
GEMS
Director of Enrichment
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 10 - 15 yrs
Job expiry date: 05/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
21/03/2026
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Job description
The Director of Enrichment (Education Innovation & Co-Curricular Programmes) at GEMS School of Research and Innovation is responsible for leading and developing the schoolâs comprehensive âbeyond the classroomâ provision aligned with a holistic, future-focused education model. The role operates within an advanced educational environment integrating AI, robotics, machine learning, VR/AR, Web3, blockchain, drones, autonomous vehicles, esports labs, and gamification into learning experiences. The Director designs and delivers high-quality co-curricular programmes including activities, trips, service opportunities, and academic enrichment initiatives that support personalized learning, student wellbeing, and intellectual development. The role includes shaping and managing the Student Digital Portfolio to showcase student achievements and support university and college pathways. The Director oversees the development and implementation of the Trailblazer curriculum, ensuring alignment between enrichment and academic programmes. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards of safeguarding, risk assessment, and health and safety compliance while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, curiosity, and service. The role involves leading academic enrichment initiatives in collaboration with departments, working closely with senior leaders such as the Director of Sport and Director of CAPA, and embedding research, technology, and innovation initiatives across the school in partnership with the Vice Principal. The Director is also responsible for staff recruitment, induction, professional development, and CPD delivery related to enrichment, as well as establishing consistent planning, quality assurance, and programme evaluation processes. The position requires engagement with external agencies, representation at regional and international events, and leadership of whole-school and multi-school initiatives within a highly innovative and technology-driven educational institution.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Lead and develop the schoolâs co-curricular and academic enrichment programmes aligned with the institutionâs vision for holistic and future-focused education
- Design and deliver enrichment activities including trips, service programmes, and academic initiatives that support personalized learning and student development
- Oversee and implement the Trailblazer curriculum ensuring alignment with academic programmes and core skill development
- Develop and manage the Student Digital Portfolio to showcase student achievements and support university and college pathways
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, risk assessment, and health and safety compliance across all enrichment activities
- Collaborate with senior leadership including Director of Sport and Director of CAPA to ensure integrated programme delivery
- Support staff recruitment, induction, and professional development including delivery of CPD related to enrichment programmes
- Establish and monitor planning, quality assurance, and programme evaluation processes to ensure high standards of delivery
- Integrate advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, machine learning, VR/AR, and blockchain into enrichment initiatives
- Coordinate with external agencies, partners, and stakeholders to enhance programme offerings and opportunities
- Represent the school at regional and international events and lead large-scale school or multi-school initiatives
- Align enrichment programmes with research, innovation, and technology strategies in collaboration with the Vice Principal
Experience & skills
- Obtain a B.Ed. or Bachelorâs degree with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent teaching qualification
- Demonstrate leadership experience at whole-school level including management of co-curricular or activities programmes
- Exhibit strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and risk assessment processes
- Show experience in delivering staff CPD and driving adoption of educational platforms
- Demonstrate strategic planning and operational oversight capabilities within an educational environment
- Possess experience working with external agencies and representing institutions at regional or international events
- Provide evidence of delivering and evaluating effective enrichment or beyond-the-classroom strategies
- Demonstrate ability to lead staff teams, manage coordinators, and align enrichment with academic curriculum
- Show commitment to health and safety standards and safeguarding compliance
- Demonstrate willingness to operate at both strategic and operational levels in a growing and innovation-driven institution