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Esl Program Director Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Goodwill SC

Career Navigator-Bilingual

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

To provide translation and interpretation support for ESL job seekers. * Develop and maintain ... Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities including making employer contacts ...

All JobsEsl Program JobsEsl Program Director JobsEsl Program Director Jobs in Columbia, SC

Esl Program Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$31.9K

$66.4K

$105.5K

How much do esl program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for esl program director in Columbia, SC is $66,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $82,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ESL Program Director do?

An ESL (English as a Second Language) Program Director oversees the development, implementation, and administration of ESL programs within educational institutions or organizations. Their responsibilities include curriculum planning, staff recruitment and training, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. They also assess program effectiveness, support instructors, and facilitate communication between students, teachers, and administrators. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure high-quality English language instruction for non-native speakers.

What are some common challenges ESL Program Directors face when managing diverse instructional teams?

ESL Program Directors often lead teams comprised of instructors from various cultural and educational backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning teaching methods, communication styles, and program goals. Managing these differences requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. Regular training, open communication channels, and clear expectations are essential for ensuring that all team members work effectively toward student success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ESL Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ESL Program Director, you need expertise in language education, curriculum development, and program management, often supported by a master's degree in TESOL, education, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, learning management platforms, and assessment tools is typically required. Strong leadership, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding staff and engaging diverse student populations. These skills ensure the successful design and administration of programs that meet learners' needs and maintain high educational standards.

What is the difference between Esl Program Director vs Esl Instructor?

AspectEsl Program DirectorEsl Instructor
CredentialsBachelor's degree, TESOL/TEFL certification, experience in program managementBachelor's degree, TESOL/TEFL certification, teaching experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program planning, staff supervisionClassrooms, language labs, teaching settings
Employer & IndustryLanguage schools, universities, educational organizationsLanguage schools, colleges, private institutions
Primary FocusManaging and developing ESL programs, overseeing staffTeaching English to students, curriculum delivery

The main difference is that an Esl Program Director focuses on managing ESL programs, overseeing staff, and curriculum development, while an Esl Instructor primarily teaches students in classroom settings. Both roles require TESOL/TEFL certification and relevant experience, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Esl Program Director jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Esl Program Director jobs in Columbia, SC are:

Esl Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Esl Program Director job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,424 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Career Navigator-Bilingual

Goodwill SC

Columbia, SC • On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide employment and retention support services to job seekers, including translation and interpretation support for ESL clients.

  • Develop relationships with employers and community organizations to identify job and training opportunities, and perform direct job placement activities.

  • Assist clients with job searches, resume and cover letter preparation, facilitate workshops and coaching sessions, and conduct assessments to determine employability.

Job description

Description
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide comprehensive Spanish Language employment and retention support services to job seekers.
  • To provide translation and interpretation support for ESL job seekers.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, internal stakeholders, to identify job and training opportunities.
  • Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities including making employer contacts, understanding the local market requirements, reporting on placement and follow-up activities.
  • Maintains all documentation on clients including up-to-date case notes, updating any required databases, and completing required reports.
  • To uphold the CARES+ values of GIUMSC

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
PEOPLE
1. Assist clients with job searches and basic computer navigation skills.
2. Help job seekers complete resumes, cover letters, and apply for jobs in the Career & Training Center (CTC).
  1. To have flexibility to support multiple locations, willing to drive and commute daily or as needed.

4. Facilitate workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions.
5. Complete assessments, employment plans, and conduct interviews to determine employability and access to employment opportunities.
6. Serve as the employment resource for Community and Workforce Development program graduates and clients through CTC.
7. Provide follow-up services, including follow-up calls.
8. Build and maintain relationships with community employers to identify job opportunities for clients and advocate on jobseeker's behalf.
9. Refer clients to GIUMSC programs for upskilling and training.
10. Attend meetings on Goodwill's behalf and represent Goodwill at community career and resource fairs.
11. Assist participants with onboarding/orientation activities as needed.
12. Develop and facilitate community outreach and recruiting events.
13. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to determine employment strategies and match career-ready participants to job requirements.
PERFORMANCE
  1. Ensure the quality of services provided through Customer Ambassador Program (CAP), employer surveys, and other feedback mechanisms.

2. Maintain outreach efforts to meet goals and measure success through client engagement and placement outcomes.
  1. Report data to supervisor in timely manner to include weekly, monthly, and as needed reporting.
  2. Review monthly and annual goals ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  3. Monitor progress on key performance indicators to identify trends and make adjustments to meet target goals.

PROCESS
  1. Ensure proper documentation is obtained by job seekers for employment, including necessary identification documents.
  2. Maintain confidentiality and security of organizational information and files, as well as Goodwill practices and policies.
  3. Ensure all activities comply with relevant policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
  4. Record data and case notes in data management systems, such as CaseWorthy, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
  5. Participate in team meetings with internal staff and outside providers to coordinate efforts and share information.
  6. Maintain knowledge of internal and local resources and offerings to effectively assist clients.
  7. To perform all other duties as may be assigned.

Responsible to: Career Services Team Lead and Career Services Manager
Requirements
Education: High School Diploma, or equivalent required, with relevant work experience.
Work Experience: Two to five years' of work-related experience in Human Services and/or Workforce Development. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data management.
Qualifications: Must maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider. Each associate must maintain a current and valid driver's license with limited points and/or traffic citations and adequate automobile liability insurance. Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check.
Physical Requirements: Daily requirements may include climbing, balancing, reaching, talking, hearing, seeing, standing, stooping, kneeling, handling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying (up to 25 pounds), pushing, and pulling. May involve walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time. General office environment infrequently exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions (temperature, noise, fumes, dust, odors, etc.).
Safety & Security: Report all accidents, however slight, to your supervisor immediately. Never leave the premises without reporting any accident that occurred during your working time. If you should need medical treatment during your non-work hours, you should contact your supervisor.
Goodwill strives to have a safe, secure, and ethical work environment. Goodwill's expectation from each associate is to refrain from: 1) unsafe work practices; 2) involvement in unethical situations; 3) dishonest/fraudulent work behaviors; or, 4) other behavior which would damage the organization's good standing in the community. If a Goodwill associate observes or has the knowledge of unsafe, unethical, dishonest, or fraudulent work practices, the associate should report it immediately to his/her supervisor, another member of management, or contact the CALL Hotline.
Work Hours:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday,Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be required as needed.
Work Attire: Each associate is expected to present a fashionable, neat, and clean appearance that will be reflective of Goodwill's positive image in the community.

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