Head of Learning and Development

Overview:

Founded in 2010, Ekya Schools is a chain of progressive K-12 schools in Bangalore, India, offering Kindergarten & Montessori and Grades 1-12 affiliated to CBSE, ICSE and Cambridge IGCSE. With our in-house curriculum, students experience a rich learning journey designed to challenge, engage, and excite. By drawing on the legacy of the CMR Group of Institutions and the innovative, immersive methods of school systems worldwide, the Ekya Schools were instituted with one aim – to teach children not just what to learn but how to learn. Here, knowing how to learn is a skill and the key to creating lifelong learners with the means to adapt and thrive

in a constantly changing world.

As part of our commitment to reimagining education, Ekya Schools launched the Purpose-Based Schools in AY 2025–26, a new chain of K–12 institutions centered on thematic learning. These thematic schools enable students to develop expertise in specific areas of interest from an early age.

The first of these, Ekya Nava, is a School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design that empowers the next generation of thinkers, innovators, scientists, product leaders, changemakers, and technopreneurs. At Nava, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop expertise from an early age through future-forward, hands-on experiential programs. By harnessing technology and design thinking, Nava helps students learn differently, present their learning in new ways, and build a mindset that enables them to make connections across disciplines and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

About Ekya Professional Development Institute:

Ekya Professional Development Institute, is dedicated to empowering educators, school leaders, and educational systems to excel in their professional journeys.Founded as an integral part of Ekya Schools, the institute has grown significantly over the years, adapting to the changing landscape of education and continuously enhancing our programs to meet the highest standards of professional development. Ekya PDI offers training programs to aspiring educators, in-service educators, school leaders and school systems.

Role Purpose:

The Head of the Professional Development Institute (PDI) is responsible for designing, executing, and managing professional development initiatives for educators, leaders, and administrative staff across CMR K-12 institutions, Ekya Schools, and CMR National PU Colleges. This role is instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, ensuring the highest standards of professional development to support institutional goals. Reporting to the Founder, the Head of PDI will also lead the team in delivering impactful internal and external training programs.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop a comprehensive professional development strategy aligned with the institution's goals.
• Establish short-term and long-term plans to enhance the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of educators and staff.
• Foster partnerships with industry experts, educational organizations, and trainers to expand offerings and capabilities.

Program Design and Execution:

• Design and implement innovative training programs tailored to the needs of educators, leadership teams, and support staff.
• Develop and refine training curriculum, ensuring alignment with institutional values, goals, and educational standards.
• Identify training gaps through needs assessments and feedback from various stakeholders.
• Oversee the scheduling, logistics, and delivery of professional development sessions across campuses.

Performance Measurement:

• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of professional development initiatives.
• Analyze feedback and outcomes to continuously improve training programs.
• Prepare reports on program impact and alignment with organizational objectives.

Team Leadership:

• Build and manage a high-performing team of trainers, facilitators, and instructional designers.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities to the PDI team.
• Foster collaboration and innovation within the team to ensure cutting-edge training methodologies.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the PDI budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Oversee procurement and utilization of training materials, tools, and technology.

Collaboration with HR and Leadership:

• Work closely with the HR team to integrate professional development initiatives with talent management and employee engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with school leadership to address specific training needs and ensure alignment with campus goals.
• Support recruitment and onboarding by developing and delivering induction and orientation programs.

External Engagement and Growth:

• Develop and expand PDI’s external offerings, positioning it as a center of excellence for professional development in education.
• Create programs for external stakeholders, including workshops, certifications, and conferences.
• Represent PDI at industry events to enhance visibility and attract partnerships.

Additional Requirements:

• Visionary leadership with a passion for education and a commitment to delivering exceptional
• Strategic thinker who can develop and implement long-term goals and initiatives.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.