Who we are: 

CIEE is a global organization, staffed with dedicated problem-solvers adept at collaboration across teams and time-zones. Our international staff operates the largest nonprofit network of study abroad centers at 30+ locations around the world. Since 1947, we have promoted peace by cultivating intercultural understanding and preparing people to thrive in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

Why work with us: 

You will change the world. CIEE programs build bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. We help young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Be part of the change!

You will be part of a fast-paced, international, diverse, and collaborative team of professionals. Committed to excellence and solving whatever problem the world throws at them, CIEE professionals work on international teams and are dedicated to advancing our 75-year-old mission to make the world a more peaceful place.

Who you are

The Academic Director oversees, in collaboration with and supervision by CIEE´s onsite Center Director, the coordination, quality, and planning of all courses and educational programming year-round for CIEE Madrid. More generally, it is the job of the Academic Director to provide intellectual leadership and to ensure a rigorous, engaging, and supportive learning environment. The position communicates frequently with the Center Director, Administrative Director and Program Managers as well as U.S-based staff (registrar, VP academic affairs, Regional Director of Operations).

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage all operational aspects of the academic programs in accordance with CIEE academic policies and agreements; help manage relationship with local host institutions.

Participate in the formulation of the annual academic budget and host institution billing; oversee the expense planning of CIEE academic operations.

Coordinate the academic program in cooperation with host institution administrators, faculty and CIEE staff.

Update the CIEE program offerings; write, edit, and review course syllabi.

Act as “approval” authority for any student requests for special academic exceptions, learning disabilities, complaints, appeal, early program departure, etc.

Supervise the hiring, selection, training and mentoring of CIEE faculty; conduct and write up classroom peer observations of CIEE courses and teaching practice, course improvement, etc.

Provides analysis of pre-registration data and collaborates with CIEE staff on course offering, cancellation, and new course development.

Participate in the determination of selection criteria for participants and program requirements.

Offer academic, and where appropriate, professional guidance to students through appointment-based office hours in the beginning of and during the program.

Manage the submission of grades and course data to the CIEE Registrar at the end of each instructional period.

Supervise the online student evaluation process and submit data on academic experience and classroom quality control, as needed.

Identify venues for co-curricular visits that enrich the classroom experience; advise CIEE faculty on integrating co-curriculars into course learning objectives and activities.

Participate in the planning and execution of learning goals for day trips and overnight excursions, whose logistics are primarily organized and executed through the Office of Student Life.

Advise students in “Directed Study” for the Open Campus program during the second and third blocks of the semester (ten hours per block per student) and track the contracted coordinators.

Program Evaluation: Manage the student evaluation processes after orientation and at the conclusion of the program, including both evaluations of the program as a whole and of individual courses.

Help facilitate the visits of sending institution and evaluation teams (provide information, coordinating schedules, establishing appropriate local contacts, setting up group and/or individual meetings with students)

Participate in the end of term report writing at the conclusion of each semester cycle, in coordination with the Center Director.

Marketing: Participate in the writing of academic program materials (promotional academic materials, catalogue copy, pre-departure reading list, course syllabi, curricula vitae of teachers, information concerning the country, the location, and the host institution).

Acts as a point of contact for the design of academic components for custom programs, as needed, in collaboration with CIEE program managers, who are responsible for the budget planning and execution.

Foster existing professional relationships within the broader academic community in Madrid, and act as CIEE Madrid contact with APUNE with regards to student visa legislation and ensuring CIEE participants receive required documentation to start their academic programs in Spain.

Assist as needed in the development and implementation of new CIEE programs.

Participate in the emergency staff-on-duty telephone rotation system.

Other occasional duties: teach a CIEE course in area of expertise during the academic year, depending on student enrollment projections and other program priorities, in coordination with the Center Director.

Knowledge Skills and Requirements

· Fluency in Spanish and English (both written and verbal)

· Must be organized with at least three years of program coordination/administration experience.

· Need to have the confidence, interest, and soundness of judgement to provide effective communication with participants from diverse backgrounds.

· Communication: Proven ability to deal calmly and empathically with students who are adapting to new learning environments.

· Knowledge of Spanish culture, history, business practices, and academic environment

· Demonstrated problem solving skills with meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to customer service with a positive outlook.

· PhD degree required

· Familiarity with U.S. higher education and direct experience with U.S. college and students is a plus.

· Good skills to complete collaborative work, participating in collective tasks taking different roles.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn new systems are required.

· Flexibility: Must be able to respond quickly to changing circumstances.

· Applicant must have authorization to work in Spain.