Lead Academic Director

Job Title: Lead Academic DirectorThe Lead Academic Director will spearhead the academic vision for grades 3–7, driving excellence in teaching-learning practices, student achievement, and seamless school transitions.This is a leadership role that demands vision, pedagogical expertise, operational leadership, and strong parent partnership skills.Main Responsibilities:Academic Excellence & Student Achievement (Grades 3–7):  - Ensure high-quality instructional delivery and academic progress across Grades 3–7.  - Monitor subject averages, remedial cycles, student assessments, baseline–EoY growth and SAFAL readiness.  - Ensure lesson plan adherence, assessment accuracy, and timely ERP updates.  - Strengthen Foundational + Preparatory + Middle School continuity for literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and competencies aligned with NEP 2020.Curriculum Implementation & Innovation:  - Lead the curriculum for Grades 3–7 ensuring vertical alignment, interdisciplinary connections, and competency-based learning.  - Drive innovative pedagogies: inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, learning analytics, blended learning, project-based learning, and formative assessment strategies.  - Ensure 100% compliance with academic calendars, assessment timelines, homework and planner policies.  - Lead introduction of tech-enabled learning practices (smartboards, online assessments, flipped classrooms).Transition Leadership (Grade 5 → Grade 6 → Grade 7):  A signature responsibility for this role:  - Build a structured transition framework for Grade 5 to 6 and Grade 6 to 7 covering:  - Academic alignment and bridging curriculum  - Behavioural, socio-emotional, and organisational readiness  - Teacher handovers and student profiling  - Parent orientation for middle-school expectations  - Monitor student adaptation through data, feedback, and interventions.  - Conduct orientation workshops for teachers on middle-school academic rigor and learning styles.Staff Development & Capacity Building:  - Lead a culture of reflection, growth, and accountability among staff.  - Conduct classroom observations, feedback sessions, coaching cycles, and annual appraisal discussions.  - Ensure minimum training hours, 100% teacher induction completion, and competency-based TPD aligned to NEP 2020.  - Support teacher recruitment, demo observations, mentoring, and retention strategies.Student Engagement, Discipline & Well-Being:  - Ensure strong pastoral care, counselling support, and student engagement initiatives.  - Maintain discipline standards with data-based monitoring and timely resolution.  - Promote SEE Learning / SEL practices, extracurricular participation, and student leadership programs.  - Maintain student safety norms, safeguarding procedures, and behavioural protocols.Parent & Community Partnerships:  - Establish transparent, positive and collaborative relationships with parents.  - Ensure timely communication, PTMs, orientations, and academic updates with 100% compliance.  - Resolve parent concerns within SLA timelines and maintain high parent satisfaction scores (85%+).  - Represent the school's academic vision in all parent interactions, both formal and informal.School Operations & Compliance:  - Lead timetable creation, staffing allocation, roster planning, and smooth day-to-day school operations.  - Ensure SOP compliance for safety, discipline, assessment, academic documentation, and ERP usage.  - Support admissions interactions and school visibility initiatives (academics, events, outreach).  - Lead the annual school development plan for Grades 3–7.Key Competencies & Skills:- Strong academic leadership and ability to drive grade-level academic excellence- Deep knowledge of Preparatory → Middle School progression- Expertise in inquiry-based learning, CBSE expectations, NEP 2020 implementation- Excellent communication, parent engagement, and conflict resolution skills- Strong data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset- High emotional intelligence and ability to mentor teachers effectively- Process orientation and ability to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism- Ability to build trust, collaboration, and a positive team cultureEssential Qualifications & Experience:- Master's degree + B.Ed from a reputed institute- 10+ years of teaching experience; at least 4–5 years in academic/leadership roles- Experience with Grades 3–7 preferred- Proven ability to lead academic teams, manage operations, and drive school outcomes- Strong understanding of CBSE guidelines, competency-based education, and NEP 2020