Director of Learning, Portugal

Job Specification: Director of Learning, Portugal

Position Title
: Director of Learning

Location
: Portugal, preferably Lisbon

Starting on September 1
st
2026 as a fulltime and permanent position

Job Purpose:

The Director of Learning will be responsible for ensuring the quality of education across our Portuguese network of schools. The role encompasses overseeing curriculum review and development, teacher learning and development, promoting best in class educational standards, the oversight of safeguarding and child protection and 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, aspiration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This role requires travel to Dukes Education schools around Portugal as well as travel across Europe to allow for collaboration with other Directors of Education and the Global Education leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Educational Leadership
  : Provide strategic direction for the development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula
• Curriculum Review & Development
  : 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. Use of collaborative practices to moderate and promote consistency between our schools.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
  : Oversee the consistent application of highest quality safeguarding and child protection practices across our schools. Liaise regularly with the DSLs of all schools to provide advice and support with high level cases and ensure that all practices, record-keeping and professional development reflect the highest standards.
• 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.
• Prepare students for their future
  : Ensure that schools are constantly reviewing the skills and competencies that their students need to be successful in their future. Programs and cross-curricular themes should be evident in all schools that demonstrate this intent.
• 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 shared, well understood and supported.
• Innovation in Education
  : Champion the integration of innovative practices in teaching, including the use of technology, the natural environment, project-based learning, and personalized learning pathways.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications & Experience
:

·      
Education
: Degree or higher qualification in Teaching or 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 Portuguese and bilingual).

·      Experience of internationally 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 the management of student outcomes.

·      Extensive experience in leading teams of educators, with a strong focus on inspiring professional growth and fostering a positive 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.
• Technological Skills
  : Proficiency with educational technologies and a deep understanding of how technology can enhance the learning experience.
• Good Decision Making when Under Pressure
  : The ability to think and act calmly and rationally even when under pressure.

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, English and Portuguese 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 school team, regional network and 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 Portugal but also reports to the Dukes Education Global Director of Education.

·      The post holder forms part of the Portuguese Regional Support Team as well as being a team member of the Dukes Education Global Education Team.

·      The role is based at the Dukes Education Portugal Hub, Lisbon. It is a hybrid role with office-based, School-based, and home-working elements.