Job
Description
Kodaikanal International School is a 124-year-old dynamic international school with a rich history of holistic education, offering the IB continuum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) to our learners
Our beautiful school and community are nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India At KIS, we empower our students to navigate through lifes challenges to achieve their true potential We follow an inquiry-based approach that promotes critical thinking, learner agency and a dedication to serving others We recognize the importance of a meaningful, relevant and engaging curriculum that connects students to real-world contexts for their learning We are keenly aware of the need to adapt our teaching and learning model to respond to the needs of our students in a world of fast-paced change Role This position bears overall responsibility for Leading theCenter for Environment and Humanity'svision, strategy, and day-to-day execution, ensuring the Center delivers measurable environmental education programs and impact in the Palani Hills and beyond The Director is accountable for strategy, programs, partnerships, fundraising, team leadership, operations, and reporting The work spans climate resilience, waste management, biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and environmental education within the KIS community and with external partners Qualifications & Experiences Preferred Qualifications: Experience in environmental education and experiential, place-based learning Experience leading community-based conservation or waste management projects Successful grant writing with external funding secured Knowledge of ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management Tamil language skills and familiarity with South Indian culture Preferred Skills and Dispositions: Competency in use of computers: MS word / excel / power-point, database management programs and related software experiences Excellent command over the English language, demonstrate high level skills in verbal and written communication Capacity to identify strongly and unambiguously with the mission, goals and objectives of KIS Pleasant, polite, friendly and hospitable person Well-dressed in a manner appropriate for an office Able to work as a team member Commitment to multiculturalism and cultural diversity Capacity to support the goals and mission of KIS through his/her personal philosophy Personal attributes: Collaborative and outcomes-oriented Resourceful, proactive, and comfortable working in the field as well as in the office Strong relationship builder with cultural sensitivity and integrity Mentorship mindset for staff and students Working conditions: Based in Kodaikanal with regular fieldwork in the Palani Hills and periodic travel Frequent evening and weekend work for community events, workshops, and partnership visits Reports to: Principal Coordinates with: Senior Management Team, Academic Departments, Estates Team, Communications and Marketing, Development, and the Alumni Office Responsibilities Strategy and leadership Set and ownCEHs multi-year strategy in line with Design 18 and school priorities Translate strategy into annual plans with clear goals, budgets, timelines, and KPIs Advise and collaborate with the Principal, Senior Management Team, Academic Departments, Estates Team, Communications and Marketing, Development, and the Alumni Office Program design and delivery Design and launch new programs and improve existing programs in climate resilience, waste reduction, biodiversity, and regenerative agriculture Ensure programs are evidence-based, place-based, and deliver student learning as well as community outcomes Build student leadership opportunities through fieldwork, research, and hands-on learning Partnerships and fundraising Build partnerships with local communities, government, NGOs, universities, and international organizations Lead grant prospecting, proposals, donor stewardship, and sponsorships in coordination with the KIS Development Office Represent CEH at events and with the media to build visibility and support Operations and finance Lead a small, high-performing team: hire, mentor, set goals, and run reviews Own CEH budgets and financial management in line with KIS policies Oversee risk management, safety, safeguarding, and compliance Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting Set up systems to track outputs, outcomes, and learning across programs Produce timely reports for the Principal, Board, funders, and stakeholders Share insights and results through communications and publications Community and student engagement Co-create programs with local partners and community groups in and around Kodaikanal Run workshops and trainings on sustainability, natural resource management, and environmental education Collaborate with KIS academic departments to integrate CEH offerings into the course curriculum KIS campus sustainability Oversee CEHs waste management and recycling initiatives in partnership with KIS operations Promote practical sustainability across campus and the wider school community Required qualifications and experience Masters degree in a relevant field (for example: Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Non-profit Management, Ecology) or equivalent experience Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 7years of experience managing teams Strong understanding of climate change, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and regenerative agriculture in both local and global contexts Proven experience in strategic planning, project management, budgeting, and MEL Track record in fundraising or resource mobilization: grants, donors, sponsorships Excellent written and spoken communication skills for diverse audiences, including students, community partners, and donors
