Job Summary
The position
The Academic Director (AD) is a senior staff member of ITREB Portugal and plays a central role in the planning, delivery, evaluation, and innovation of Religious Education (RE) across the entire jurisdiction. Under the supervision of the Board and reporting directly to the Executive Officer (EO), the AD supports ITREB in fulfilling its Constitutional mandate, which includes:
- Provide leadership, strategic direction and vision in collaboration with the Board of R.E. for students and youth in Portugal and across all the jurisdictions under ITREB Portugal
- Support the delivery of religious RE to all segments of the Jamat, supporting the Jamati constituents on matters of religious understanding that is grounded in student learning and teacher development (TESL strategy)
- Building capacity by planning and facilitating ongoing teacher development and mentorship for professional, voluntary teachers and educational leaders grounded in the SPDPR
- Collaborating with the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) on curriculum, training, and strategy, as well as research and educational activities
- Serving as a point of reference for matters related to academic content related to student learning.
- The AD ensures excellence in academic quality, management, and strategic oversight of the religious education system across the following age segments (0-24 years):
- Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- Primary
- Secondary
- Post-Secondary Youth
Expected Outcomes
The AD is expected to:
- Demonstrate principled leadership rooted in service, empathy, and professionalism
- Promote excellence in the outlook of RE as espoused by the IIS Ta’lim curricula for both secondary and primary, engaging student and youth learners (pedagogy and andragogy) ethics, and inclusive learning
- Model collaborative working across institutional and jurisdictional boundaries
- Embody discretion, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to the Jamat’s values
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Academic and Curricular Oversight
- Provide strategic and academic direction to the RE programming grounded in the perspectives of the Ta’lim primary and secondary curricula.
- Ensure fidelity to IIS-developed curricula and quality assurance frameworks.
- Conceptualise innovative learning approaches, including digital, informal, and camp-based formats that support student learning
- Under the guidance of the Board and the IIS, design supplementary learning content where no official IIS curricula exist
Regularly assess programmes relevance, pedagogy, and effectiveness grounded in student learning outcomes.
B. Strategic & Operational Management
- Work with the EO and the Board in the development and execution of ITREB’s RE strategy and action plans for all segments
- Prepare operating plans and contribute to the budgeting process
- Manage programme performance, budgetary control, and ensure delivery is effective, accessible, and aligned with benchmarks
- Monitor Jamati needs and ensure programming is responsive and forward-looking
- Promote greater parental and community involvement in RE programming
C. Quality Assurance and Evaluation
- Lead periodic evaluations of teaching and learning standards across all segments
- Implement robust monitoring and evaluation tools, adapting strategies to meet quality goals
- Liaise with IIS on matters of academic alignment, feedback, and shared learning
- Travel within jurisdiction as needed to supervise and support regional RE delivery
Required Skills
The requirements
D. Human Resource Development
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for all RE staff within the four segments
- Ensure the successful implementation of secondary teachers’ professional development plan using the SPDPR
- Foster a professional learning environment, guiding staff and volunteers in pedagogical and spiritual growth
- Plan and deliver CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions and teacher appraisals aligned with the Student Learning and Teacher Education Strategy (TESL)
- Mentor STEP candidates and graduates throughout their journey, including application, field research, and integration into local systems
- Ensure that all educational staff have access to age-appropriate pedagogy and conceptual frameworks
E. Liaison, Collaboration and Reporting
- Serve as a key academic liaison between ITREB Portugal and the IIS, particularly for STEP, CPD, curriculum implementation, and strategic planning., and other matters requiring academic inputs and feedback
- Prepare periodic reports and submissions for the ITREB Board and the IIS.
- Whenever requested represent ITREB in academic and institutional settings, upholding the ethics and values of the Tariqah.
- Support cross-functional collaboration with AKDN institutions where relevant.
F. Innovation and Research
- Stay abreast of trends in religious and secular education, especially in Europe
- Encourage action-research and reflective practice within the teaching team
- Promote engagement with the wider educational community on themes like values-based education, interfaith dialogue, and civic learning
4. Reporting Structure
The AD reports to the Executive Officer (EO), ITREB Portugal and/or any other delegate(s) assigned by the Chair ITREB Portugal.
Qualifications and Profile
Education & Experience
- STEP qualification (MA and MTeach/PG Dip) and a minimum of 5 years of experience teaching the IIS secondary Ta’lim curriculum
- Qualification in Education Leadership (Management, Leadership, Teacher Education), or a related field will be an added advantage
- Minimum of 3 years in education leadership, preferably with experience in RE systems or community education
- Significant experience supporting the development and mentorship of teachers
- Experience working within the Jamati institutional system as a professional or committed volunteer
- Familiarity with the Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and the global Jamati RE system
Skills and Attributes
- Fluency in English language. Portuguese and Spanish are asset, or willingness to learn Portuguese (Mandatory certification (C1) to be completed within 18 months)
- Deep empathy for the Jamat and its cultural diversity
- Excellent interpersonal skills, especially in dealing with senior leaders, volunteers and staff
- Sense of responsibility, sound judgement and discretion.
- Capacity to be effective through collaboration and teamwork.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully managing teams, staff, and/or projects
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving mindset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with ability to articulate concise and coherently.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results.
- Comfort with digital technologies and educational tools.
- High standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
Other Requirements
- Willingness to travel within Portugal and internationally, as required.
- Minimum 3-year commitment to the role.
