The Institute of Ismaili Studies - Chief Operating Officer

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Institute of Ismaili Studies.

The Institute occupies a distinctive place as an academic institution dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili and broader Shi‘i traditions. Our work is both intellectually rigorous and deeply rooted in a commitment to serving diverse communities, fostering understanding and contributing meaningfully to wider society.

As we look to the future, we are focused on strengthening our institutional capacity, enhancing collaboration across the Institute and ensuring that we are well positioned to deliver on our strategic priorities. The appointment of a Chief Operating Officer is a central part of this effort. This is a significant leadership role, working in close partnership with me and with the Board of Governors to ensure that our operational functions are aligned, effective and able to support our ambitions.

We are seeking an individual who can bring clarity, structure and energy to the leadership of our professional services, while engaging thoughtfully with the academic and cultural context of the Institute. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and a strong people leader, able to build trust, foster collaboration and support colleagues across a complex and values-led environment.

Above all, we are looking for someone who shares a deep respect for the Institute’s mission and values, and who is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose.

I very much hope that, having read further, you will feel inspired to explore this opportunity.

Professor Zayn Kassam
Director

The Institute

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is an internationally recognised academic institution, founded in 1977 under the guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan. Established to advance scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, the Institute has developed a distinctive position at the intersection of rigorous academic inquiry, education and community engagement.

From its base at the Aga Khan Centre in London, IIS works with a global network of scholars, students and partner institutions. Its academic work spans a wide range of disciplines within Islamic studies, with particular strength in Ismaili and broader Shi‘i traditions. Through its research, publications and teaching, the Institute contributes to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Muslim civilisations, both historically and in contemporary contexts. You can learn more about the Institute’s work and mission here.

The Institute’s activities extend well beyond traditional academic research. It offers a suite of fully funded graduate programmes that attract students from across the global Ismaili community. These include the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP), developed in partnership with leading academic institutions to train educators who deliver the IIS secondary curriculum worldwide. Further details on study opportunities can be found here.

Alongside its teaching, IIS supports doctoral scholars, research fellows and a range of short courses designed to broaden access to knowledge and scholarship. Its research and publications programme is internationally respected, encompassing monographs, translations and public-facing works that make complex scholarship accessible to wider audiences. You can explore its publications and research outputs here.

The Institute also plays a central role in the development of educational materials for the Ismaili community globally, with its curriculum and teaching resources used in more than 25 countries. Complementing this is its significant cultural and heritage work, including the preservation of manuscripts, the curation of special collections and the documentation of Ismaili intellectual and cultural traditions. More on these initiatives is available here.

At its core, IIS is a values-led institution, committed to excellence, pluralism, intellectual openness and service. Its close relationship with the Aga Khan and its place within the Aga Khan Development Network give it both a distinctive identity and a global reach.

Strategy 2030

The Institute of Ismaili Studies is guided by a clear and focused strategic direction as it looks towards the end of the decade. Its Strategy 2030 sets out an ambition to strengthen the Institute’s impact as a leading centre of scholarship, education and intellectual engagement, while ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of its key stakeholders.

A central theme of the strategy is the enhancement of institutional effectiveness. This includes strengthening organisational capacity, improving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring that the Institute’s structures, systems and leadership are aligned to support delivery. There is a strong emphasis on reducing silos, fostering greater integration across departments and enabling more efficient and impactful ways of working.

The strategy also places renewed focus on extending the reach and relevance of the Institute’s work. This includes translating academic research into accessible formats for wider audiences, expanding educational provision and making greater use of digital technologies to support teaching, learning and global engagement.

Alongside this, IIS is committed to strengthening its core academic mission, deepening its research agenda and continuing to produce high-quality publications that contribute to global scholarship. It also seeks to enhance its role in supporting the development of intellectual and community leadership, particularly through its educational programmes and partnerships.

For the Chief Operating Officer, Strategy 2030 provides a clear mandate: to ensure that the Institute is operationally equipped to deliver on its ambitions, with the systems, people and culture required to sustain excellence and enable growth in impact.

The full strategy can be accessed here.

The Aga Khan Development Network

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private, non-denominational agencies working across more than 30 countries to improve quality of life and expand opportunity, particularly in regions facing significant social and economic challenges. Established and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Network brings together a diverse portfolio of institutions working across education, health, culture, economic development and civil society.

AKDN is characterised by a long-term, holistic approach to development, grounded in a commitment to human dignity, pluralism and the creation of resilient institutions. Its agencies include universities, schools, cultural organisations, development agencies and financial institutions, all of which operate with a shared ethical framework and a focus on sustainable impact.

