Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in 1977 with the aim of promoting scholarship and learning on Muslim cultures and societies, historical as well as contemporary, and a better understanding of their relationship with other societies and faiths. The Institute's programmes encourage a perspective that is not confined to the theological and religious heritage of Islam, but seeks to explore the relationship of religious ideas to broader dimensions of society and culture.

The breadth of the position requires close engagement across The Institute and with external stakeholders, including governors, partners and regulators. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, able to operate with clarity and credibility across all levels of the organisation, building alignment and trust in a complex environment. They will also be a strong people leader, with a track record of developing high-performing, collaborative teams and fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. The ability to manage, motivate and build capability across professional services functions will be central to success.

This role is suited to an experienced and strategically minded leader, with a proven track record of delivery, whether already operating at COO level or stepping up from a senior functional role. Experience of complex, multi-stakeholder environments will be important, as will the ability to connect strategy with delivery. Experience in higher education or other mission-driven settings would be helpful but is not essential. Of greater importance is a deep respect for The Institute’s values and the ability to engage thoughtfully within its distinctive cultural and community context.

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a globally recognised academic institution dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with particular strength in Ismaili and broader Shi‘i studies. Based at the Aga Khan Centre in London, IIS combines rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to serving diverse Ismaili communities worldwide, while engaging with academic, cultural and policy audiences. Its strategic focus over the coming decade is on strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing collaboration and delivering greater impact through operational excellence.

The Institute now seeks to appoint to the new role of Chief Operating Officer to work in close partnership with the Director and Board of Governors. This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into effective operational delivery and that the organisation is equipped to meet its ambitions. The COO will lead The Institute’s core corporate functions, including Finance, People and Culture and IT, ensuring they operate cohesively and in alignment with institutional priorities. They will support sustainable financial planning, robust governance and effective risk management, while driving continuous improvement in systems, processes and performance. The role also carries responsibility for overseeing major projects and ensuring that operational plans support long-term strategic objectives.