Chief Information Officer

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the Group’s IT, digital, and technology transformation agenda. The CIO will define and implement a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with institutional goals while ensuring reliable, secure, and innovative use of technology across academic, administrative, and operational domains. This role demands a balance of strategic foresight, technical expertise, and strong leadership to drive digital transformation, ensure robust infrastructure, and leverage emerging technologies to enhance both operational efficiency and academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Define and implement the Group’s IT and digital strategy, ensuring alignment with the overall organizational vision and long-term goals.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to embed technology into pedagogy and operations, including blended learning models, AI-enabled education, and data-driven decision-making.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and oversee major IT initiatives in areas such as EdTech, LMS, AI/ML, and enterprise-wide digital transformation.
• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing IT teams at both the Corporate Office and school campuses, fostering technical excellence and accountability.

1. Technology Infrastructure & Operations:

• Design, implement, and periodically upgrade enterprise-wide IT infrastructure across campuses, including servers, networks, bandwidth, and end-user assets to ensure business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Oversee deployment, customization, and integration of academic, administrative, and financial applications such as Oracle PeopleSoft, O365, Sophos, Saral, Tally, etc.
• Lead IT project management, including ERP transitions, upgrades, and organization-wide change management initiatives.
• Manage IT budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of technology solutions.
• Establish and enforce IT governance frameworks, policies, and standards to ensure consistency and compliance across the Group.

1. Digital Transformation & Data Strategy:

• Partner with academic leaders to integrate innovative technologies that enhance teaching effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and personalized education.
• Deploy digital solutions to improve operational efficiency across Finance, HR, Marketing, and Administrative functions.
• Design and execute a comprehensive big data and analytics strategy to generate actionable insights for both academic and institutional decision-making.
• Build and mentor digital champions across non-IT departments to drive adoption of technology and advance transformation goals.
• Introduce AI/ML-driven tools to enable personalized learning pathways and automate routine operational processes.
• Deliver structured workshops and training programs to strengthen digital literacy and ensure effective adoption of emerging technologies by students and staff.

1. Product Development (In-house Platforms):

• Lead the ongoing development of the Group’s proprietary SaaS-based school and learning management system, working closely with the in-house development team.
• Ensure the platform is AI-forward, scalable, adaptable, and responsive to evolving institutional requirements and emerging industry trends.
• Build the platform into a sustainable business by defining its value proposition, competitive positioning, and long-term growth strategy.
• Collaborate with sales teams to design and execute go-to-market strategies, enabling commercialization and adoption by external schools and educational institutions.

1. Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance:

• Define, implement, and strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and endpoint security frameworks to safeguard institutional assets and stakeholder information.
• Ensure full compliance with education regulations, international and domestic data protection laws (GDPR, DPDP, etc.), and accreditation standards such as IB.
• Conduct periodic IT risk assessments, establish proactive monitoring mechanisms, and implement timely mitigation measures.
• Oversee data loss prevention, secure identity and access management, and enforce best practices in information security across all campuses.
• Build a culture of cyber awareness by ensuring staff and students are trained in safe digital practices and data privacy responsibilities.

1. Special Projects

• Champion entrepreneurship, innovation, and future-skills initiatives for students by integrating advanced technologies into experiential learning programs.
• Drive pilot projects and proof-of-concepts in collaboration with academic and administrative teams to test and scale new digital solutions.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10-12 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a CIO role.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Fluency in English and Hindi.
• Prior international experience/exposure is desirable.

Others:

• Employee must commute to work in their own vehicle.
• Working days will be Monday to Saturday, with the 2nd and 4th Saturdays off.
• Official working hours will tentatively be 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM