Director of Studies and Administration at Alfred & Victoria Associates

Role Summary

• The Director of Studies and Administration (DSA) is a managing director role. The successful candidate is expected to provide strategic, operational, and transformational leadership for a well-established Group of Schools with more than 30 years of educational excellence.
• The DSA will be accountable for academic excellence and financial management, while responsible for driving growth, operational efficiency, strategic development, technology adoption, and staff welfare. The role of the DSA is to ensure that the schools maintain prime position, competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and are well-positioned for the future.
• This role requires a seasoned leader with strong financial management experience, good business acumen, transformational leadership skills, and the ability to build on legacy with contemporary best practices and technology-driven initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Provide overall leadership and direction aligned with the Board’s vision and long-term goals
• Translate Board strategies into clear operational and performance plans
• Prepare and present monthly, termly, quaterly and annual reports to the Board
• Drive institutional transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with education regulations and statutory requirements

 School Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across Nursery, Primary, and Secondary schools
• Ensure high standards in academic delivery, administration, facilities, and student experience
• Standardize processes and policies across the school group
• Improve operational efficiency and service quality
• Ensure health, safety, and safeguarding standards are consistently met

 Staff Welfare & Human Capital Management:

• Oversee staff recruitment, performance management, and succession planning
• Promote a positive work culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and collaboration
• Implement staff welfare, training, and capacity-building programs
• Drive continuous professional development (CPD) for teaching and non-teaching staff
• Resolve staff-related issues in line with best HR practices

 Financial Management & Sustainability:

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and cost control
• Ensure efficient use of resources and improved financial performance
• Monitor revenue streams, school fees collection, and expenditure
• Work with finance teams to ensure financial transparency and accountability
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability without compromising quality

Business Development & Growth:

• Develop and execute strategies to increase student enrolment and retention
• Identify new revenue streams (after-school programs, summer school, partnerships, digital learning, etc.)
• Strengthen brand positioning and market competitiveness
• Build partnerships with parents, alumni, educational bodies, and corporate organizations
• Explore expansion opportunities and innovative service offerings

Technology & Digital Transformation:

• Lead and oversee technology initiatives across the school group
• Drive adoption of modern EdTech solutions (School Management Systems, e-learning platforms, data analytics, digital communication tools)
• Improve operational efficiency through automation and digital tools
• Ensure the schools remain relevant in a technology-driven educational landscape
• Oversee ICT governance, data protection, and digital security

 Stakeholder & Relationship Management:

• Act as a key liaison between the Board, school leadership, parents, staff, and external partners
• Strengthen parent engagement and satisfaction
• Represent the school group in external forums and strategic engagements
• Manage reputational risk and public image of the school group

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Operational efficiency and service quality
• Staff satisfaction, retention, and productivity
• Financial performance and sustainability
• Student enrolment growth and retention
• Successful delivery of technology and transformation initiatives
• Board satisfaction and governance compliance

What Success Looks Like in the First 12–24 Months

• Improved operational efficiency and management information
• Stronger financial performance and revenue diversification
• Modernized systems and technology adoption
• Increased student enrolment and stakeholder satisfaction
• Evidence of high integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Kept pace with Nigerian and international education trends
• A clear, sustainable growth roadmap for the next phase of the school’s journey.

Required Qualifications & Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Certificate in Education, Business Administration, Management, or related field
• Master’s degree (MBA, M.Ed, MSc) is desirable but not required

Experience:

• 10–15 years of senior management experience
• Proven experience as a General Manager, School Administrator, Operations Director, or similar role
• Experience managing multi-campus or group institutions is highly desirable
• Demonstratable experience of financial management, business operations, and business development
• Strong exposure to organizational transformation and technology initiatives

Skills & Competencies:

• Good leadership and people management skills
• Strong financial management skills and commercial awareness
• Strategic thinking and innovation ability
• Ability to influence people to effect change
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Proficient in the use of common business software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and communication

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Aged: 40–55 years
• A mature, forward-thinking leader who has upskilled and remained relevant
• Passionate about education and institutional excellence
• Visionary, entrepreneurial, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
• Effortlessly well-presented and ready to be public-facing.