Head - Digital Development - Aldar Education

Job Description

The Head of Digital Development is critical in driving Aldar Education's digital strategy, innovation, and technology initiatives. Responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of digital solutions, this role ensures the effective management, integration, and optimisation of digital platforms to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency across the entire education network.

This individual plays an essential role in the organisation's digital transformation efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, user-centric digital products. By leveraging data, emerging technologies, and best practices, the role aims to enhance user experience, drive innovation, and support Aldar Education's strategic goals.

Ultimately, this role is about harnessing technology as a strategic asset, enabling the organisation to enhance learning experiences, streamline operations, and drive long-term digital excellence in education.

Responsibilities

1. Lead Digital Innovation Initiatives
   Oversee the development and execution of digital projects aligned with Aldar Education's strategic objectives. Implement best practices in accordance with the Aldar Product Framework.
2. Digital Platform Development
   Support the enhancement of digital platforms by gathering requirements and providing functional input. Assist in prioritising features to meet stakeholder needs.
3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
   Work closely with marketing, operations, educational teams, and all digital and technology departments to ensure the successful implementation of digital solutions.
4. Research and Development
   Identify and evaluate emerging digital technologies for integration into educational and operational systems.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting
   Use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of digital initiatives and provide insights to senior management.
6. User Experience Optimisation
   Improve user experience for staff and students by developing intuitive and user-friendly digital tools.
7. Vendor Management
   Manage external vendors and partners, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of digital initiatives.
8. Compliance and Security
   Ensure all digital initiatives adhere to UAE regulations and international data privacy and security standards.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. A Master's degree is preferred, in IT, Digital Innovation, or Business Administration.
3. Certifications such as Certified Scrum Master or Certified Scrum Product Owner.
4. Proficiency in digital lifecycle tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Jira, Confluence, Mixpanel, Amplitude).
5. Experience in the education sector, particularly within international or multi-curriculum environments.
6. Strong change management skills in digital transformation initiatives.
7. Understanding of UAE education market regulations and cultural considerations.
8. Technical proficiency with software development environments and methodologies.
9. Minimum of 5 years of experience in digital innovation, technology strategy, or a similar role within the education sector or a related industry.
10. Proven track record of successfully leading digital transformation projects and initiatives.
11. Knowledge of educational technology (EdTech) and learning management systems (LMS) is critical.
12. Familiarity with platforms like Google Classroom, Moodle, and Blackboard, as well as digital learning tools and AI-driven education solutions, will be advantageous.
13. The ability to integrate EdTech platforms with school management systems (SIS) is also essential.
14. Experience in large-scale digital transformation and change management is key, particularly in an educational setting.
15. Understanding cybersecurity and compliance within the UAE regulatory framework is essential.
16. The candidate should be adept at aligning multiple school stakeholders with digital goals, training staff, and ensuring seamless adoption of new technologies.
17. This includes knowledge of UAE data privacy laws, international cybersecurity standards (such as ISO 27001 and GDPR), and best practices for securing digital platforms.
18. Experience with identity and access management (IAM) and cloud security protocols will be beneficial.
19. Strong cross-functional collaboration and vendor management skills are necessary to work effectively across IT, operations, curriculum teams, and school leadership.
20. The candidate should be comfortable negotiating contracts, overseeing third-party digital solutions, and aligning technical teams with educational objectives.
21. Familiarity with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and an understanding of optimising digital platforms for teachers, students, and parents will be valuable.
22. Additional preferred skills include experience with AI, VR, or AR technologies in education, as well as an understanding of low-code/no-code platforms for rapid solution deployment.