Head of Academics

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and direction to the academic function of the institution, ensuring excellence in curriculum development, teaching quality, program outcomes, faculty development, and academic governance in alignment with institutional vision and standards.

Job Summary

The Head of Academics plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the educational vision and academic standards of the institution. This position is responsible for overseeing all academic programs, ensuring curriculum relevance, maintaining quality assurance standards, and fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.

The role requires dynamic leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to continuous academic improvement. The Head of Academics ensures that educational delivery meets institutional goals, accreditation standards, and the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

· Provide strategic direction to the academic department aligned with the institution’s mission and objectives.

· Develop and implement academic policies, frameworks, and quality assurance mechanisms.

· Lead academic planning, innovation, and institutional improvement initiatives.

· Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and academic integrity.

2. Academic Program Oversight

· Oversee curriculum development, review, and enhancement to ensure alignment with industry standards and accreditation requirements.

· Monitor academic performance indicators and student learning outcomes.

· Ensure continuous program evaluation and improvement.

· Integrate emerging educational trends, pedagogical innovations, and best practices into academic programs.

3. Faculty Leadership & Development

· Supervise, evaluate, and support faculty and academic staff.

· Lead recruitment, hiring, and retention of qualified faculty members.

· Promote professional development, mentoring, and academic excellence.

· Encourage scholarly activities, research engagement, and innovation in teaching methodologies.

· Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance academic culture.

4. Planning & Operational Management

· Plan and manage academic calendars, course scheduling, and faculty assignments.

· Ensure efficient coordination of academic activities across departments.

· Maintain academic documentation, compliance records, and institutional reporting standards.

5. Budget & Resource Management

· Develop and manage departmental budgets strategically.

· Optimize resource allocation for maximum academic impact.

· Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, grants, and academic partnerships.

· Ensure financial accountability and transparency within the academic function.

6. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

· Collaborate with other departments to promote interdisciplinary initiatives and shared resources.

· Build partnerships with external institutions, industry professionals, and community organizations.

· Represent the academic department in institutional forums and external engagements.

· Strengthen parent, community, and stakeholder confidence in academic standards.

7. Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

· Establish and track academic KPIs.

· Analyze program data and student performance metrics.

· Implement corrective measures and strategic improvements based on data insights.

· Prepare periodic academic performance reports for senior management.

Required Skills & Competencies

· Strong leadership and team management abilities.

· Strategic planning and analytical thinking skills.

· Expertise in curriculum development and academic quality assurance.

· Budget management and resource optimization capabilities.

· Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

· Ability to mentor and inspire faculty and staff.

· Data-driven mindset with the ability to evaluate academic performance.

· Proficiency in academic management software, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting tools.

Qualifications & Experience

· Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant academic field (PhD preferred).

· Minimum 5 years of experience in ECE, Middle, Secondary, Higher Secondary with significant experience in academic leadership or management roles.

· Experience with AKU-EB (Aga Khan University Examination Board) will be preferred.

· Demonstrated expertise and academic contributions in the relevant field.

· Strong understanding of current trends, accreditation standards, and best practices in higher education.

· Proven experience in curriculum design, faculty management, and academic planning.

· Flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays when required.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person