Senior Manager, Circle U

About The Circle

We're a non-profit start-up with a small yet growing team of motivated individuals, who are collectively working to reinvent India’s schools. We are building a network of schools and after-school centres that are offering kids from low-income households expanded opportunities to succeed and change the world. We run three programs:

The Circle Incubation + Network: The 18 month Circle Incubation selects and equips entrepreneurs to design, launch, and run reinvented schools and after-school centres. Post the Incubation, their models become part of a lifelong network - wherein they receive personalized support to strengthen their programs and anchor in a community that moves faster, together.

The Circle Labs: We run short-term, low-touch programs to build capacity and readiness, raise awareness, and cultivate communities interested in reimagining education.

The Circle U: We are launching a network of teacher prep programs and teacher colleges that are developing high quality teaching talent to serve kids coming from low income backgrounds. We will be starting with one program in 2025, and scaling over time.

About the Role

As Senior Manager, Circle U, you will co-lead the design and execution of a high-impact teacher training program that prepares educators to effectively serve in low-income communities across India. In Year One, your work will directly shape the learning experiences of 250 educators through two certification programs:

• A one-year certification program (for 150-200 teachers and coaches in Circle-incubated schools and after-schools), combining in-person training and on-site support.
• A six-month certification program (for 50-70 teachers outside of Circle incubated schools and after-schools), delivered through a hybrid model.

You will play a critical role in program design, implementation, and facilitation, ensuring teachers and coaches receive structured training, mentorship, and on-the-ground contextualized support to develop their instructional expertise. You will also drive program strategy, logistics, and operations, ensuring seamless execution.

Beyond the immediate impact, you will be part of a team laying the foundation for CircleU’s long-term vision. By 2030, Circle U aims to be a reputable School of Education, graduating 2,000+ educators dedicated to serving low-income communities. Through this, Circle U seeks to significantly elevate student learning while redefining the role of a teacher in India. As a Senior Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and build this vision, playing a pivotal role in transforming teacher education and impacting student learning across the country.

Responsibilities

Program Design and Execution

• Co-lead the design and execution of two in-person training residencies as part ofthe one-year certification program, overseeing program operations, strategy, curriculum, logistics, and timelines.
• Co-lead the overall curriculum design and implementation for the one-year certification program, ensuring it is rigorous, practical, and aligned with educators’needs.
• Lead the conceptualisation, design, and facilitation of the six-month certification track, including operations, program model, curriculum, and faculty selection.
• Co-design and implement a training track for teacher coaches in Circle-incubated schools, providing ongoing training and mentorship.

Training and Educator Support

• Conduct site visits to facilitate workshops, observe and coach teachers and coaches, and provide targeted support.
• Design and facilitate impactful learning experiences, workshops, and training sessions to strengthen instructional practice.
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to teacher and coach participants, ensuringtheir professional growth.

Program and Operations Management

• Use data and feedback to refine and improve program design and delivery.
• Manage program operations and logistics, ensuring smooth implementation and high-quality execution.
• Plan and oversee program timelines and strategy, ensuring alignment with CircleU’s long-term vision.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with teachers, coaches, entrepreneurs, school leaders, and external partners to drive engagement and trust.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to strengthen program implementation and long-term impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, including at least 2 years of teaching experience.
• Proven track record of instructional excellence, demonstrating strong student learning outcomes.
• Experience in teacher training and coaching, with the ability to support educators in their professional growth.
• Experience working in and serving low-income or under-resourced communities with a deep commitment to educational equity.
• Strong program and project management skills, with experience in planning and executing large-scale initiatives.
• Effective people management skills, with a track record of mobilising and supporting diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage and inspire educators.
• Strong problem-solving and adaptability, demonstrating openness to learning and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel to sites (approximately 40% of your time).