Manager Academic Operations

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.

· To ensure the safety and suitability of AKP infrastructure for optimal learning environments.

· Setting up new AKPs.

Specific:

Visioning and planning:

· Instil 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).

A: Academic:

1. Design, develop, and periodically review the ECD curriculum spanning from Toddler to HKG levels.

2. Strategize, implement, and evaluate co-curricular activities across AKPs.

3. Ensure smooth integration of new AKESI initiatives, such as "Read for Children".

4. Design assessment tools, conduct comprehensive evaluations of AKP and student performance using agreed-upon metrics and timelines.

5. Collaborate with Special Educators to address the unique needs of AKP children.

6. Document Academic processes (ASQ, SOP, Assessment etc)

7. Evaluate and assess AKPs.

B: Guidance and monitoring:

1. Conduct regular visits to AKPs for overall monitoring and guidance.

2. Mentor/Guide AKP teams, Headteachers, teachers, and Local Management Committees (LMCs).

3. Provide ongoing guidance and mentorship to the AKP team.

C: Staffing and Professional Development:

1. Lead professional development initiatives for AKP field and office staff.

2. Plan/Organize /facilitate effective training for teachers, teacher assistants, and regional office teams.

3. Conduct regular performance evaluations and identify training needs.

4. Ensure timely recruitment of competent staff to maintain educational continuity.

D: Communication:

1. Drive image-building and marketing initiatives, including social media management and event organization.

2. Prepare/Review and approve all content for marketing, media, articles etc.

3. Maintain regular communication with CO, field (Staff and LMC) and AKP teams.

4. Keep the Regional Head informed of ground activities and issues.

5. Handle stakeholder communication and budget planning.

6. Copy all external and internal communication to the line manager.

E: Administration:

1. Oversee AKP administration, including coordination of conferences, meetings, training, and external visits.

2. Ensure effective implementation of organizational policies and procedures across AKPs.

3. Liaise with relevant government offices for AKP registration and reporting.

4. Uphold safety, health, and hygiene standards for AKP students, staff, and volunteers.

5. Facilitate the establishment of new AKPs with respect to resources and staffing.

F: Finance, Budgeting and Resource Management:

1. Collaborate with the Regional Head and finance team to prepare AKP annual plans and budgets.

2. Monitor and track budget utilization.

3. Exercise control and authorization over all AKP financial transactions.

4. Coordinate with the central office finance team for smooth finance operations.

5. Secured all the financial documents of the department.

G: Networking/liaisoning and outreach:

1. Establish linkages with NGOs, educational institutions, government agencies, etc.

2. Plan and execute outreach programs, ensuring effectiveness and reporting on outcomes.

3. Dealing with DEOs/DPEOs offices and other govt. offices for AKPs and other organisation work.

H: Study/Report writing:

1. Ensure timely submission of reports, analyses, and feasibility studies to the central office.

Prepare various reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual summaries.

I: Construction/Maintenance and Safety:

1. Help in identifying the need for the safety and suitability of AKP infrastructure.

2. Provide support to the AKESI Facility team for repairs, maintenance, and beautification.

3. Implement a Safeguarding policy across all the AKPs.

J: Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Collaborate with parents, caregivers, LMC and community members to foster strong partnerships and engagement in the AKPs.

2. Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums to advocate for early childhood development and share best practices.

3. Facilitate the LMC appointment, Induction, and Training.

4. Guide the AKP team for timely implementation of parent involvement activities such as POP, Parent meetings, involvement in celebrations, RFC etc.

K: General operation:

1. Facilitate the need assessment, procurement and supply of TLMs

2. Manage the printing and stationery of the department including worksheets.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹1,000,000.00 - ₹1,200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Provident Fund

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sadar, Rajkot, Gujarat: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Education: 10 years (Required)
• NGO: 8 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Gujarati (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• B.Ed Certificates (Preferred)

Location:

• Sadar, Rajkot, Gujarat (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person