About Us
The International Accelerator Program (IAP) is a partnership between American University (AU) and Shorelight. To support the university’s strategic plan goal of bringing the world to AU and AU to the world, the mission of the program is to immerse first-year international students (graduate and undergraduate) in the academic and cultural life of the university, help them integrate into campus life, and provide the support that increases their academic successes and likelihood of obtaining their degrees at AU.

Job Overview
The Assistant Academic Director assists in managing an International Accelerator Program (IAP) for international students. This program combines English language instruction and support with academic instruction and acculturation. Reporting to and assisting the Managing Director for the American IAP Partnership, the Assistant Academic Director works closely with university administrators, academic support staff, and faculty members to ensure the quality of this specialized academic program. He or she supports and guides program students by organizing effective student resources in areas of academic English, tutorials, and progression through the program.

The Assistant Academic Director ensures the delivery of a high-quality academic experience for all students in the IAP. This individual possesses the interpersonal skills to work closely with a range of administrators, students, and faculty. The Assistant Academic Director is a strong team player who participates in both academic and student services initiatives, providing a high level of customer service to all stakeholders.

Essential Functions
Academic Program Support

• Assist in managing all academic program logistics, including timetabling, resource preparation, and classroom allocation
• Oversee and assist with day-to-day academic operations of the program, providing hands-on academic and acculturation student support
• Manage academic operations (as per guidelines of the Academic Director), including ensuring established systems and procedures are followed, and accurate records and reports on the program are maintained
• Work closely with the Student Services Director to support student services activities
• Work with university academic departments to ensure appropriate scheduling of courses and assignment of instructional staff
• Assist with maintaining academic program quality and standards of the university and its accrediting bodies, and ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of the program
• Represent the program at academic events, during familiarization tours, and through memberships and affiliations, as appropriate
• Adhere to university policies regarding academic integrity and related university academic policies
• Teach partnership courses as needed

Essential Functions

Academic Program Support

• Assist in managing all academic program logistics, including timetabling, resource preparation, and classroom allocation
• Oversee and assist with day-to-day academic operations of the program, providing hands-on academic and acculturation student support
• Manage academic operations (as per guidelines of the Academic Director), including ensuring established systems and procedures are followed, and accurate records and reports on the program are maintained
• Work closely with the Student Services Director to support student services activities
• Work with university academic departments to ensure appropriate scheduling of courses and assignment of instructional staff
• Assist with maintaining academic program quality and standards of the university and its accrediting bodies, and ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of the program
• Represent the program at academic events, during familiarization tours, and through memberships and affiliations, as appropriate
• Adhere to university policies regarding academic integrity and related university academic policies
• Teach partnership courses as needed

Student Progression and Retention

• Monitor student retention processes and develop/promote policies for the program, utilizing Salesforce and other data management tools
• Analyze data and report on the progress and satisfaction of the students’ achievement of objectives, including progression through the program and degree completion at the university

Relationship Management

• Partner with the Academic Director and the Student Services Director to liaise with key offices at the university
• Support the Academic Director in liaising with academic committees and other partners related to the matriculation and onboarding of new students initially, through American IAP, and into university degree programs

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• 3+ years of experience in higher education, language school management, TEFL/TESOL, or related field

• Experience working with international students

• Demonstrated understanding of class management tools, including databases, Microsoft Office programs, course management systems, and forms of media to support an interactive and student-centered classroom instruction

• Eligible to work in and travel freely to and from the United States without sponsorship

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the Shorelight Careers page to submit an application with a resume and cover letter.

Background Check Required–Education, Criminal, Identity

American IAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.