Job Description

Agency

Aga Khan Schools

Salary

Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Region

South Asia

The requirements

Discipline, Safety & Pastoral Support

• Implement student behaviour policies and oversee discipline in alignment with the Academy’s philosophy of restorative and educational approaches.
• Chair meetings with residence, counselling, and other teams to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.

General Expectations & Reporting

• Ensure all residential programmes reflect the Academy’s ethos.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative staff to create a seamless student experience between residential and school life.
• Act as a liaison between student representatives and senior leadership, ensuring that student concerns are actively addressed.
• Maintain oversight of health and safety compliance in residential spaces, ensuring adherence to safeguarding and student welfare policies.
• Regular reporting and consultations with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure alignment between strategic direction and daily operations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field (a master’s degree is preferred).
• At least five years of experience in a leadership role within a boarding school or residential setting.
• Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding policies, and pastoral care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Experience in staff management, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required in a residential setting.
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Aga Khan Academies.

This position is open to international candidates

The position

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad is part of the Aga Khan Academies, an integrated network of residential schools established by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to develop future ethical leaders equipped to make a positive impact in their societies and beyond. Located on a 100-acre campus in Hyderabad, India, the Academy brings together talented students from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and geographic backgrounds and provides a world-class education in an inclusive and multicultural learning environment.

The Academy offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Through a holistic approach that combines academic excellence, leadership development, service learning, athletics, arts and international mindedness, the Academy prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. With state-of-the-art academic, residential and sports facilities, the Academy fosters intellectual curiosity, personal growth and a strong sense of social responsibility. Supported by a diverse community of educators and staff from India and around the world, the Academy is committed to nurturing compassionate, lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.

of the Role.
The Head of Residential Life is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the boarding and residential programme, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching living environment for students. The role focuses on student wellbeing, pastoral care, residential operations, staff leadership, safeguarding, and community engagement, while fostering a culture that promotes personal growth, responsibility, and intercultural understanding. Working closely with students, parents, residential staff, academic teams, and senior leadership, the Head of Residential Life ensures that the residential experience aligns with the Academy's mission, values, and educational philosophy.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Well-Being & Residential Experience

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that promotes student wellbeing and personal growth.
• Oversee the daily operations of the student residences, ensuring a well-structured, safe, and engaging living environment.
• Monitor students’ well-being and personal development, taking proactive steps to support their social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Work closely with other staff members to address student concerns, including homesickness, safety, and personal challenges.
• Ensure effective communication with parents, particularly regarding student well-being and progress.

Student Leadership & Engagement

• Facilitate student-led initiatives, community-building activities, and cultural events to promote inclusivity and engagement.
• Encourage student input in menu planning in collaboration with the Food Services Manager and Menu Committee.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Academy to increase student autonomy where appropriate, reviewing policies on curfews, electronic devices, and weekend schedules in an age-appropriate manner.

Residential Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and appraise the residential staff team.
• Conduct regular training for residential staff on student engagement, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
• Strengthen dorm parent-student relationships, ensuring that staff act as mentors and facilitators.

Programme Implementation & Operational Oversight

• Ensure the smooth operation of residential facilities, coordinating with relevant teams for maintenance, security, and student safety.
• Oversee health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with national and international boarding regulations.
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation.