Cluster Lead - Arabic and Islamic Studies

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education UAE is seeking a Cluster Lead for Arabic and Islamic Studies to drive strategic direction and instructional leadership across a group of Dubai-based schools.

You will translate priorities into measurable plans, oversee curriculum, assessment and documentation, and coach department leaders to improve student attainment. This senior role requires strong UAE context knowledge and collaboration with school leaders to ensure inspection readiness and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Proven record of outstanding practice in Arabic and Islamic education.
• Leadership experience as HoD or equivalent (Head of Department, subject leader or curriculum leader).
• Strong knowledge of Arabic and Islamic curriculum planning, teaching and assessment.
• Demonstrated success in improving student attainment and progress.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into structured and measurable school action plans.
• Experience coaching teachers and developing the capabilities of departmental leaders.
• Confidence designing and facilitating professional development programmes.
• Strong understanding of assessment data, moderation and academic performance analysis.
• Experience supporting inspections, self-evaluation and improvement planning.
• Familiarity with UAE regulatory and curriculum compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the quality and development of Arabic and Islamic education across the cluster.
• Establish a shared vision for teaching, learning and student progress with leadership.
• Drive improvements in classroom practice, curriculum planning, assessment and outcomes.
• Develop cluster-wide and school-specific action plans aligned with priorities.
• Monitor implementation and evaluate impact on student performance.
• Analyse performance data to identify gaps and interventions.
• Design and deliver professional development for Arabic and Islamic teachers.
• Coach Heads of Department and teachers in new instructional strategies.
• Collaborate across departments to align teaching practices with effective approaches.

Skills

Arabic education leadership

Islamic education leadership

Cluster academic leadership

Curriculum improvement

Curriculum planning

Teaching quality assurance

Instructional coaching

Teacher development

Professional development delivery

Department leadership

School improvement planning

Action plan development

Student achievement analysis

Education

Education leadership

Job description

Role Context

The Cluster Lead - Arabic and Islamic Studies will provide strategic and instructional leadership across a group of schools. Working closely with school leaders and Heads of Department, the position will establish a clear direction for Arabic and Islamic education, translate strategic priorities into measurable action plans and ensure that teaching, curriculum, assessment and documentation consistently support stronger student achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the quality and development of Arabic and Islamic education across the assigned school cluster.
• Establish a shared vision for teaching, learning and student progress in partnership with Heads of Department and school leadership.
• Drive measurable improvements in classroom practice, curriculum planning, assessment and educational outcomes.
• Develop cluster-wide and school-specific action plans aligned with strategic priorities.
• Monitor the implementation of improvement plans and evaluate their impact on student performance and classroom experience.
• Analyse performance evidence to identify strengths, learning gaps and areas requiring targeted intervention.
• Design and deliver professional development programmes for Arabic and Islamic teachers and departmental leaders.
• Coach teachers and Heads of Department in applying newly introduced instructional strategies.
• Conduct follow-up reviews to determine whether professional learning is improving classroom practice.
• Promote consistent curriculum expectations while responding appropriately to the needs of individual schools.
• Ensure robust assessment methods are implemented across Arabic and Islamic departments.
• Support schools in using assessment data to plan lessons, adjust interventions and accelerate student progress.
• Strengthen moderation, progress tracking and evidence-based academic decision-making.
• Ensure departments maintain accurate documentation and clear evidence of curriculum delivery, assessment and improvement work.
• Collaborate with other academic departments to align Arabic and Islamic teaching practices with effective approaches used across the schools.
• Support school leaders with teacher and Head of Department performance evaluations.
• Contribute to inspection readiness through self-evaluation writing, evidence reviews and mock inspection activities.
• Help leadership teams identify improvement priorities arising from internal reviews and external inspections.
• Develop practical approaches that strengthen parent engagement in Arabic and Islamic education.
• Encourage effective communication with families regarding curriculum expectations and student progress.
• Evaluate digital tools and learning platforms for suitability within Arabic and Islamic classrooms.
• Guide schools in adopting technology that strengthens teaching, assessment and student participation.
• Monitor compliance relating to curriculum requirements, teacher recruitment and departmental operations.
• Participate in teacher recruitment through candidate interviews, lesson observations and demonstration lesson evaluations.
• Share exemplary practice across the cluster and create opportunities for collaboration between schools.
• Provide clear progress updates, recommendations and strategic guidance to relevant cluster and school leaders.

Ideal Profile

• Proven record of outstanding practice in Arabic and Islamic education.
• Leadership experience gained as a Head of Department, subject leader, curriculum leader or comparable academic position.
• Strong knowledge of Arabic and Islamic curriculum planning, teaching and assessment.
• Demonstrated success in improving student attainment and progress.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into structured and measurable school action plans.
• Experience coaching teachers and developing the capabilities of departmental leaders.
• Confidence designing and facilitating professional development programmes.
• Strong understanding of assessment data, moderation and academic performance analysis.
• Experience supporting school inspections, self-evaluation processes and improvement planning.
• Ability to evaluate teaching quality and provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.
• Familiarity with regulatory and curriculum compliance requirements affecting UAE schools.
• Experience participating in teacher interviews and demonstration lesson assessments.
• Strong communication skills for working with principals, department heads, teachers and parents.
• Adaptable leadership style and the confidence to work across schools with different operational needs.
• Motivation to address complex educational challenges and establish sustainable improvements.
• Professional judgement supported by integrity, accountability and a clear focus on students.

Skills Set

• Arabic education leadership
• Islamic education leadership
• Cluster academic leadership
• Curriculum improvement
• Curriculum planning
• Teaching quality assurance
• Instructional coaching
• Teacher development
• Professional development delivery
• Department leadership
• School improvement planning
• Action plan development
• Student achievement analysis
• Progress monitoring
• Assessment strategy
• Data-informed instruction
• Academic intervention
• Curriculum compliance
• Teacher performance evaluation
• Head of Department development
• School inspection preparation
• Self-evaluation framework writing
• Mock inspection coordination
• Educational documentation
• Evidence management
• Parent engagement
• Digital learning platforms
• Education technology
• Teacher recruitment
• Candidate interviewing
• Demonstration lesson evaluation
• Cross-school collaboration
• Stakeholder communication
• Strategic educational planning

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to influence Arabic and Islamic education across several established schools rather than within a single department. The successful leader will shape curriculum direction, develop teaching teams and introduce improvement strategies with cluster-wide impact. Dubai 's expanding Education Management sector also provides strong demand for experienced academic leaders who understand school improvement, inspection expectations and data-led teaching development.

About the Company

GEMS Education manages an international network of schools with a significant presence across the UAE. Its schools serve diverse communities through structured curricula, experienced educators and continuing investment in teaching quality, leadership development and student achievement.