Manager Academic Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Manager - Academic Operations

Location: Regional Office, Rajkot

Key Responsibilities:

Overall:

• Take charge of planning, monitoring, review, and advancement of the Aga Khan Preschool (AKP) program.
• Lead and mentor the AKP team to effectively execute the AKESI-prescribed curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Spearhead outreach initiatives, fostering collaborations with governmental and allied institutions.
• Ensure adherence to AKESI policies concerning finance, HR, IT, safety, and child safeguarding.
• Guarantee the safety and suitability of AKP infrastructure for optimal learning environments.

Specific:

Visioning and planning:

• Instill the organization's vision, mission, and values within the AKP team and Regional Office staff.
• Cultivate a culture of respect and care among AKP and Regional Office teams.
• Foster an environment conducive to the educational philosophy across all AKPs and the Rajkot office.
• Elevate the organization's reputation as a premier resource agency in Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Academic:

• Design, develop, and periodically review the ECD curriculum spanning from Toddler to HKG levels.
• Strategize, implement, and evaluate co-curricular activities across AKPs.
• Ensure smooth integration of new AKESI initiatives, such as "Read for Children".
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of AKP and student performance using agreed-upon metrics and timelines.
• Procure and mobilize necessary teaching-learning resources as per AKP requirements.
• Collaborate with Special Educators to address the unique needs of AKP children.

Administration:

• Oversee AKP administration, including coordination of conferences, meetings, training, and external visits.
• Ensure effective implementation of organizational policies and procedures across AKPs.
• Liaise with relevant government offices for AKP registration and reporting.
• Uphold safety, health, and hygiene standards for AKP students, staff, and volunteers.
• Facilitate the establishment of new AKPs with respect to resources and staffing

Staffing and Professional Development:

• Lead professional development initiatives for AKP field and office staff.
• Organize effective training for teachers, regional office teams, and helpers engaged in AKPs.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and identify training needs.
• Ensure timely recruitment of competent staff to maintain educational continuity.

Guidance and monitoring:

• Conduct regular visits to AKPs for monitoring and guidance.
• Mentor AKP teams, Headteachers, teachers, and Local Management Committees (LMCs).
• Provide ongoing guidance and mentorship to the AKP team.

Communication:

• Drive image-building and marketing initiatives, including social media management and event organization.
• Review and approve all content.
• Maintain regular communication with field and AKP teams.
• Keep Regional Head informed of ground activities and issues.
• Handle stakeholder communication and budget planning.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, LMC and community members to foster strong partnerships and engagement in the AKPs.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums to advocate for early childhood development and share best practices.
• Facilitate the LMC appointment, Induction, and Training.
• Guide the AKP team for timely implementation of parent involvement activities such as POP, Parent meetings, involvement in celebrations, RFC etc.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Collaborate with the Regional Head and finance team to prepare AKP annual plans and budgets.
• Monitor and track budget utilization.
• Exercise control and authorization over all AKP financial transactions.

Networking/liaisoning and outreach:

• Establish linkages with NGOs, educational institutions, government agencies, etc.
• Organize training for outreach organizations and represent AKESI at various forums.
• Plan and execute outreach programs, ensuring effectiveness and reporting on outcomes.

Study/Report writing:

• Ensure timely submission of reports, analyses, and feasibility studies to the central office.
• Prepare various reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual summaries.
• Conduct feasibility studies as required.

Construction/Maintenance and Safety:

• Ensure safety and suitability of AKP infrastructure.
• Coordinate with AKESI Facilities team for repairs, maintenance, and beautification.
• Manage renewal of rent agreements and insurance coverage.
• Implement AKESI's Safeguarding policy across all AKPs

Job RequirementsQualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Development / Early childhood/ Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Perferred to have understanding of early childhood development theories, practices, and pedagogy.
• Familiarity with relevant local and national regulations and policies related to ECD.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build partnerships.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and monitoring program outcomes.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience are desirable.

Experience

• Proven experience in managing and implementing Education programs, preferably in a leadership role.
• Minimum 10- 12 years of experience with:
• 2-3 years of experience in teaching
• At least 3 years of experience in program management in the NGO Sector.
• At least 5 years of experience in project management in a reputed NGO