Executive Director, Implementation

About Us

Shorelight is reinventing the international education experience for both students and universities. Based in Boston, the company works directly with top-ranked, nonprofit American universities to build innovative programs and high-touch, technology-driven services that help talented students thrive and become global citizens.

Job Overview

The Executive Director, Implementation is a critical leadership role within Shorelight Global Solutions and leads a key function of the business development process. Reporting to the Vice President, Global Solutions, the Executive Director, Implementation leads the implementation team and the launching of new partners and programs and last-mile business development activities.

The Executive Director, Implementation is a skilled team player who can successfully lead the establishment of innovative educational ventures, including accountability for start-up and continuity details and the execution of business development opportunities. The Executive Director, Implementation is a skilled relationship manager, problem solver, project manager, and excellent cross-functional communicator who demonstrates the dual capacities of strategic thinking and meticulous execution and has a passion for international education.

This position is remote with 25% or more travel (primarily domestic with limited international).

Essential Functions

Business Development

• Oversees the execution of implementation for new partner launches and new product launches at existing partnerships.
• Engages in strategic initiatives and partner development activities across the Global Solutions group.
• Executes late-stage business development opportunities and post-signing optimization efforts.
• Manages the process of establishing Partnership Frameworks, including answering all key questions surrounding the programs and market launches.
• Responsible for managing launches within established KPIs, including, but limited to overall targets, budget, and timeline.
• Responsible for a best-in-class onboarding/implementation experience.
• Ensures that each program adheres to the highest standards and that the highest levels of optimization are achieved.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to establish optimal Go-To-Market plans.
• Represent the programs internationally and domestically, including participation in marketing events, familiarization tours, and through memberships and affiliations.

Relationship Management

• Lead a team to manage implementation process for functional areas, including admissions, operations, and academics, and cross-functionally lead Shorelight team members to ensure completion of launch essentials and timely and effective product launches.
• Liaise with all key university partners, including senior university leaders, and Shorelight colleagues to establish trust and partnerships.
• Serve as primary account owner of partnership during implementation and establish a smooth transition to Managing Director/Executive Director post-launch.
• Supervise project operations manager and collaborate with SGS leadership to ensure seamless, transparent transitions and timely launches.
• Manage communication plan for launches in collaboration with portfolio management and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment, and an effective Go-To-Market strategy.

People Management

• Recruit, develop, and retain team members to ensure productivity and engagement
• Engage in talent management activities such as goal setting, performance evaluations, stay interviews, development planning, and ongoing feedback to develop team members and achieve organization goals
• Provide coaching, counseling, and corrective action (when necessary) to team members
• Foster a culture that reflects Shorelight’s values

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of experience in higher education management with strong team motivational skills
• Experience managing a team
• Record of delivering strategic, financial, and operational objectives
• Experience establishing admissions processes and student support services for international students
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications
• Proven experience using CRMs or Student Information databases (e.g., Salesforce)
• Ability to work with project management software
• Eligibility to work in and travel freely to and from the United States without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Demonstrated P&L responsibility
• Experience working with international students in an administrative or academic capacity