Head of AI & Data

Qualifications & Experience: • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field; a Master's or MBA is preferred • 10-15+ years of overall industry experience, including at least 8 years in data and AI • Proven leadership and strategic vision, with experience setting and delivering data and AI strategies • Strong technical proficiency in data management, governance, analytics and insights • Experience working with School Information Systems, particularly iSAMS and PowerSchool • Solid knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR, CCPA) and data security best practices • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to present to executive leadership • Commitment to safeguarding children; appointment is subject to satisfactory references and police clearance Key Responsibilities: • Leading the organisation's AI and data strategy, governance and analytics across the full data lifecycle • Leading the implementation of AI solutions that deliver outcomes and transform classroom learning for students • Partnering with executive leadership and department heads to understand data needs and priorities • Communicating the value of data-driven insights through presentations, reports and dashboards, and acting as the subject matter expert on data • Leading analytics initiatives and working with business units and the Group Technology data team to define KPIs and build data-driven solutions • Ensuring data management complies with regulatory requirements and data protection laws • Overseeing data from School Information Systems such as iSAMS and PowerSchool • Promoting a data-driven culture and delivering training on data management, analytics and best practice • Staying ahead of emerging trends in data, analytics and AI in education to drive continuous improvement • Assessing data-related risks and working with infrastructure and data teams to protect sensitive data from breaches and cyber threats • Setting KPIs to track the impact of data initiatives and reporting regularly to executive leadership • Upholding information security policies and standards across the function About the role: We are looking for a Head of Data & AI to lead the AI and data strategy for a leading private education provider in the UAE. Reporting to the Director of Digital & Technology Services, you will oversee the full AI and data lifecycle, from governance and data management to analytics, reporting and innovation. You will lead the implementation of AI across the organisation, with a clear focus on improving outcomes and transforming learning in the classroom. Working closely with executive leadership and school teams, you will turn data into actionable insights that improve decision-making and operational efficiency and support growth. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced data and AI leader to make a lasting impact on education. • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field; a Master's or MBA is preferred • 10-15+ years of overall industry experience, including at least 8 years in data and AI • Proven leadership and strategic vision, with experience setting and delivering data and AI strategies • Strong technical proficiency in data management, governance, analytics and insights • Experience working with School Information Systems, particularly iSAMS and PowerSchool • Solid knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR, CCPA) and data security best practices • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to present to executive leadership • Commitment to safeguarding children; appointment is subject to satisfactory references and police clearance