Academic Director

Position Overview We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to join our executive team as Chief Academic Officer. This is a rare opportunity to shape the academic vision of a diverse international network and drive transformative education on a global scale. The candidate will be responsible for defining and executing the academic strategy across a diverse international network of IES schools. The candidate will drive excellence across teaching, research, and academic innovation, positioning to all our schools as an internationally educational group aligned with the highest global standards. Key Responsibilities Academic Strategy Define and implement a unified academic strategy aligned with IES’s mission and vision. Establish core academic principles applicable across all IES schools and curricula. Ensure a strategic balance between global standards and local regulations and curricular requirements. Academic Model & Programs Oversight (IB and Non-IB) Provide oversight of IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) and national curricula. Align all programs with the group’s educational philosophy, learning outcomes, and quality standards. Define equivalencies between curricula to provide a consistent student experience across the network. IB Programs Leadership Lead the strategic development, authorization, and evaluation of IB programs. Ensure full compliance with IB standards and practices in all IES IB schools. Promote inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the IB Learner Profile across the network. Support school leaders in strengthening IB implementation and outcomes. Mentor and develop school leaders and academic teams to build capacity across the network. Teaching & Learning Excellence Across Models Define standards for teaching quality applicable to all IES schools. Promote high-impact pedagogical practices adaptable to different curricula. Ensure consistency in instructional quality through group-wide frameworks for observation, coaching, and evaluation. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development. Academic Governance & Quality Assurance Establish comprehensive academic policies and quality standards across all curricula. Ensure compliance with IB requirements, national regulations, and accreditation frameworks. Implement a unified quality assurance system, including audits, academic reviews, and performance evaluations. Student Learning & Outcomes Develop a common framework for student outcomes, competencies, and graduate profiles across all IES schools. Ensure alignment between curriculum, assessment, and expected outcomes across all programs. Use data-driven insights to improve teaching, learning, and student achievement. Data & Accountability Develop a unified academic performance framework integrating multiple metrics (IB scores, national exams, internal assessments, value-added measures). Implement data systems that allow comparability and informed decision-making across curricula and schools. Resources & Operational Alignment Oversee equitable and strategic allocation of academic resources,including personnel, budgets, and learning materials. Align academic priorities with financial sustainability, growth strategy, and institutional objectives.

Position Requirements 1. Educational Background: Advanced degree in Education or related field (Master’s required) Formal IB certification and/or extensive IB training strongly preferred 2. Specific Knowledge: Proficiency in digital teaching tools and educational management platforms. Use of data analytics to improve learning, retention, and well-being. Promotion of pedagogical innovation and personalized learning experiences. 3. Professional Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in international education Significant senior leadership experience (e.g. Regional Academic Director, or equivalent) Proven experience leading in IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP) Strong track record in improving student outcomes and academic performance Experience working across multiple schools or within an international education group highly desirable. Participation in communities of practice on pedagogical innovation and educational technology. 4. Skills and Competencies: Inspiring, collaborative, and culturally agile leader. Strong data literacy and performance management mindset. Visionary thinker with credibility among educators, leaders, and external stakeholders. Passionate about innovation and student-centered learning. Excellent communicator with global perspective and cross-cultural awareness. 5. Availability: Willingness to travel frequently to various countries. Availability to handle academic matters across different time zones. Working Conditions Location: Remote work with frequent travel required. Schedule: Full-time, flexible to meet global academic needs.