Head of Academy

The Head of Academy is the chief executive of the Academy, accountable to the Board of AKES, India, and reporting to the CEO of

AKES, India. The Head provides strategic and operational leadership,

ensuring the Academy fulfils His Highness the Aga Khans vision of developing future leaders for India through an outstanding

and transformative education.

As the leader of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Academy

is responsible for academic excellence, staff development, student well-being, financial sustainability, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership that reflects the mission and pluralistic values of the Aga Khan Academies.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality education within the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring staff appraisal and professional growth.
• Foster a strong, inclusive school culture rooted in academic excellence, ethics, service, and community engagement.
• Develop effective admissions and marketing strategies to attract a diverse student body.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents, students, staff, alumni, and the wider community.
• Ensure prudent financial management, budgeting, and longterm sustainability of the Academy.
• Represent the Academy nationally and internationally, strengthening links with schools, universities, and partners.
• Collaborate with AKES, India and the Aga Khan Schools Head Office on policy, strategy, and campus development.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in international schools with reputations for academic excellence.
• Strong track record of academic leadership, with experience of IB continuum education (PYP, MYP, DP).
• Experience living and working internationally, ideally in South Asia or the Global South.
• Demonstrated ability in team building, staff development, and performance management.
• Experience managing complex budgets, facilities, and operations in education.
• Strong external relations experience including admissions, marketing, fundraising, and partnerships.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and pedagogical leadership with a focus on high expectations and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build a collaborative school culture and strong sense of community.
• Decisive yet consultative leadership style, able to inspire, energise and empower others.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey vision clearly and authentically.
• Deep commitment to pluralism, ethics, and service as core values of education.

Personal Characteristics

• High intellectual capacity, stamina, and resilience.
• Open-minded, culturally aware, and committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.
• Strong emotional intelligence and people skills to build trust and spot talent.
• Integrity, humility, creativity, and a collaborative mindset.
• Passion for developing young people as future leaders for India.