Job Specification: Director of Learning, Spain
Position Title: Director of Learning
Location: Spain, preferably Madrid
Starting on September 1st 2026 as a fulltime and permanent position
Job Purpose:
The Director of Learning will be responsible for ensuring the quality of education. The role encompasses overseeing curriculum review, teacher learning and development, and promoting best in class educational standards, and on any other projects related to the teaching environment or organisation. This leadership position will have a direct impact on the student experience by fostering academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
This role requires a significant amount to travel to Dukes Education schools around Spain as well as travel across Europe to allow for collaboration with other Directors of Education and with the Global Education leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Educational Leadership: Provide strategic direction for the development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula
- Curriculum Review & Innovation: Oversee and drive a continuous cycle of curriculum review and refinement, ensuring alignment with international best practices and the educational needs of students.
- Teacher Learning & Development: Lead and manage professional development initiatives for teachers, ensuring a robust framework for continuous learning, coaching, and feedback to enhance teaching quality.
- Quality Assurance: Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning through regular classroom observations, assessments, and collaboration with school leadership teams to ensure the highest standards of education.
- Student-Centric Approach: Advocate for a holistic student experience that integrates academic, social, and emotional learning, ensuring that student outcomes are at the forefront of educational decisions.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the school leadership teams, providing guidance and support to senior leaders and educators to implement best practices in teaching and learning.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate effectively with all key stakeholders (including parents, senior leadership teams, and external agencies) to ensure the academic vision of the Group is understood and supported.
- Innovation in Education: Champion the integration of innovative practices in teaching, including the use of technology, project-based learning, and personalized learning pathways.
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Ensure that safeguarding is a key focus in all educational and operational activities within the region, maintaining a safe learning environment for all students.
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
· Education: Degree or higher qualification in Educational Improvement, or a related field.
· Professional Experience:
· Senior leadership experience in an international school environment, ideally with experience in multiple educational systems and curriculums (e.g., IB, British, local Spanish and bilingual).
· Experience of working in Europe and an understanding of the different challenges associated with different cultures, languages and curricula will be an advantage. Proven track record in driving educational excellence, curriculum development, and teacher development.
· Experience with curriculum review, quality assurance processes, and student outcomes management.
· Extensive experience in leading teams of educators, with a strong focus on professional growth and fostering a learning culture.
· Solid understanding of the commercial drivers and KPIs that underpin sustainable private education
Key Skills:
- Leadership: Strong leadership qualities with a track record of leading change, inspiring teams, and building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders, teachers, and parents.
- Educational Innovation: Passion for innovative teaching and learning strategies, with the ability to incorporate technology and emerging trends into the educational framework.
- Coaching & Mentoring: Proven ability to coach, mentor, and support educators in their professional development, with a focus on reflective practice and growth.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-informed decisions, address challenges effectively, and adapt strategies in response to changing needs.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Experience working in international settings with a deep understanding of diverse cultural and educational contexts.
- Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
- Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with educational technologies and a deep understanding of how technology can enhance the learning experience.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about education, student development, and enhancing the learning experience.
- High levels of emotional intelligence with an ability to build positive relationships.
- Fluency in, or at least a high-level of, Spanish is advantageous.
- Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate challenges and setbacks with a solutions-oriented approach.
- Collaborative and inclusive, with a commitment to working as part of a global team.
- Highly motivated with a strong sense of initiative and a commitment to high standards.
Desirable Experience:
- Previous experience in an international or multi-national educational organization.
- Familiarity with multiple international curricula, particularly the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and British curriculum.
Line Management:
· This role is line managed by the Managing Director of Dukes Education in Spain but also reports to the Dukes Education Global Director of Education.
· The post holder forms part of the School Support Team (SST) Executive in Spain, as well as being a team member of the Dukes Education Global Education Team.
· The role is based at the Dukes Education Spain and European offices in Madrid. It is a hybrid role with office-based, School-based, and home-working elements.
