Center Director – MLA at Florida International University
We are seeking a Center Director to lead our international summer school at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, for Summer 2027.
The MLA Center Director is a full-time, seasonal position (mid-June until early August). Your contract starts on the first day of a mandatory five-day live online training. As the Center Director, you would be the main point of contact at an MLA Summer School and responsible for all operations and employees. You will reside on campus and monitor the safety and well-being of international high school students attending our cultural immersion program.
POSITION OVERVIEW
• Responsible for the overall Management of the Summer School
• Reports to Operations Coordinator
• 6 working days per week
• 1 Day off per week
• The Center Director is required to reside on campus for the duration of the program. They will also oversee nightly on-call responsibilities.
• Five-day live online training (5 hours a day) in the week before on-campus management training. Attendance is mandatory, and you will need a computer and a reliable internet connection
• On-campus management training starts June 24, 2027
COMPANY
For over 50 years, MLA World has been bridging cultures together through education and world travel. We are a company dedicated to encouraging the growth of global citizens through English language learning abroad in a safe and culturally immersive youth program. With travel and education at the forefront of our mission, MLA’s work culture is always exciting and full of change. We are an international team that loves sharing culture and stories of travel, with a passion for working with youth and broadening their perspectives of the world.
Company Mission Statement
MLA Move Language Ahead is an industry leader committed to providing premier international study abroad programs that ensure the highest levels of safety, education, and cultural immersion.
LOCATION
USA
• Florida International University, Miami, FL
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
As a representative of MLA and our values, you will be a good model of those values to subordinates and colleagues. The successful candidate will have:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Positive outlook and enthusiasm
• Dedicated leadership
• Excellent organizational skills
• Creativity and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment
• Completion of a satisfactory background check, including a child abuse clearance
Further required skills include:
• Capacity to motivate a team and lead by example
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent communication (verbal and written)
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivation
• Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Excel and online platforms (full training on the MLA Activity Planner is provided)
• Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative with fellow employees, vendors, and guests
Additional preferred qualifications:
• Prior work experience leading a team
• Prior experience overseeing a strict operating budget
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES
*Smaller Centers do not have all management positions, such as a Center Administrator. Those responsibilities would fall to the Center Director who will oversee taking on and delegating such tasks.
Pre-Program
• Attend all five days of the live online training, including practical tasks using your own center’s real data
• Attend all required on-campus management training and induction meetings prior to the start of a session
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the program
• Review the Center Setup Guide and all handbooks
• Become confident using the MLA Activity Planner – the platform you will use all summer for all the information you need – through hands-on practice during the online training
• Communicate with the center staff regarding move-in, training, and any other pre-program information
Management of the Center
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Center Office
• Oversee the efficient completion of all duties of all staff
• Review all details pertaining to the day-to-day Center operations and ensure all program components are properly planned and delivered
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Studies to confirm the tuition program is running in accordance with company standards
• Hold a minimum of two meetings with Group Leaders to be sure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and to ensure their needs and those of their students are being met
• Ensure the Center Administrator holds regular meetings with Campus Partners which may include Conference Services, Dining Services, and Public Safety to ensure the program is running smoothly and the contract is being upheld
Welfare & Safeguarding
• Constantly monitor students and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively
• Establish and effectively communicate to staff and guests’ site-specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans
• Maintain 24-hour on-call emergency assistance for the Center
• Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns
• Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18)
• Work with the head office for any Authorized Student Pickup requests, ensuring proper documentation is received and recorded
• Oversee the Medical Doctor ensuring all job requirements are being dutifully executed as well as the infirmary is properly maintained
• Become familiar with the Accreditation International safeguarding policies and prepare the center for an inspection by AI officials
Company Quality Performance
• Ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the Center
• Deliver a comprehensive Center induction to all new guests within 24 hours of arrival
• Host a Group Leader meeting within 24 hours of arrival
• Confirm the student and Group Leader handbooks are available, and the contents are being adhered to
• Follow up with staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively
Program Setup
• Oversee the staff with the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programs
• Direct the setup of student rooms by distributing linen, arranging furniture, and preparing keys
• Ensure Center Administrator has sent Welcome Email to Group Leaders at least one week prior to arrival detailing the accommodations, campus information and rooming list requirements
• Collaborate with the Center Administrator to ensure a correct rooming list has been provided to the Center in accordance with the Center contract
Administrative Duties
• Maintain a log of all meetings and guest feedback
• Oversee the Activity Planner with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage in support of the Center Administrator
• Complete the Airport Transfer Check within the Activity Planner to ensure all airport transfers have been booked and confirmed correctly
• Assist the Activity Manager in sending of Center SMS from the Activity Planner to Group Leaders and students including but not limited to Group Leader Arrival and Group Leader Departure notifications
• Oversee the collection and distribution of the student passports and security deposits
• Verify all program expenses are being accurately maintained by the Center Administrator and conduct weekly audits of the Petty Cash
• Work with the Activity Manager and Director of Studies to ensure weekly staff schedules are accurate and available within the online employee scheduling software – Humanity
• Submit biweekly payroll reports to the Operations Coordinator
• Hold regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale
• Perform end-of-program staff evaluations and program report
Liaising
• Develop a good business relationship with the college/university to ensure the contract is being applied properly
• Ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to
• Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary
• Maintain regular communication with the Operations Coordinator as well as the Head Office
• Use company-provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone
• Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders
Off-Campus Excursions
• Support the Activity Manager with directing off-campus excursions to ensure they are properly organized and delivered to all guests
• Work alongside the Center Administrator to confirm all contracts and payments have been made to vendors
• Perform regular checks with Center Administrator to guarantee all buses and transportation have been scheduled and confirmed
• Attend the mini breaks, when able, to monitor guest and staff conduct and to support the program when necessary
On-Campus Activities
• Maintain a visible presence at the Center
• Make regular visits to the dining hall during mealtimes to interact with the guests and confirm operations are running smoothly
• Verify all sports and evening activities have been properly planned and executed
Residence Hall Supervision
• Supervise the Night Guardian in ensuring the Center’s rules are being upheld regarding the quiet hours and lights out
• Support the Night Guardian in the event any issues arise requiring a senior manager be present
• Apply fines to guests for damages to residence halls and/or campus property
MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT
• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realize their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them
• To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organizations such as Accreditation International in a timely and accurate manner
• To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook
COMPENSATION
The Center Director is paid a weekly salary of $1,250. The Center Director will also receive complimentary room and board as part of their compensation package.
BENEFITS
• Paid training (your contract starts on the first day of the online training)
• Complimentary room and board
• Company phone
USA AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non-job related criteria.
