Head of Academic Affairs

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
JOB TITLE: Head of Academic Affairs
REPORTS TO: Principal / Academic Director
LOCATION: IMAS International School Kuala Lumpur

PURPOSE
The Head of Academic Affairs is responsible for providing strategic leadership and
oversight of all academic programmes at IMAS, ensuring excellence in teaching and
learning aligned with the school’s motto: “Beyond Academic Excellence.”This role directs
curriculum implementation, supports departmental heads, drives continuous academic
improvement, and fosters a culture of innovation, quality, and Islamic values. The Head of
Academic Affairs ensures that IMAS students are challenged, inspired, and empowered
to thrive academically and become globally minded, well-rounded individuals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Academic Leadership and Management
● Provide strategic direction and alignment of all academic activities with the
school’s vision and goals.
● Supervise and coach Heads of Departments (HODs) to maintain high standards in
curriculum planning and instruction.
● Lead the development and consistent implementation of academic policies and
procedures.
● Ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,
including Checkpoint Exams for Grade 6, IGCSE, and A-Level programmes.
● Set ambitious, measurable targets for student performance and teacher
development.
● Chair academic committees and participate actively in Senior Leadership Team
(SLT) meetings.
● Promote the integration of the IMAS “7 Values” philosophy into the academic
programme.
● Encourage innovation and excellence within an inclusive academic environment.
2. Curriculum Development and Implementation
● Oversee a balanced, comprehensive curriculum that reflects Islamic principles
and global education standards.
● Lead regular curriculum reviews to maintain relevance and quality.
● Support the integration of educational technology and progressive teaching
strategies.
● Promote differentiation, enrichment, and cross-curricular learning opportunities.
● Guide departments in preparing students for external examinations (Checkpoint,
IGCSE, A-Level).

● Ensure all curriculum documentation is clear, updated, and centrally accessible.
3. Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance
● Set and uphold high standards for teaching and learning across all departments.
● Implement a robust observation, feedback, and coaching framework for teachers.
● Use performance data to evaluate instructional impact and guide improvements.
● Promote evidence-based pedagogy and reflective teaching practices.
● Ensure full implementation of daily lesson procedures and IMAS academic
protocols.
● Encourage classroom practices that spark joy, curiosity, and student agency.
4. Assessment and Evaluation
● Oversee the academic assessment framework and ensure alignment with
learning objectives.
● Monitor school-wide assessment practices (formative, summative, peer, self).
● Analyse academic data to identify trends and support targeted interventions.
● Ensure timely, constructive feedback in line with the Marking & Feedback Policy.
● Supervise standardisation and grading practices to ensure fairness and
consistency.
● Oversee tracking systems such as the school gradebook and student progress
reports.
● Prepare and manage all formal examinations in collaboration with departments.
5. Staff Development and Management
● Recruit, onboard, and retain high-performing academic staff.
● Identify professional development needs and design strategic CPD programmes.
● Conduct teacher evaluations and provide coaching to improve instructional
practice.
● Mentor department heads and empower them in their leadership roles.
● Address staff performance concerns constructively and decisively.
● Celebrate excellence and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.
6. Parent and Community Engagement
● Maintain open and effective communication with parents regarding academic
progress.
● Ensure all teachers are accessible to parents from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on school
days.
● Oversee adherence to the Parent-Teacher Communication Policy, including the
minimum 10% weekly communication quota.
● Monitor and review gradebook records to assess communication quality and
quantity.

● Host academic information sessions, workshops, and academic clinics for parents.
● Collaborate with external academic partners and educational institutions.
● Represent IMAS academic programmes at events and community functions.
7. Student Support and Welfare
● Oversee academic support programmes and interventions for diverse learners.
● Monitor academic progress and ensure data-driven strategies are applied.
● Collaborate with Phase Leaders, counsellors, and pastoral teams for holistic
student development.
● Implement the Pastoral Points Aggregator system for tracking student behavior.
● Maintain consistent enforcement of discipline, reward, and attendance policies.
● Ensure classrooms are well-organized, welcoming, and equipped for learning.
8. Strategic Planning and School Improvement
● Lead the academic dimension of the school’s strategic plan and long-term
growth.
● Contribute to inspection, accreditation, and compliance processes.
● Use school-wide academic data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
● Stay abreast of educational trends and innovations to enhance teaching practices.
● Develop and present detailed academic progress reports to the Principal and
Board.
● Champion initiatives to build the school’s academic reputation and impact.
9. Administrative Responsibilities
● Manage academic calendars, timetables, and examination schedules.
● Oversee academic events such as awards, competitions, and recognition
ceremonies.
● Maintain accurate academic records and reporting systems.
● Prepare official academic documentation for internal and external authorities.
● Lead the selection and procurement of academic resources and learning tools.
● Support the budgeting process for academic programmes and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
● Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related academic field (required)..
● Minimum of 7 years in teaching, with at least 3 years in academic leadership.
● Proven experience in curriculum development and academic quality assurance.
● Familiarity with international academic standards (Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Level).
● Strong grounding in character education.
● Experience working in international or bilingual school environments is an
advantage.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
● Principal / Academic Director
● Deputy Heads of School (Academic & Pastoral)
● Heads of Departments
● Teachers and Academic Support Staff
● Phase Leaders and Counsellors
● Parents and Guardians
● Educational Consultants and Examination Boards
CORE COMPETENCIES
● Visionary leadership with strategic foresight
● Deep understanding of teaching, learning, and assessment
● Strong organizational and decision-making skills
● Team-building and staff development capability
● Data-driven instructional leadership
● Professional integrity and Islamic character
● Clear, confident communicator and relationship builder
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
● Student academic achievement and progress
● Quality and consistency of teaching and learning practices
● Staff performance evaluations and professional development uptake
● Curriculum alignment and successful examination outcomes (Checkpoint, IGCSE,
A-Level)
● Quality of parent communication and satisfaction
● Effectiveness of intervention and enrichment programs
● Completion and impact of strategic improvement initiatives
● School-wide academic compliance and documentation quality