Chief Executive Officer ( Design School)

We are hiring for our client a Interntional Brand in Design Education .

Job Description

Head of School (CEO) - Design School / Creative Education Institution

Reporting To

Board of Directors / Founders / Governing Council

Role Purpose

The CEO is responsible for the overall strategic, academic, operational, and financial leadership of the Design School, with primary accountability for student admissions growth, operational excellence, and brand leadership. The role demands a market-facing leader who can translate creative education into a scalable, sustainable, and reputable institution.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Admissions Leadership (Core Accountability)

Own end-to-end admissions strategy, targets, and outcomes across all programs.

Design and execute annual and long-term enrollment growth plans aligned with revenue and capacity goals.

Oversee admissions funnel performance: leads, conversions, yield, and retention.

Work closely with marketing and admissions teams to optimize:

Outreach channels

Counselor performance

Portfolio reviews, interviews, and selection frameworks

Ensure ethical, merit-based admissions while maintaining commercial viability.

Develop partnerships with feeder schools, counselors, creative communities, and international agents.

Monitor market demand, competitor positioning, and pricing sensitivity.

2. Operations & Institutional Management

Lead all academic and non-academic operations including:

Academic delivery

Faculty planning and performance

Student experience and retention

Infrastructure and facilities

Compliance and accreditation

Establish robust operational systems, SOPs, and governance frameworks.

Drive efficiency, cost control, and scalability without compromising academic quality.

Ensure smooth coordination between academics, admissions, marketing, finance, and student services.

Maintain statutory, regulatory, and accreditation compliance at all times.

Oversee vendor management, campus expansion, and technology integration.

3. Marketing, Brand & Market Positioning

Act as the chief custodian of the institutions brand.

Define and drive the schools market positioning, narrative, and value proposition.

Lead high-impact marketing initiatives including:

Digital and performance marketing

PR, media presence, and thought leadership

Events, exhibitions, fashion shows, film screenings, and design showcases

Serve as the public face of the institution in media, industry forums, and academic circles.

Build strong industry linkages to enhance credibility, placements, and visibility.

Ensure brand consistency across campuses, communications, and student experience.

4. Financial & Business Leadership

Own institutional P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and financial sustainability.

Balance creative excellence with commercial discipline.

Identify new revenue streams including:

Short-term programs

Executive education

Online or hybrid offerings

International collaborations

Monitor unit economics per program and cohort.

Ensure transparent financial reporting to the Board.

5. Academic Vision & Industry Alignment

Provide strategic oversight (not micromanagement) of academic direction.

Ensure curriculum relevance aligned with industry trends, technology, and creative practice.

Promote interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

Attract, retain, and inspire high-quality faculty and visiting professionals.

Champion student outcomes: placements, portfolios, entrepreneurship, and alumni success.

6. Culture, Leadership & Governance

Build a high-performance, accountable, and mission-driven culture.

Lead senior leadership and department heads with clarity and decisiveness.

Ensure alignment between institutional values, behavior, and outcomes.

Report regularly to the Board with data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

Handle crises, conflicts, and change management with maturity and discretion.

Desired Profile

Education & Experience

Postgraduate qualification in Design, Management, Education Leadership, or related field.

15+ years of leadership experience, preferably in:

Design education

Creative institutions

Higher education or premium private education

Proven track record in driving admissions growth and brand visibility.

Strong exposure to operations, budgeting, and institutional scaling.

Skills & Competencies

Strong strategic and commercial acumen.

Deep understanding of the creative education market.

Ability to balance artistic integrity with business performance.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and public-facing skills.

Data-driven decision maker with creative sensitivity.

High emotional intelligence and leadership presence.

Key Success Metrics (KPIs)

Admissions targets achieved or exceeded.

Conversion rates and cohort quality.

Brand visibility and market perception.

Student satisfaction and retention.

Financial sustainability and growth.

Faculty stability and institutional reputation