Garden City, New York

About Us

Founded in 1896, New York’s Adelphi University is a nationally ranked, doctoral research university where students succeed by gaining the skills, knowledge and exposure to thrive as professionals and active citizens in an interconnected and fast-paced global society. Today, nearly 7,500 students from 38 states and 46 countries pursue degrees in person and online through Adelphi’s eight distinguished schools with a wide range of liberal arts and professionally oriented programs. Adelphi is known for offering a personalized education—one in which students are mentored by talented and committed faculty members and readily find opportunities to initiate, innovate, explore and understand. With dynamic learning hubs on Long Island, in Manhattan and in the Hudson Valley, Adelphi serves communities, both regionally and globally, through the research and practice of its faculty, the collaborative initiatives undertaken by its centers and programs, the staging of distinguished cultural events and, most essentially, the education of future leaders and informed citizens.

Job Overview

The Assistant Academic Director (AAD) manages a team of instructors and oversees the delivery of academic programs to a diverse group of international students in an Intensive English Program (IEP) and an International Accelerator Program (IAP). Reporting to the Academic Director with dotted–line responsibility to the Senior Manager, Academic Affairs, the AAD will provide professional support and development, including observations and performance reviews, hiring new staff, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of all products and services, and communicating regularly with academic team members about developments within the IEP and IAP. 

In cooperation with the Academic Director, the AAD works collegially with students, faculty members, and administrators. The AAD is a strong team player who participates in both academic and student services initiatives, providing a high level of customer service to all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Academic Director in managing academic operations, including implementing and overseeing systems, procedures, and policies; maintaining accurate records and reports on the program; and meeting academic program quality standards, ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement of the program
• Work closely with the Academic Director, Managing Director, Academic Chair, and Shorelight Education to support all academic programming, including curriculum delivery, mentoring of faculty and staff, and overall student experience
• Oversee the academic support services for at-risk students across programs and advise students, as needed
• Ensure a holistic program encompassing academic success, integration into the university environment, acculturation, student service support, and student success
• Stay current with the latest developments and best practices in ESL/EFL pedagogy, curriculum development, testing, and teaching  

• In partnership with the Academic Director, implement and monitor student progression and retention processes and policies for the program
• Analyze reports on the progress and satisfaction of the students’ achievement of objectives, including progression through the program and degree completion
• Work closely with academic departments and the University Registrar to ensure appropriate scheduling of courses and instructional staff, as directed

• Recruit, develop, and retain ESL instructors to ensure productivity and engagement
• Engage in talent management activities such as goal setting, performance evaluations, stay interviews, development planning, and ongoing feedback to develop team members and achieve organization goals
• Provide coaching, counseling, and corrective action (when necessary) to team members
• Conduct regular observations of ESL instructors in the classroom, keeping accurate and complete records and communicating the results
• Act as academic quality and assurance manager for curriculum, teaching, and assessment
• Ensure that instructors foster a communicative, student-centered classroom environment, in which student interaction is encouraged and facilitated
• Ensure that instructors produce and follow lesson plans that reflect effective teaching strategies and meet the individual needs of students
• Collect and organize records of all formative and summative student evaluations and feedback, and produce reports summarizing student results
• Oversee evaluation and processes for students transitioning from the IEP to the accelerator program
• Provide opportunities for staff development and professional training, and participate in same when appropriate 
• Act as a positive ambassador for Adelphi International
• Assist the Academic Director and Managing Director as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, higher education management, or related field required with 3+ years of experience in higher education and managing ESL teachers
• 3+ years of teaching academic English to L2 learners
• Demonstrable knowledge of applied linguistics, second language acquisition, language-teaching methodologies, assessment, and curriculum/lesson planning
• Ability to work in a diverse environment and exhibit cross-cultural competence and understanding
• Proven customer service skills and demonstrated work ethic
• High energy level and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and creative-thinking abilities
• Demonstrated tact, patience, and diplomacy, particularly with non-native English speakers
• Evidence of having a hands-on approach to academic delivery, student service, and business growth
• 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
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, and leadership skills
• Eligibility to work and travel in the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within an educational collaboration and/or a complex organization
• Experience living or working overseas
• Competence in a foreign language preferred
• Academic advising experience

Application Process

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

Adelphi International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.