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University Pathways Director - Job Opportunity at EF Education First

Oxford, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
£55,000 - £75,000 per year based on senior academic leadership role in Oxford's competitive education market, with potential for performance-based bonuses and international travel allowances typical for global education organizations

Benefits

Comprehensive life insurance coverage providing financial security for family members and peace of mind in a senior leadership role
Confidential employee assistance program offering professional counseling and support services to manage work-life balance in high-pressure academic leadership positions
Premium private medical insurance ensuring immediate access to healthcare services crucial for maintaining performance in demanding international education environments

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic academic vision and drive performance excellence across University Preparation programmes in Oxford and Manchester, directly impacting student success rates and institutional reputation
Drive quality assurance initiatives and implement outcome-driven instruction frameworks that align with university admission standards, ensuring competitive advantage in the international education market
Build and lead high-performing academic teams through strategic recruitment, professional development, and performance management to maintain EF's position as a global education leader
Develop and expand strategic university partnerships with high-ranking UK and international institutions, directly contributing to student placement rates and institutional growth
Spearhead programme development and growth initiatives by collaborating with global sales networks and identifying market trends to maintain competitive edge in the pathways education sector
Oversee comprehensive student experience management including academic progress monitoring, university application support, and wellbeing initiatives that drive student satisfaction and success outcomes
Serve as the primary strategic representative for University Preparation programmes across internal and external stakeholder networks, enhancing EF's market presence and reputation

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree (Master's degree or PGCE preferred)

Experience

Minimum 3 years' experience in academic management or senior leadership within international education, pathways programmes, or EFL

Required Skills

Strong working knowledge of the UK higher education system, UCAS processes, and university admissions criteria for international students Experience managing multi-campus or multi-disciplinary teams, including recruitment, performance, and development Experience working with international students and understanding their unique academic, cultural, and pastoral needs Familiarity with university pathway models, foundation programmes, or subject-specific pre-university curricula (e.g., A-Level, IB, Pre-Masters) Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Able to plan long-term, identify opportunities, and develop innovative academic solutions Inspirational Leadership: Skilled at motivating teams, coaching managers, and creating a culture of trust, performance, and accountability Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; confident when liaising with stakeholders at all levels Project Management: Comfortable managing complex initiatives, setting clear goals, and delivering on time Data-Informed Decision Making: Able to interpret performance data to drive improvements and make evidence-based recommendations Cultural Competence: Empathy and sensitivity when working across cultures and supporting international learners Student-Centred: A passionate advocate for student success and wellbeing throughout the academic journey

Certifications

Knowledge of accreditation standards such as British Council, ISI, or OfS is advantageous
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The international education sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increasing global mobility and demand for UK higher education qualifications, with pathway programmes becoming essential bridges for international students navigating complex university admission requirements. Universities are increasingly partnering with specialized pathway providers to diversify their international student intake and ensure academic preparedness, creating expanded opportunities for strategic partnership development and programme innovation. Digital transformation in education delivery and student support services is reshaping how pathway programmes operate, requiring leaders to integrate technology solutions while maintaining high-touch pastoral care standards that international students require.

Role Significance

Expected to lead and coordinate teams of 15-25+ staff members across Oxford and Manchester campuses, including University Preparation Managers, academic faculty, and support staff, while collaborating with global sales and recruitment teams.
Senior leadership position with significant strategic responsibility, managing multi-campus operations and serving as the primary academic authority for EF's UK university preparation offerings, requiring both operational excellence and visionary programme development.

Key Projects

Implementation of new university partnerships and pathway programme accreditations that expand student placement opportunities Development of innovative curriculum frameworks that improve student success rates and university progression outcomes Strategic campus expansion initiatives and quality assurance frameworks that maintain competitive positioning in the international education market

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with university admissions teams and international education partners, as these relationships directly impact student placement success and programme credibility. Proven track record in data-driven performance management and quality assurance, enabling continuous programme improvement and maintaining competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving pathways education sector. Cultural intelligence and international perspective essential for understanding diverse student needs and navigating complex cross-cultural academic environments while maintaining consistent programme standards. Strategic vision combined with operational excellence to balance long-term programme development with day-to-day delivery requirements across multiple campus locations. Leadership capability to inspire and develop academic teams while fostering innovation in curriculum design and student support services that differentiate EF's offerings in a competitive market.

Market Demand

High demand for experienced pathway programme directors as UK universities expand international recruitment strategies and competition intensifies among education providers to secure premium university partnerships and maintain student placement rates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities are fundamental to navigating the complex landscape of UK higher education regulations, university partnership negotiations, and competitive programme positioning while identifying growth opportunities. Leadership and team development skills are essential for managing diverse academic teams across multiple locations while maintaining programme quality and fostering innovation in curriculum delivery and student support services. Deep understanding of UK higher education systems and UCAS processes is critical for ensuring programme relevance and student success, as pathway programmes must align precisely with university admission requirements and academic standards.

Beneficial Skills

Digital literacy and educational technology integration skills are increasingly valuable as the sector embraces hybrid learning models and digital student support platforms to enhance programme delivery and accessibility. International business development experience would accelerate success in university partnership expansion and global collaboration initiatives that drive programme growth and market positioning. Research and data analysis capabilities would enhance programme evaluation and improvement initiatives while supporting evidence-based decision making in competitive market positioning and curriculum development.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to shape academic strategy across two prestigious UK locations while building relationships with top-tier universities in one of the world's most competitive higher education markets.
Role combines strategic leadership with hands-on programme development, offering unusual breadth of responsibility from curriculum design to university partnership negotiation in a well-resourced global organization.
Position provides platform for international impact through collaboration with global sales networks and agent partnerships, enabling influence on international student mobility patterns and educational outcomes.
Unique combination of academic leadership and business development responsibilities, preparing for senior executive roles in international education or university administration.

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to progress to regional director level, with accelerated advancement possible based on performance in university partnership development and student outcome achievements.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Director of Academic Operations overseeing multiple countries and programme types within EF's global network Vice President of University Partnerships responsible for strategic alliance development across international markets Director of International Education at major university systems or independent progression to founding specialized pathway consultancy organizations

Company Overview

EF Education First

EF Education First is a global leader in international education with over 60 years of market presence, operating 600+ schools and offices across 50 countries, positioning this role within one of the world's most established and resourced international education organizations.

Market leader in international education services with strong brand recognition and established university partnerships globally, providing significant competitive advantages and resources for programme development and student placement activities.
Strong UK market presence with established Oxford and Manchester campuses offering direct access to premium university partnerships and positioning within one of the world's most prestigious higher education ecosystems.
Dynamic, multicultural environment emphasizing innovation and collaboration, with opportunities for international travel and career mobility across global network, fostering professional development and cross-cultural competency development.
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