Job Description

Agency

Aga Khan Schools

Region

Europe

The requirements

The successful candidate will be an accomplished educational leader with a demonstrated record of improving educational quality across complex school systems or international education networks.
They will combine intellectual curiosity with strategic vision, educational expertise and practical leadership. They will be equally comfortable shaping strategy, influencing policy, building partnerships and leading organisational change across diverse cultural contexts. They will think strategically, lead collaboratively, inspire innovation and deliver measurable educational impact.

The successful candidate will bring:

• A Master's degree or Doctorate in Education or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience within complex education systems, international school groups or comparable organisations.
• Demonstrated success in leading educational transformation and improving learner outcomes across multiple schools, jurisdictions or countries.
• Deep expertise in curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, educational quality assurance, professional learning and school improvement.
• Experience working across culturally diverse contexts, particularly within the Global South.
• Strong understanding of educational innovation, digital learning and future-focused education.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse educational evidence and translate data into strategic action.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine commitment to values-based education, pluralism and improving quality of life through educational excellence.

Above all, the successful candidate will be an inspiring, collaborative and values-driven leader who can unite diverse stakeholders behind a shared educational vision while enabling schools, educators and operating regions to achieve their full potential.

This position is open to international applicants.

Our Commitment
AKS and the Aga Khan Development Network are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity or disability.

Environment and climate are core strategic priorities and cross-cutting themes across AKDN. Working in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable communities, AKS is committed to environmental responsibility, reducing the impact of its operations and strengthening awareness and action through education.

AKS is firmly committed to safeguarding and to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and staff. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, and all employees and volunteers are required to comply with the AKS Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

The position

The Director, Learning, Quality & Innovation is the senior educational leader of Aga Khan Schools and principal adviser to the General Manager on educational strategy, quality and innovation. Working closely with the General Manager, the Director shapes the educational direction of AKS and translates organisational priorities into a coherent Learning, Quality & Innovation Strategy that advances educational excellence across the global school system.

The role is responsible for establishing system-wide frameworks, standards, quality assurance processes and performance measures that support high-quality, values-based and locally relevant education across diverse operating contexts. The Director provides leadership for educational improvement, innovation and organisational capability, strengthening teaching and learning, monitoring educational outcomes and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

As a member of the Global Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organisational strategy, system integration and institutional transformation while helping position Aga Khan Schools as a globally recognised leader in values-based education.

Learn more about the position here: https://www.agakhanschools.org/Content/career/Director_Learning_Quality_Innovation.pdf

Key Responsibilities
Inform and Shape Educational Strategy

• Serve as the principal educational adviser to the General Manager and Global Leadership Team.
• Shape the educational direction of Aga Khan Schools through evidence-informed leadership and awareness of emerging trends and opportunities.
• Develop and implement a Learning, Quality & Innovation Strategy aligned with organisational priorities and mission.
• Advise on educational policy, investment priorities and organisational transformation.

Advance Learning Excellence

• Establish system-wide frameworks for curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and learner success.
• Promote high-quality, values-based education that develops academic excellence, ethical leadership, pluralism, critical thinking and global citizenship.
• Strengthen educational quality across all programmes and benchmark practice against leading international standards.

Lead Quality, Improvement and Accountability

• Develop and oversee educational quality frameworks, standards and performance expectations across the AKS network.
• Monitor educational performance, evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement through evidence-informed decision-making.
• Establish reporting systems, indicators and implementation frameworks that support accountability and school improvement.

Drive Innovation and Future Learning

• Lead innovation in teaching, learning and educational technology across the organisation.
• Promote future-ready educational models and expand flexible learning opportunities that respond to changing learner and societal needs.

Build Leadership and Organisational Capability

• Establish frameworks for teacher quality, instructional leadership and professional learning.
• Strengthen leadership capability, talent development and collaboration across schools and operating regions.
• Build organisational capacity that enables sustained educational excellence throughout the AKS network.

Strengthen Student Success and External Engagement

• Strengthen frameworks for safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and student support.
• Promote university readiness, career guidance and equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Develop strategic partnerships and represent Aga Khan Schools in national and international educational forums.
• Strengthen collaboration across AKDN institutions and enhance the global reputation of Aga Khan Schools.