Director

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning; Pune District; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune, seeks a visionary Director to lead Open and Distance Learning initiatives, scale digital learning, and drive revenue growth through innovative models. You will head LMS/ERP ecosystems, oversee academic and operational functions, build partnerships, and guide transformation in a fast-paced EdTech environment.

The role demands 12–18 years of experience in EdTech, strong leadership, strategic thinking, data-driven decision making, and a track

Qualifications

• 12–18 years of experience in EdTech or digital learning ecosystems.
• Proven experience in business development, revenue generation and scaling operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in digital transformation and EdTech initiatives.
• Strong understanding of student lifecycle, engagement and retention strategies.
• Experience in managing large teams and cross-functional operations.
• Certifications in EdTech or digital transformation are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of LMS, ERP and digital learning platforms.
• Drive adoption of AI-driven learning analytics and student engagement tools.
• Oversee selection and optimization of EdTech solutions for scalability and reliability.
• Elevate institutional brand positioning in the EdTech and online learning space.

Skills

Leadership

EdTech experience

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Masters in management / Ed-Tech / Education

Ph.D. in Management / B.Ed / M.Ed (preferred)

Tools

LMS

ERP

AI analytics in education

Job description

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune, is one of India’s largest and most reputed standalone autonomous distance learning institutions, established in 2001. Over the past two decades, SCDL has empowered more than 10 lakh learners across India and over 30 countries through flexible, industry-relevant programs. The institute offers a wide portfolio of postgraduate diplomas, diplomas and certificate programs across Management, IT, Banking and emerging domains, catering to both fresh graduates and working professionals. With a strong focus on technology-enabled learning and blended pedagogy, SCDL continues to be a pioneer in accessible, career-oriented education.

Role: Director – Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune

As part of its growth and expansion strategy, SCDL is seeking a visionary, tech-savvy and business-driven leader from an EdTech / Digital Learning ecosystem to lead and scale its Open and Distance Learning initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 12–18 years of experience, preferably with significant exposure to:
• EdTech companies / Online learning platforms
• Distance / Open / Digital education institutions
• Proven experience in business development, revenue generation and scaling operations
• Demonstrated leadership in driving digital transformation and EdTech initiatives
• Strong understanding of student lifecycle, learner engagement and retention strategies
• Experience in managing large teams and multi-functional operations
• Master’s degree in management / Ed-Tech/ Education from a recognized university
• Ph.D. Management, B. Ed, M. Ed (preferred)
• Certifications in EdTech, Digital Transformation, Instructional Design Data Analytics or Online Learning (desirable)
• Strong technical background
• Good understanding of UGC ODL & Online Education regulations
• Demonstrated contributions in program innovation, digital initiatives or institutional leadership
• Strong EdTech orientation with business acumen
• Strategic thinker with execution excellence and growth mindset
• Entrepreneurial leader with ability to build and scale new verticals
• Strong industry network and partnership orientation
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment
• Strategic Leadership, Growth & Digital Transformation
• Develop and execute a long-term strategy for Open, Distance & Online (ODL) education with strong EdTech integration
• Drive revenue growth, market expansion and business scalability through innovative digital models
• Lead business development strategy including new markets, partnerships and revenue streams (B2C, B2B, B2B2C)
• Identify emerging trends such as AI in education, micro-credentials, MOOCs, adaptive learning and lifelong learning models
• Build SCDL as a digitally driven, future-ready learning ecosystem
• Strengthen institutional brand positioning in the EdTech and online learning space

2. EdTech Platform & Digital Ecosystem Leadership

• Lead end-to-end management of Learning Management Systems (LMS), ERP and digital learning platforms
• Drive adoption of AI-driven learning analytics, student engagement tools and automation
• Oversee selection, implementation and optimization of EdTech solutions and platforms
• Ensure seamless user experience, scalability and platform reliability for large learner bases
• Leverage data analytics for decision-making, learner insights and performance tracking
• Collaborate with product, tech and academic teams to build next-gen digital learning journeys

3. Business Development & Industry Partnerships

• Drive institutional revenue through corporate partnerships, alliances and international collaborations
• Design and deliver customized corporate learning solutions, executive education and skilling programs
• Build strong relationships with industry bodies, EdTech companies, and global institutions
• Explore new monetization models such as subscription learning, certifications and global programs
• Expand footprint through franchise, digital channels, and strategic alliances

4. Operations & Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership to cross-functional teams (Academics, Technology, Marketing, Student Services, Exams, etc.)
• Build a high-performance, accountable, and innovation-driven organizational culture
• Establish strong governance frameworks, SOPs and performance management systems
• Drive operational excellence through automation, process optimization, and digital workflows
• Monitor KPIs across business growth, learner success, and operational efficiency

5. Academic Innovation & Quality Assurance

• Drive future-ready curriculum aligned with industry demand and digital economy needs
• Promote instructional design excellence, blended learning models, and digital pedagogy
• Ensure compliance with UGC (ODL & Online) and AICTE regulations
• Lead continuous improvement through learning analytics, feedback systems, and outcome measurement
• Foster faculty development in online teaching, digital tools, and content innovation
• Provide visionary leadership at institutional level, aligning academic, technology, and business goals
• Lead large, diverse teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and accountability
• Demonstrate ability to scale organizations, manage change, and drive transformation initiatives
• Act as a key representative of SCDL in industry forums, policy discussions, and academic networks