Role Description

The Academic Lead will drive academic strategy, curriculum design, and faculty development to deliver high-quality programs in special needs education. The role focuses on trainee success, institutional partnerships, and advocacy for the neurodivergent community.

Core Responsibilities

1. Design and Development of Learning Programs

• Assist in preparing project schedules using MS Project/Primavera (P6) or similar tools.
• Track project progress and update schedules regularly.
• Support the development of baseline programs and monthly lookahead plans.
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly progress reports and dashboards.
• Coordinate with site teams to collect progress data and verify actual status.

2. Academic Planning and Monitoring

• Develop course schedules, oversee implementation, and regularly monitor progress, making necessary adjustments to ensure timely and effective delivery.
• Allocate mentors to courses based on expertise, and assess the quality and effectiveness of their teaching through regular performance evaluations. 
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and service.

3. Mentor Management and development

• Promote faculty research and professional growth in the field of special education.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team capable of executing the academy’s strategic objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Serve as a role model for ethical leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission.

4. Augment collaborations with academic Institutions and corporates.

• Foster collaboration across departments to increase awareness of the academy’s courses, with a special emphasis on utilizing the communications department to effectively engage audiences through social media.
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions to promote knowledge exchange, joint learning initiatives, and academic cooperation.
• Represent IAC in collaborations with partner institutions for joint programs, accreditation processes, and credit exchange initiatives, ensuring alignment with academic standards and objectives.
• Develop and conduct workshops, specialized courses, and awareness programs aimed at building credibility and raising awareness about the neurodivergent community.

5. Trainee Success and Development:

• Evaluate the academic and developmental progress of students enrolled in various programs through structured assessments and feedback mechanisms.
• Monitor trainee’s progress and implement strategies to enhance retention and graduation rates.
• Create an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages participation from participants of all backgrounds.

6. Community Engagement and Advocacy:

• Build partnerships with local and national organizations, NGOs and government agencies to for employee opportunities for the trainees.
• Represent the IAC’S training academy at conferences, public forums, and in the media to advocate for neurodiverse communities.
• Lead efforts to secure funding, grants, and sponsorships to support IAC’s goals.

7. Administrative Oversight:

• Manage the budget and resources effectively to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the academy’s goals and objectives.

8. Technology and Innovation:

• Integrate technology and modern methodologies to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes through a robust LMS (Learning Management System)
• Encourage the use of assistive technologies to support trainees and faculty in the classroom.

Requirements

Key Qualities

• Collaborative leadership and decision-making.
• Expertise in research and evidence-based practices in special education.
• Ability to foster relationships with stakeholders, including parents, students, faculty, and community organizations.
• Strategic thinking and planning.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Applied psychology. Specialization in Clinical psychology/ Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (PhD preferred).
• 10+ years of teaching experience/leading an education institute 
• Proven leadership experience in an academic or special education institution.
• Strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and student support.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and advocacy for neurodiverse communities.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology for education and administration.

Benefits

Careers are made to last at the India Autism Center. We make you an incomprehensible promise: With benefits created to support you at all stages of life, our employees grow professionally and personally while making a difference in society.

Our benefits are built on core categories of health, financial security, learning, personal & professional development.