Director of Academics

***Please note that you must already have legal permission to work in Spain and currently be based in Barcelona in order to be considered.***

About Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

The mission of Barcelona SAE is to provide superior quality study abroad and internship options in Barcelona that incorporate a strong intercultural element for our students. All aspects of our programs incorporate experiential learning and cultural immersion in order to open the eyes of the next generation of leaders to a global world, and it is our hope to attract staff members committed to these same goals. Barcelona SAE is a team of passionate international educators who values diversity in our student body and staff, and our award-winning TODOS commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.

About the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS)

The Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS) is an academic center based in Barcelona, Spain providing a high quality educational experience primarily for U.S. university students through Barcelona SAE.

SIS provides a curriculum that is challenging, innovative and enriched by experiential learning which focuses on Barcelona, Spain as the classroom. Multiple field studies, localized texts and guest speakers focus each course on the location and differentiate the experience from anything that could be done in the students’ home country.

Job Description

We are seeking an academic professional ready to help us lead the Academics Department and take the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center at the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS) to the next level. The Director of Academics will report to the Onsite Director and oversee the program’s academic integrity, develop new courses, vet and train faculty, and help grow the program enrollment. This is a full-time position, including teaching approximately two courses per year to maintain contact with the classroom.

Position Details

• Position Title: Director of Academics
• Location: Barcelona and Surroundings
• Position Type: Full-Time, Including Teaching Hours
• Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2024
• Type of Contract: Indefinite Contract

This position is part of a team of experienced professionals at Barcelona SAE who work collaboratively to provide the best study abroad, internship and customized programs in Barcelona. This position is a perfect fit for a driven, creative, and energetic professional.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Masters, PhD or equivalent experience/knowledge
• 5+ years of previous professional work experience in higher education, preferably 3+ years experience teaching students from the US
• Knowledge of US higher education system and study abroad
• People skills and team management
• Problem-solver, well-organized, attention to detail
• Ability to strategize, anticipate, and take initiative
• Flexible schedule, ability to work some weekends and evenings
• Cultural fit with Barcelona SAE’s vision, mission and core value
• Foundational understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion best practices
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills in Spanish and English, some level of Catalan is a bonus
• Strong computer skills (Google workspace, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Moodle, CRMs)

Job Responsibilities

The Director of Academics will be in charge of:

Orchestrating the operations of the Academics Department:

• Supervise the Academics team including coordination of our relationships with outside universities, course registration, course schedules and calendars, add/drop, receipt of transcripts in a punctual matter
• Ensure KPIs are met of the Academic Department through supervision of team
• Manage department budget
• Manage student issues regarding academic matters

Developing and maintaining a high level of academic integrity at SIS:

• Maintain faculty and student manuals
• Review syllabi for SIS pedagogy, academic content and academic vigor
• Oversee evaluation, grading and rubrics
• Ensure student and faculty access to academic resources
• Ensure academic continuity should the need arise for online classes
• Oversee SIS protocol and implementation of academic warnings, probation and suspensions as needed as well as grade appeals
• Liaise with the Academic Coaching Council

Managing Curriculum Development:

• Overview courses taught at SIS and outside partner universities
• Develop and review new courses with the Onsite Director and CEO that align with the SIS mission and vision
• Maintain contact with our School of Record about new courses and faculty

Overseeing faculty hiring and development:

• Vetting faculty and facilitating faculty professional development and trainings
• Ensure faculty meet School of Record and SIS requirements
• Oversee final course evaluations and provide feedback to faculty
• Onboard and train new faculty

Participating in program deliverables at SIS:

• Observation of classes and field studies
• Attend orientation activities for SIS students (integration week)
• Attend program day trips or academic trips as needed
• Assist in student registration and add/drop period when needed

Assist in Marketing for the Academics Team:

• Provide trainings for US team about the Academic program
• Review web and catalog content related to Academics
• Represent SIS in program site visits and for visiting faculty

Additional Tasks:

• Leading some cultural activities (inside and outside of Barcelona)
• Occasionally attending trainings, conferences and site visits
• Emergency phone rotation and attending to emergencies as needed
• Travel with students to excursions and events (both in and outside of Barcelona)
• Public speaking at orientations, activities and professional workshops
• Mentoring students on our programs
• Serve in an on call capacity to provide full program support, facilitating emergency protocol if necessary

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Fun, interactive, international and dynamic environment
• Energetic and entrepreneurial team encouraging new ideas, creativity and innovation
• Frequent staff gatherings: after-works, all staff meetings, meals and team building activities

Application Details + Deadline

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Application deadline is Monday, Feb 5th or until the position is filled.

It is strongly encouraged that only candidates who meet all the criteria apply. Qualified candidates will be contacted; no phone calls, please. Interviews will be conducted in English & Spanish.