Job description
School Director – EF International Language Campus, TokyoLocation: Tokyo
Reports to: VP Operations, Asia & Pacific (based in Singapore)Who We AreAt EF, we’re on a mission to open the world through education. Every day, we empower students from around the globe to explore new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities through language and learning.Our Tokyo campus welcomes international students year-round to study Japanese language and culture in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.We live by seven core values:
Entrepreneurial Spirit. Passion. Quality. Innovation. Cost Consciousness. Attention to Detail. Nothing is Impossible.The Opportunity: School DirectorAs School Director of EF Tokyo, you will lead a fast-paced, international campus delivering Japanese language programs to students from around the world.This is a highly operational leadership role, combining education, service delivery, and team leadership in a culturally complex environment. You will oversee academics, student services, accommodation, and activities, ensuring a seamless and high-quality student experience.We are looking for a resilient, hands-on leader who can build strong teams, drive performance, and successfully bridge international expectations with the local operating environment in Japan.Your ImpactLeadership & Culture- Lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams across academics, accommodation, student services, and operations
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and collaboration aligned with EF’s global values
- Foster initiative and proactive problem-solving within teams
- Successfully balance EF’s entrepreneurial culture with local workplace dynamics
Student Experience & Customer Satisfaction- Own the school’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) and drive continuous improvement
- Deliver a seamless student journey across academics, accommodation, activities, and support services
- Reinforce a strong student-first mindset across all departments
Operations & Facilities- Ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming campus aligned with EF Gold Standards
- Oversee daily operations, vendors, and facilities in a busy, year-round environment
Accommodation & Welfare- Maintain high-quality accommodation options and strong host/residence relationships
- Ensure student welfare and safeguarding, including under-18s
Activities & Student Life- Oversee a dynamic social and cultural activities programme
- Ensure all excursions and activities meet EF safety and risk standards
Student Safety & Emergency Management- Oversee the 24-hour emergency phone system and staff rotation
- Act as the final escalation point for student incidents and emergencies
Business & Performance- Manage budgets and ensure financial performance
- Partner with global sales teams to support enrolment growth
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the Tokyo school offering
Financial Ownership- Own and manage the campus P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
- Ensure delivery against financial targets while maintaining high service standards
Who You Are- A proven leader in education, hospitality, tourism, or service operations
- Experienced managing teams in a fast-paced, operational environment
- Internationally experienced (work or study abroad)
- Experienced working in Japan or with a strong understanding of Japanese workplace culture
- A strong communicator in English and Japanese (preferred)
- A resilient, hands-on leader who thrives under pressure
You are someone who can bring people with you, challenge constructively, and create an environment where teams take ownership and deliver exceptional experiences.Why EF?At EF, you’ll be part of a global community of bold thinkers and doers. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact, lead a dynamic team, and help students from around the world experience Japan.Join us. Grow with us. Help open the world through education.About EF Education First
At EF we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, we have helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves. Our culturally immersive education programs—focused on language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics—turn dreams into international opportunities.
When you join EF, you join a multicultural and diverse community working across more than 600 schools and offices in 50 countries, all with one shared mission of opening the world through education. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to work every day. EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, parental status, identity, experience and everything else that makes you unique.
Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF has schools and offices around the world, including hubs in Boston, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, Shanghai, Stockholm, Zürich, and more. Learn more at https://www.ef.com.
EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All positions are subject to a criminal background and/or reference checks, as applicable.
This job post has been translated by AI and may contain minor differences or errors.
