Director- Programs (Education)

Role Overview

The Director Programs & Impact will lead the design, execution, and scale-up of programs focused on improving learning outcomes through systemic and technology-enabled approaches. The role combines strategic leadership, policy engagement, and operational oversight, requiring the ability to move seamlessly between design, implementation, and measurement.

This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and is part of the senior leadership team, responsible for driving innovation, partnerships, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Shape and lead the organizations program strategy and priorities.
• Translate on-ground insights into scalable, evidence-based models.
• Build systems that promote agility, accountability, and innovation across teams.

2. Program Design & Delivery

• Lead design and implementation of large-scale programs aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in education and skills.
• Oversee integration of emerging technologies and data-driven processes in program delivery.
• Ensure robust planning, coordination, and performance management across multiple geographies.

3. Measurement & Learning

• Strengthen frameworks for monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
• Generate insights from program data to inform decision-making and external communication.
• Collaborate with research and funding partners to build credible impact evidence.

4. Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

• Build and manage high-trust relationships with government, funders, and ecosystem partners.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts that support program scale and policy integration.
• Represent the organization in forums and networks relevant to education, skilling, and social innovation.

5. Team & Operational Leadership

• Lead and mentor a distributed team of program and functional leads.
• Drive operational excellence through strong planning, resource management, and performance systems.
• Cultivate a culture of ownership, collaboration, and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

• 12-15 years of experience in large-scale program management, preferably in education, skilling, or public systems reform.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and multi-state operations.
• Strong understanding of program design, monitoring & evaluation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to engage with government systems, donors, and implementation partners.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity and scale innovation.