Director of Curriculum, Data, and Assessment

Job description

With a 65-year legacy of excellence and a global reputation as one of the largest and most awarded private education providers, GEMS Education integrates cutting-edge advancements through its extensive networks and high-level partnerships. Join the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, where significant investments in AI, robotics, and state-of-the-art facilities drive exceptional student outcomes in academics and well-being. As a leader in educational innovation, we offer a forward-thinking environment focused on personalised learning, holistic development, and the opportunity to shape the future of education.

At GEMS School of Research and Innovation, we provide a seamless educational journey from Pre-Prep + Prep to Sixth Form, enhanced by cutting-edge technology and a future-focused curriculum. Students benefit from personalised learning, strong academic foundations, specialist facilities and advanced technologies including AI, robotics, machine learning, VR/AR, Web3, drones, autonomous vehicles and esports. In Secondary and Sixth Form, tailored pathways, university links and industry placements help prepare students for future study and careers.

We are seeking an outstanding, forward-thinking and highly analytical Director of Curriculum, Data & Assessment to join our leadership team.

This is a strategic whole-school role with responsibility for ensuring curriculum, assessment and student performance data operate as a coherent system for improving teaching, learning and outcomes.

Working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team and teaching colleagues, the successful candidate will lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of an ambitious, inclusive and future-focused curriculum. They will ensure appropriate breadth, depth, challenge, sequencing and progression across the school.

The Director will also lead the whole-school assessment strategy, ensuring formative, summative, diagnostic and standardised assessment is purposeful, reliable and aligned with curriculum intent. They will strengthen moderation, assessment literacy and consistency so that assessment provides an accurate understanding of attainment, progress, gaps and next steps in learning.

A key aspect of the role will be leading the school’s approach to educational data and student performance. The successful candidate will establish effective systems for analysing attainment, progress, value-added, student-group outcomes and emerging trends, enabling leaders and teachers to move confidently from data to diagnosis to action.

They will develop clear dashboards, reporting systems and performance indicators, identify underperformance, evaluate interventions and ensure that evidence informs curriculum refinement, teaching priorities and school improvement.

The Director will also build staff capability in curriculum design, assessment literacy, moderation and data interpretation through professional learning, coaching and collaboration.

As a member of the leadership team, the successful candidate will contribute to whole-school strategic planning, self-evaluation, quality assurance and improvement planning. They will also ensure curriculum, assessment and data systems align with relevant KHDA, DSIB, external benchmarking, examination and accountability requirements.

The successful candidate will combine deep curriculum expertise with strong assessment literacy, analytical capability and the ability to translate evidence into practical action.

Skills description

Person specifications:

Hold a bachelor’s degree in education, a relevant subject area or equivalent.

Hold a recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE, B.Ed. or equivalent.

Have significant successful teaching experience within a school environment.

Have proven experience in curriculum leadership, senior leadership or a comparable whole-school role.

Demonstrate a strong track record in curriculum design, development, implementation and quality assurance.

Have an excellent understanding of effective pedagogy, assessment and contemporary educational research.

Demonstrate experience of using assessment and student performance data to improve teaching, learning and student outcomes.

Have experience of leading professional development and supporting colleagues through curriculum or pedagogical change.

Demonstrate the ability to lead and embed sustainable whole-school improvement.

Have a strong understanding of how technology and innovation can enhance teaching and learning.

Be able to inspire, influence and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

Demonstrate excellent communication, organisational, analytical and project management skills.

Be an innovative, reflective and solutions-focused educational leader.

Have a strong commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and exceptional educational outcomes.

Experience within an international school environment would be advantageous.

Knowledge and understanding of UAE educational requirements and inspection frameworks would be desirable.

Demonstrate high levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability, with a commitment to the development of both students and colleagues.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including competitive tax-free salary, fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and End of Service Gratuity.

GEMS employees also receive free access to GEMS Rewards, offering thousands of discounts and 2-for-1 offers across flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets throughout the UAE.

GEMS safeguarding

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.