Within this broader ecosystem, the Institute of Ismaili Studies contributes through its focus on scholarship, education and the generation of knowledge. It works closely with other AKDN institutions, including the Aga Khan University and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, and plays an important role in supporting intellectual leadership, educational development and cultural understanding across the Network.

Together, IIS and AKDN reflect a broader vision: the strengthening of institutions, the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of greater understanding across cultures and societies.

Institute Governance

The Institute of Ismaili Studies operates within a well-established and engaged governance framework that reflects both its academic standing and its wider institutional context.

The Institute is overseen by a Board of Governors, chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. The Board brings together senior leaders and experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds, providing strategic guidance, oversight and support to the Director and senior leadership team. The strength, commitment and active involvement of the Board are widely recognised as one of the Institute’s defining features.

Supporting the Board are a number of committees, including those focused on finance, audit, and people and culture. These committees provide detailed scrutiny and ensure that the Institute maintains high standards of governance, accountability and regulatory compliance.

The Director is responsible for the academic and overall leadership of the Institute, working closely with the Board to shape strategy and ensure delivery against institutional priorities. The Chief Operating Officer will play a key role within this structure, acting as a bridge between governance and operations, and supporting effective engagement with the Board and its committees.

The Role

Chief Operating Officer (AQ3551)

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Job title Chief Operating Officer
Reports to Director, The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Department Office of Operations
Length of contract Permanent
Location London, UK (Aga Khan Centre)

Job Purpose Statement

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is seeking to hire a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can offer innovative and entrepreneurial support to the Director in the development and implementation of The Institute’s strategy and in engagement with the Board of Governors. The postholder will be responsible for the oversight of core support functions and teams including Finance, People and Culture, and IT. The individual will be a key member of the senior leadership team. The postholder will take responsibility for IIS space use in AKC and represent IIS on the Kings Cross Property Committee. The COO will build and maintain effective relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders and work in a complex governance environment, understanding the value this brings.

About The Institute of Ismaili Studies

IIS is an academic institution with an international mandate, based in London. It promotes research and scholarship about Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili and broader Shi’i history and thought. Established in 1977, IIS is now positioned amongst the well-reputed academic institutions in the field of Islamic studies. Its programmes are informed by an empathic commitment to addressing the needs of Ismaili Muslim communities. His Highness Aga Khan V is the Chair of IIS.

Our values

With a view to sustaining a vibrant intellectual community at the forefront of knowledge production, IIS is guided by the following values and principles:

Adhere to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all our endeavours, staff relations, and organisational management as well as inourinteractions with external individuals and agencies.
Promote inclusivity, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment in which respect, fairness, equity, and equal opportunities for professional growth are prioritised.
Commit to openness that will ensure transparency, integrity, and a spirit of inquiry, encouraging freedom of expression and greater understanding within the institution.
Cultivate a learning culture that empowers individuals, promotes equal access to educational opportunities, so that each role is exemplifying best practices.
Recognise and value our people, ensuring fair compensation, fostering connection and care, and promoting a sense of responsibility and mutual respect.
Protect the intellectual space for the expression of a diversity of views whilst avoiding coercive, polemical, didactic, exclusionary or de-legitimising rhetoric.
Assure high standards of fiduciary responsibility and prudence in the management and use of financial resources.

Location

IIS is based at the Aga Khan Centre in London, UK. Its facilities were designed to represent the values of openness, dialogue and respect for different viewpoints. The architecture incorporates a collection of beautiful gardens, courtyards and terraces that provide an insight into the diversity of Muslim cultures around the world and through history. The Centre is primarily designed for an academic community, with high-quality spaces for students, scholars and staff to share ideas and work together alongside flexible teaching spaces and quiet research areas. For further information, please visit https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk.

Job description
Duties will include the following:

