Job ID: 303428

Head Education

Jai Vakeel Foundation

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Apply by: 09 Oct 2026

Relevant Sectors

Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy

Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child

Summary:
The Head - Education will provide strategic and operational leadership to Jai Vakeel Foundation's flagship program - Education, ensuring high-quality learning outcomes for students with Intellectual disability (ID)across 4 schools. The role is responsible for strengthening educational practices, building institutional and staff capability, and driving continuous improvement in academic quality, student
development, and organisational effectiveness.
This position requires a leader who can combine educational expertise, people leadership, program management, and systems thinking to create a best-in-class educational ecosystem that empowers every child with ID (CwID) to achieve their fullest potential - one that empowers every CwID to achieve their fullest potential through communication, participation, and transition outcomes, and that
prepares every student for a well-supported transition from the school section into adulthood and Skill Development.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Educational Vision
Establish clear, individualized goals for every child, defining the skills, competencies, and levels of independence they should achieve by the age of 18
Oversee a robust admissions process that identifies each child's strengths, needs, and support requirements to inform appropriate program placement
Ensure a fully integrated educational, therapeutic model where educators, therapists, and families work collaboratively to achieve individualized student outcomes, functional independence, and transition readiness

Transition to Adulthood & Employment Readiness (18+ Program)
Develop and oversee structured transition pathways for students moving into adulthood, vocational training, employment, and independent living
Ensure transition planning begins early, with clear readiness criteria and documented progression plans
Partner with the Skill Development team to ensure seamless transitions into post-school programs

Excellence & Capacity Building
Establish and oversee quality standards, systems, and processes to ensure consistency, accountability, and excellence across all 4 schools.
Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment frameworks, and instructional practices through regular reviews, classroom observations, and quality audits to drive strong student outcomes.
Collaborate with the MEL and Healthcare to use assessment data, MEL frameworks to and measure outcomes, monitor progress, evaluate impact, and drive continuous improvement in program quality and effectiveness
Lead innovation, pilot initiatives, and adoption of best practices to enhance program effectiveness
Design and implement professional development, coaching, and succession-building strategies for school heads, teachers, managers, and support staff
Introduce best practices, emerging methodologies, and sector innovations to enhance teaching effectiveness

Internal and External Stakeholder Management
Support Fundraising and Donor Engagement teams with programmatic insights, impact data, and success stories that strengthen stakeholder confidence and long-term partnerships
Collaborate with Human Resources to attract, develop, engage, and retain high-performing talent, as well as a volunteer support system
Partner with Finance to develop, manage, and optimise departmental budgets and resource allocation
Collaborate with Communications to showcase educational impact, student achievements, and thought leadership in the disability sector
Build and strengthen relationships with government bodies, educational institutions, universities, sector networks, and allied organisations
Represent Jai Vakeel Foundation at forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements to advance awareness and advocacy in the ID space
Develop partnerships that support internships, research collaborations, knowledge exchange, and institutional growth

Required Experience, Skills and Qualification
Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, Human Development or a related field.
Additional qualifications in educational leadership, disability studies, or management will be advantageous.
20-25 years of progressive experience in education, special education, developmental disabilities, or related sectors including a minimum of 5-7 years in leadership
Demonstrated experience leading large educational programs, institutions, or multi-site operations.
Strong understanding of curriculum development, learning assessment, educator development, and educational quality frameworks.
Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with families, government agencies, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and sector partners

Competencies:
Must have:
Strategic thinking: Ability to understand and align with the program's long-term goals and capable of formulating and communicating a strategic vision for the future.
Decision making: Ability to demonstrate good judgment and the ability to make sound, timely decisions, particularly under pressure.
Change Management: Demonstrate the ability to adapt to change, manage uncertainty, or shift course when needed.
Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders, from team members to executives
Resilience: Handling high-pressure situations, setbacks, and criticism. Staying calm and composed during crises
Working Together: Ability to inspire, motivate, and work with other stakeholders. Look for emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to facilitate positive interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
Ownership: Ability and mindset of taking full responsibility and accountability of tasks, projects and outcomes.
Financial Acumen: Basic understanding of budgeting and financial reporting to assist in organizational planning.

Job Email ID:

humanresources(at)jaivakeel.org