site academic affairs and ensures high-quality academic delivery. In coordination with Programming and Operations, the Director develops and manages annual Program budgets, and oversees expense reporting. 

The London Program Director reports to the Vice President of Program Operations and regularly collaborates with various departments at Verto, and demonstrates a strong commitment to Verto’s mission in all decision-making.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development Expectations

• Collaborate with the Program Development and Academics team on the design of Verto semesters 
• Oversee a collaborative effort to produce a program of experiential field trips and day trips relevant to course content
• Connect and establish relationships with local partners to enrich Verto’s program offerings and ensure connection with the community.
• Source local enterprises and businesses that will become program stakeholders to enable students to interact with  local communities
• Research available options for student housing, classrooms, activities, and advise the Program Development team on feasibility and pricing. 
• Research and create, bi-annually, a list of local facilities that can enhance Verto’s academic and cultural program through alternative housing and supplier options
• Together with Verto leadership negotiate key partnership contracts, and oversee their execution.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure adherence to  contractual obligations (with housing, travel partners and other local resources for example)

Manage London Program Center Operations

• Oversee all financial matters; including budgetary planning and operating a semester ‘budget to actuals’, including a program, staff, faculty and center facilities budget and maintain financial targets, in collaboration with the CFO 
• Human resources management: lead hiring and salary negotiations with local staff and faculty; ensure application of (local) laws and regulations concerning contracts salaries, & insurance, in collaboration with Verto’s People Operations team.
• Facilities: Supervise the upkeep and improvements of the Center’s building, staff offices and classroom facilities including center expansion analysis, planning, and execution.
• Oversee location’s Bank Account and all supplier payments
• Oversee monthly payroll

Program Management Expectations

• Ensure smooth and high-quality execution of all program components,  including academics, student success, housing, general facilities, and health & safety in coordination with Verto’s partners.  
• Plan, execute, and lead on arrival and orientation development each semester in collaboration with  location staff
• Execute all programs smoothly, including student success, housing, and health & safety
• Ensure the implementation of and compliance with, Verto’s policies and procedures by staff and faculty. 
• Ensure regular training sessions are scheduled with location staff to ensure they are up to date with all Verto policies
• Oversee the consistent enforcement of Verto’s Student Code of Conduct and program policies. 
• Oversee escalated student issues and in consultation with the student success team, ensure that resolutions are adhered to in accordance with Verto’s policies
• Develop and implement initiatives for continuous improvement that optimize program performance and student satisfaction.
• Review and action feedback from mid-semester and end-of-semester surveys and follow reporting guidelines; identify and develop improvement plans as needed
• Monitor student evaluations to ensure high quality in program delivery and implement improvements as needed to maintain desired scores. 
• Maintain regular and consistent communication with direct supervisor and report any issues in a timely manner. 
• Hold weekly staff meetings in London and report up to direct supervisor any issues that are compromising program wellbeing
• Collaborate with other Directors on the identification and implementation of best practices to ensure continuous improvement. 
• Manage the emergency phone rotation during the semester to ensure coverage by staff. 
• This role is expected to be on call for London staff 24/7 to lead, advise and document escalated students incidents to direct report 
• Financial and Legal Management: Serve as manager of the legal entities and assume related responsibilities in coordination with VP of Program Operations and CEO as needed.
• Ensure that the student Success team meets its goals in the development and oversight of student services, including immigration requirements, pre-departure orientation, on-site orientation and activities, implementation of Verto health, safety, and security protocols and procedures, etc. 
• Ensure the development and implementation of strategies to increase awareness of Verto’s mission and goals throughout the local community, engaging and networking with all relevant stakeholders. Ensure that Verto meets standards and complies with locally applicable standards and laws
• Participate as needed and possibly present at professional meetings
• Other duties as assigned.

Staff Recruitment and  Management Expectations

Recruitment

• In collaboration with People Operations and VP of Program Operations, design and implement recruitment plans for all on-site roles across departments.

Staff Management

• Provide leadership to staff and foster an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.
• Manage staff and ensure proper division of work, scheduling, and vacation time
• Provide oversight of Program and Student Services, student success staff and Academic staff, holding regular team meetings, troubleshooting student issues.
• Build accountability into the work culture, taking care to clarify roles and responsibilities as needed.  
• Oversee the implementation of final disciplinary decisions in coordination with The Dean of Students and direct supervisor. 
• Support staff in escalated health & safety emergencies, and escalate to the VP of Program Operations as needed. 
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Verto’s mission in all decision-making.

Student Services and Support Expectations

• Support or train Student Success team members in community-building best practices toward the goal of creating harmonious living conditions for students and staff.
• Mediate and find creative solutions to all escalated student/family concerns, working collaboratively with Verto’s Dean of Students.  
• Resolve student cases and concerns in a timely manager, while abiding by all Verto protocols. 
• Oversee the implementation of final disciplinary decisions in coordination with the Dean of Students and direct supervisor. 
• Monitor student evaluations to ensure high quality in program delivery and implement improvements as needed to maintain desired scores. 
• Support staff in escalated health & safety emergencies, and escalate to the VP of Program Operations as needed. 

Marketing and Recruitment

• Together with the Programming team, train the Marketing, Admissions, and Enrollment teams on the program location. 
• Support the production of Verto promotional materials by providing updates, content and other information as requested.  
• Participate in any open houses, town halls, or pre-departure orientation sessions to represent the location and establish rapport with students and families. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Strategic Thinker: You can plot the chess moves a year ahead of time and develop a credible plan to deliver amazing value to our participants.
• Influential communicator: You are a thoughtful communicator who can sell ideas, gather resources, and rally stakeholders.
• Strong Executor: You value getting things done and hitting deadlines. You have a track record of delivering under pressure. 
• Humble Collaborator: You bring kindness and empathy to your working relationships and put the team’s success before your own.  
• Mission-Driven: You deeply believe that education has the power to transform lives and you want to give more young people a chance to thrive. 

At Verto Education we value voices of all backgrounds and experiences. We know that creating a diverse environment takes dedication and intentional hiring practices. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, you should still seriously consider applying. Studies show that you can still be considered for a role if you meet just 50% of the role’s requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant work experience in the location is a benefit
• 7+ years of progressively responsible international higher education experience either at a university or a study abroad organization. 
• Fluency in English and local language
• Leadership – Proven ability to build and lead teams through the complexities and challenges in a constantly changing environment
• Staff management – Demonstrated ability to manage teams and deliver strong results
• Financial management – Demonstrated experience in developing and managing complex budgets and ensuring compliance 
• Extremely strong servicing skills and superior judgment – ability to resolve issues fairly, expediently, and cost-effectively 
• Academic culture – In-depth knowledge of and first-hand experience with U.S. and location  academic institutions and their cultures and processes   
• Interpersonal skills – Ability to engender the trust and confidence of several stakeholders and be able to deal effectively with a wide variety of often sensitive issues. 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills – Ability to effectively communicate with students, U.S. university partners, faculty, local authorities, and Verto staff internationally    
• Exemplary ambassador of Verto and its mission and programs
• Must be able to work independently, have strong organizational skills and follow-through, and with consistent attention to details 
• A resourceful, action-oriented individual who possesses a strong sense of urgency
• Comfortable and effective working in both business and academic environments
• Thrive in a rapidly growing and changing entrepreneurial environment 
• Ability to execute multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Possess a strong commitment to Verto’s mission in all decision-making.