Leadership of Core Support Functions

Provide strong and effective leadership for the Finance, IT, and People and Culture (HR) departments to develop team capabilities, fostering a strong culture of collaboration and communication.
Using a high level of financial fluency, support the finance team in their leadership of The Institute’s financial operations, budgeting, financial reporting and financial planning and analysis.
Oversee The Institute’s compliance with all financial regulations, schemes of delegation, and financial procedures and make sure all are fully adhered to, reviewed, and updated as required by HMRC, the Charity Commission and other regulators.
Oversee the effective operation of appropriate audit and control measures and ensure effective professional relationships are developed with auditors, bankers, and all other key stakeholders. Oversee the coordination of external audits and
preparation of statutory accounts.
Represent IIS on the Kings Cross Property Committee and be responsible for space use and allocation in the Aga Khan Centre.
Work with the Head of People and Culture to ensure regulatory compliance, develop a work environment that maximises employee capacity, energy, engagement and wellbeing, as well as succession planning and development, and ensure maximum efficiency on the development of reports required by the organisation.
Support the People and Culture team so as to continue to be able to deliver with maximum efficiency regulatory compliance for all contracts, addressing all grievances and complaints, working out redundancy and separation packages as
needed, and ensuring effective onboarding processes.
Work with IT to develop a building-wide strategy to address the IT needs (including AV) of the Institutions that occupy AKC.
Work towards maximum efficiency of all IT and AV services provided in the AKC.
Represent The Institute as needed at governmental and non-governmental functions, public meetings and industry events.
Play a key role in facilitating and driving the implementation of the strategic plan with direction from the Director and Board of Governors. Monitor the implementation of strategic objectives and goals to realise The Institute’s vision.
Ensure departmental operational plans with short-term and long-term objectives align with The Institute’s strategic plan.
Ensure long term financial and operational sustainability of The Institute, and delivery of its vision and mission through identification, analysis and mitigation, where appropriate, of risks and opportunities arising from internal and external pressures and regulatory actions.
Develop a culture of continuous improvement across operational departments (Finance, People and Culture, IT), and establish and oversee the operation of new
units and processes as part of The Institute’s approved phased growth.
Analyse the external and operating environment for shifts or trends that may impact The Institute and its preparedness for change including robust disaster recovery and contingency plans.

Project Leadership

Under the direction of the Director take responsibility for the conceptualisation, initiation and implementation of high-level projects aligned with the overall Institute strategy.
In consultation with the Director, review and approve critical decisions regarding project progress, phases and variations.
Institute project management controls with sufficient risk mitigation and resource management.
Take high level responsibility for all projects across The Institute and demonstrate leadership in respect of The Institute’s support operations.
In partnership with department heads, ensure the appointment of capable individuals at all levels to deliver projects on time and in full.

Other Responsibilities

Attending meetings of the Board of Governors, Finance Committee, People and Culture Committee, Heads of Department and other governor and senior leadership team meetings as required.
Communicate regularly and effectively to all staff the organisation’s Vision and Mission, the progress towards the attainment of its goals and risk management of the existent and anticipated risks and opportunities of the internal and external environment.

Person Specification

Educational qualifications

Educated to bachelor’s degree level or equivalent. Essential
Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Desirable

Knowledge and Professional Experience

Essential

Proven experience of strategic and financial planning, with the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery.
Demonstrable leadership experience in at least one core corporate function (e.g. Finance, IT, or People/HR), with exposure to and collaboration across the broader corporate portfolio.
Experience working with senior leadership teams and Boards, providing clear, well-judged and strategic advice.
Track record of supporting the delivery of organisational strategy and operational plans within a complex environment.
Experience of developing systems, processes and performance frameworks to enhance organisational effectiveness and accountability.
Strong understanding of financial management, governance and risk, with the ability to interpret and utilise financial information to inform decision-making.
Experience of project delivery and stakeholder management in multi-faceted organisational settings.
Proven ability to manage financial and human resources effectively, driving performance within established frameworks.
Experience of working with or alongside IT functions, with an appreciation of the role of technology in enabling organisational performance.

Desirable

Experience working in higher education, academic, cultural, not-for-profit or similarly mission-driven organisations.
Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory environments.
Familiarity with the Aga Khan Development Network and/or Jamati institutions.
A relevant professional qualification (e.g. accountancy, HR, or similar).

Skills and abilities

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to analyse complex issues and develop practical, well-judged solutions.
Capacity to bring structure, discipline and clarity to organisational decisionmaking and implementation.
Experience of enabling collaboration across functions and building aligned, highperforming teams.
Ability to operate effectively in a complex governance environment
A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build trust, credibility and strong working relationships
Strong personal resilience and a focus on delivery and outcomes
High levels of cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse and international environment
A demonstrable alignment with the values, vision and mission of the Institute.

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Terms of Appointment

The Chief Operating Officer will be appointed on a permanent basis and will be based onsite at the Aga Khan Centre in Kings Cross, London.

The salary for the role will be discussed with the successful candidate and is expected to be commensurate with the seniority of the position. It is anticipated that the starting salary will be not less than £110,000.

The Institute offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, generous annual leave, private medical provision, life assurance and a range of wellbeing and support initiatives.

The role will require a regular on-site presence, reflecting the importance of leadership visibility and engagement across the Institute, as well as close working with colleagues and stakeholders.

How to Apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the Institute, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon, Monday 11 May 2026.

AQ Reference: AQ3551

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in either your CV or covering letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Elyse Turner-Pearce on elyse.turner-pearce@andersonquigley.com, +44(0)7808 648 559 or Ed Pritchard on ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com, +44(0)7980 817 927.

Appointment of the Chief Operating Officer