Aozora Community
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aozoracommunity.org
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Japanese Language Education Director
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Position: Japanese Language Education Director
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $90,000 ~ $105,000
Reports To: Executive Director
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; and free lunch on school days (approximately 180 days during the school year), 401K, Life Insurance
Overview
The Japanese Language Education Director is a key member of Aozora Community’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and growth of three core program areas: Aozora Academy (K–8 Japanese language programs), Aozora Camps, and Japanese Classes for Grown-ups. This role is critical to delivering on Aozora’s mission to foster a vibrant bilingual community and promote lifelong learning rooted in Japanese language and culture.
The Director ensures program excellence, cultivates strong relationships with families and educators, and drives strategic growth in both enrollment and program quality. Responsibilities include curriculum development, staff supervision, admissions oversight, and marketing leadership. The Director leads with vision and integrity, creating a collaborative, professional, and culturally inclusive work environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor degree in Japanese Language Education (Masters degree in Education and New York State Teacher Certification is preferred)
- Minimum 5 years experience as a Japanese language teacher in K-12 teaching classroom setting
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team
- Deep knowledge and understanding in Japanese language education and child development
- Passion for community building and Japanese language education
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Legal authorization to work in the United States
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning and Program Development
- Develop a strategic plan that identifies goals, prioritizes objectives, defines tactics, and outlines implementation steps.
- Meet with the Executive Director on a recurring basis to evaluate progress on strategic goals.
- Program Oversight and Development
- Design and implement curricula for Aozora Academy, Camps, and Japanese Classes for Grown-ups in alignment with Aozora’s educational philosophy.
- Oversee curriculum planning and materials development. Support teachers in delivering effective lesson plans and assessing student progress.
- Evaluate and enhance existing programs while identifying opportunities for growth, including curriculum updates, special events, and new course offerings.
- Set clear goals for each program area and monitor progress toward achieving them.
- Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure high-quality instruction, safety, and organization.
- Stay current on best practices in Japanese language education for second-language and heritage learners.
- Guide the implementation of student assessments to measure learning outcomes and use data to improve instruction and support teacher development.
- Collaborate with directors of other programs (e.g., Preschool, After School) to ensure educational consistency and alignment with Aozora’s shared pedagogical values.
- Staff Supervision and Development
- Collaborate with HR Manager, recruit, onboard, and mentor teaching staff across all three programs.
- Train teachers to meet or exceed NYC DOHMH licensing standards (where applicable).
- Administer school policies and ensure compliance with NYC DOHMH regulations as required.
- Approve teacher schedules and time-off requests; review timesheets for accuracy and alignment with program needs.
- Conduct monthly 1:1 meetings with teachers to support professional development.
- Set annual goals and conduct performance reviews for all instructional staff.
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Maintain professional development and personnel records.
- Support teachers and families in resolving behavioral or interpersonal concerns; lead response protocols as needed.
- Admissions and Enrollment
- Work collaboratively with the Admissions Coordinator to oversee admissions for Aozora Academy and Japanese Classes for Grown-ups.
- Analyze enrollment trends and implement retention and recruitment strategies.
- Host program tours, conduct family interviews, and communicate Aozora’s mission and offerings to prospective families.
- Coordinate admissions materials, outreach content, and notification letters.
- Ensure timely and clear communication with families regarding program updates and enrollment.
- Family and Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families in Academy, Camp, and Adult programs.
- Build strong, supportive relationships with parents and guardians; respond promptly to questions and concerns.
- Organize and evaluate surveys and post-program feedback to improve quality and satisfaction.
- Foster a sense of community and collaboration between families and staff.
- Ensure teachers address behavioral issues promptly and maintain open communication with families about student progress and discipline in alignment with the school handbook.
- Uphold confidentiality standards across all communications.
- Marketing and Outreach
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Program Coordinator to develop and implement marketing strategies to grow enrollment and visibility.
- Maintain updated program information on the website and social media platforms.
- Lead marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value of Aozora’s programs.
- Evaluate marketing effectiveness and adjust strategies based on performance data.
- Promote programs through community outreach, events, and word-of-mouth engagement.
- Evaluation and Reporting
- Participate in annual performance evaluations with the Executive Director and engage in self-assessment and goal setting.
- Use program and student data to inform instructional improvements and operational decisions.
- Support grant writing and fundraising by providing program information and outcome data as needed.
- Other Duties
- Serve as a classroom substitute when needed to maintain instructional continuity.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of Aozora Community Foundation’s mission and goals.
To Apply: Email a cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications for the position, your resume and salary requirements to hr@aozoracommunity.org Please indicate “Japanese Language Education Director Position” in the subject line of the email. Aozora Community is an equal opportunity employer.
Click on Apply to know more.
