About Expanish
Expanish is an award-winning Spanish language school and study abroad provider with locations in Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga (Spain), as well as Buenos Aires (Argentina). For over 19 years, we have offered high-quality Spanish language programs and cultural experiences to students from around the world.
Position Details
- Position Title: School Director
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Hours: Full Time
- Contract Type: Indefinite
POSITION OVERVIEW
Expanish is seeking an experienced, skilled, enthusiastic, organized, and student-focused School Director to oversee the full scope of our academic center in Barcelona. This leadership role is responsible for the successful delivery and continuous improvement of three core programs —Spanish Language Programs, Study Abroad Programs, and Young & Summer Camp Programs—with the operational management of the Expanish Barcelona Study Center.
The School Director supervises both academic and administrative staff, manages day-to-day operations of the center, ensures an excellent student experience across all programs, and maintains full accountability for compliance, staffing, financial operations, and health & safety. The position reports to the Global Director of Operations (based in Spain).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and manage the Barcelona-based team, including academic, housing, program coordination, administrative, and seasonal staff across all program types.
- Recruit, train, and evaluate team members across all departments and programs.
- Foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with Expanish values.
- Adjust team structure and responsibilities as programs grow or change.
- Provide strategic leadership across all study abroad formats —semester, summer, and faculty-led —ensuring all staff are aligned, empowered, and working toward shared goals.
Program Oversight
Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of:
- Spanish Language Programs for International Adults
- Groups & Study Abroad Programs, including semester, summer, and faculty-led initiatives
- Young & Summer Camp Programs for teen learners
- Ensure academic quality, pedagogical consistency, and cultural enrichment across all offerings.
- Monitor student progress, faculty performance, and overall program outcomes.
Operations & Financial Management
- Direct the day-to-day operation of the Expanish Barcelona Study Center, including facilities, class scheduling, vendor coordination, and accommodations.
- Manage staff payroll, provider payments, operational budgets, and financial reporting.
- Ensure compliance with Spanish and Catalan laws, health & safety regulations, and Expanish internal policies.
Student Experience & Support
- Act as the primary point of accountability for student well-being and satisfaction across all programs and age groups.
- Provide support on local adaptation, housing, safety, and cultural integration.
- Uphold Expanish’s DEIB values to ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students.
- Ensure proper supervision and care for underage participants in youth programs.
Health, Safety & Risk Management
- Lead the enforcement of health and safety protocols for all program types.
- Serve as lead emergency contact and manage the on-call emergency phone rotation.
- Collaborate with global and institutional partners on risk assessment and incident management.
Partnerships & Community Engagement
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with local providers, vendors, housing partners, and cultural organizations.
- Support visits from university representatives, parents, or educational delegations.
- Represent Expanish within the local Barcelona education and cultural community.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
- Fluent in English and Spanish (Catalan is a plus)
- 5+ Demonstrated leadership experience in international education, language programs, or school administration
- Strong operational management and budget handling skills
- Proven ability to manage student services, logistics, and team coordination
- Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Legally authorized to work in Spain (no visa sponsorship available)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in international education, education management, or a related field
- Experience in youth education, language school leadership, or study abroad coordination
- Background in student health & safety and emergency response
- Experience with experiential learning, co-curricular program design, or intercultural training
Join our mission to deliver transformative educational experiences for global learners of all ages! 🌍📘
