Job title: Director of Operations, Pre-College and Collegiate Programs (US)

Organization: BrandEd

Department: Pre-College and Collegiate Division

Reporting to: Vice-President, Pre-College and Collegiate Division

Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Location: New York City, with domestic and occasional international travel as required

Salary Range: $100,000 - 130,000

Role Context

BrandEd is Sotheby's Institute of Art, Vogue College of Fashion, The School of the New York Times, Manchester City Sports Business School and WIRED Education. Our Pre-College programs are on a rapid growth trajectory, with 3,500 students taking our 2-week programs during the summer, and a growing online portfolio.

Meanwhile, new industry-immersive Collegiate offerings pioneer modes of study abroad/away that support college-level students to gain industry insights, knowledge and experiences to support them to feel truly prepared for the workforce.

The Pre-College and Collegiate Division is a new team with a wealth of expertise in educational innovation, a passion for delivering world-class student experiences, and an energetic focus on the successful launch of new brand-inspired learning

programs internationally.

Role Overview

The Director of Operations, Pre-College and Collegiate Programs is responsible for the logistical, operational, and financial success of all U.S.-based pre-college and collegiate programs within BrandEd. This role ensures the seamless delivery of high­ quality programs across U.S. locations, including New York City, and supports program expansion efforts.

While this role is specifically responsible for the operational delivery of US-based programs, the Director will collaborate with a team based in the UK and Spain to align on underlying processes, finances, program quality, and student experience across BrandEd's global pre-college and collegiate division. The Director will play a key role in optimising operations, managing budgets, and ensuring exceptional student experiences. The Director will work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven environment focused on delivering exceptional educational experiences.

Key collaborators/stakeholders include: Global Academic Director, Pre-College Programs; Global Academic Director, Collegiate Programs; Director of Residential and Student Life (US); Head of Operations and Student Life (UK); and Shared Services teams including Finance, HR, Legal, Facilities, IT and Digital Learning, Global Enrolment and Marketing.

Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but the individual will also be expected to perform all the duties necessary, which are customarily performed by a person holding this position or one similar to it. Other duties may be assigned.

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee the execution of all U.S. pre-college and collegiate programs, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with BrandEd's strategic growth objectives.
• Develop and implement operational frameworks to support program expansion within the U.S.

• Serve as the primary liaison between U.S. program leadership and shared services teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across Finance, HR, Legal, Facilities, IT and Digital Learning, Global Enrolment and Marketing.

• Ensure all programs adhere to health, safety, and risk management policies, meeting U.S. regulatory requirements.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations and Student Life (U.K.) to align operational processes across the global division.

• Support and embrace of diversity and inclusiveness.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Work closely with the Vice-President, department Directors, and the Finance team to manage U.S. program budgets, forecasting, and financial performance.

• Implement an improved budgeting and financial tracking model in collaboration with Finance, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Optimise operational costs while maintaining program quality and student experience.

Program Logistics & Delivery

• Oversee all logistical aspects of US program execution, including venue selection, housing, catering, transportation, and IT infrastructure.
• Manage contracting and vendor relationships, ensuring high standards for service providers.

• Develop scalable processes for program delivery, ensuring operational consistency across US locations. 

• Collaborate with shared services to maintain program documentation and processes and keep them up to date, including de-escalation policies, risk register, student and staff handbooks, terms and conditions, web copy, program form (student medical and accommodations requirements).
• Oversee the set up and delivery of online virtual open houses, online pre­ orientation sessions, development of community courses (CANVAS), and student communications.

Staffing & Team Management

• Lead hiring, training, and management of temporary US program staff, including operations coordinators and student support teams.

• Work closely with the Director of Residential and Student Life to ensure alignment between operational planning and student services.
• Foster a culture of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation within the US operations team.

• Supervise the permanent operations team as well as the temporary summer teams including Academics Support (program aides and administration assistants) and Welcome Desk (senior program counsellors and program counsellors) to support shared services, as well as oversee the resolution of student conduct inside and outside of the classroom and reporting to brand partners where necessary.

Technology & Process Optimisation

• Partner with Digital Learning and IT teams to integrate technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and student experience.

• Implement data-driven tracking systems for enrolment, attendance, student feedback, and program performance.

• Ensure best-in-class digital tools are used for program administration, communications, and student support.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be legally authorized to work in the US.

• Must hold or be able to obtain a valid passport to allow for occasional international travel.

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Project Management qualifications and/or Master's degree preferred in Education, Management or a related field.

• Experience:

1. 7 years of experience in program operations, higher education administration, or event management.
2. Experience in pre-college, collegiate, study abroad, or experiential education programs is highly desirable.
3. Demonstrated success in scaling programs and leading operational teams.

• Skills:

  1. Strong leadership and project management skills.
     1. Excellent budget management and financial acumen.
        1. Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders.
           1. Proficiency in technology solutions for education and operations management.
           2. Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

 Language Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent command of the English language

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 Work Environment

The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Basic office environment
• on-site work schedule

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. BrandEd reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.

BrandEd is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.