Head of Secondary - Aug

GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - AL KHAIL Dubai, UAE Posted 7 days ago Unlimited Ref:
JB5222537 We are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Secondary School from August 2025.
The successful candidate will play a major role on the Executive Leadership Team supporting the Principal/CEO in leading the whole school; strategically, operationally and financially.
The Head of Secondary will provide visionary leadership and will demonstrate exemplary management skills in the assistance of recruitment and development of faculty, the quality assurance of all teaching and learning, and the provision of effective communication with all the school's stakeholders, as well as ensuring the social wellbeing and academic growth of all children.
Student leadership opportunities are exemplary at GIS and will be developed further by the Head of Secondary.
The educational journey of students through both school divisions within GIS is crucial and therefore the Head of Secondary will focus on a smooth transition by working on vertical alignment with the Head of Primary.
To be considered for this role, candidates must be:
An effective, dynamic and visible leader with a proven track record in school leadership and improvement; moreover, possessing gravitas and presence within a school community.
Rigorous in promoting excellence and developing commitment to high standards of care and opportunities for all.
Able to demonstrate successful experience of leading and managing staff, promoting and developing approaches to learning.
Able to demonstrate a comprehensive and confident knowledge of the IB curriculum.
The successful candidate will:
Be a consistently outstanding classroom practitioner.
Create a learning environment which promotes a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning.
Have a proven track record of raising standards for learners of all abilities including those with complex needs.
Have effective organisational, managerial and interpersonal skills.
Be able to promote new initiatives and positive relationships throughout the school community.
Be able to demonstrate genuine passion towards the wider co-curricular life of a school.
Overall Responsibilities Ensure the best possible learning and teaching environment and place students at the heart of decision making.
Responsible for the safeguarding of students in line with the DCI safeguarding framework, policies, and code of conduct, in collaboration with the Head of School/CEO.
Responsible for Health and Safety in collaboration with the Head of School/CEO and Manager of School Operations.
Oversee the day-to-day running of the Secondary School, ensuring alignment with the school's educational philosophy.
Manage the day-to-day business of the Secondary School, including resource deployment and budget management.
Provide support, guidance, and leadership, serving as a model of good practice for all staff.
Possess excellent communication skills and maintain professionalism in communications with all stakeholders.
Understand the needs and issues facing all stakeholders within the school community.
Organisation, Leadership and Management Establish, review, and develop Secondary School aims, policies, structures, and procedures in liaison with whole school policies.
Lead whole Secondary School planning including the production of the School Improvement Plan.
Control budgets in the Secondary School, including delegation to subject departments.
Oversee line management and support for all teaching and support staff in the Secondary School.
Chair full Secondary School staff meetings and attend relevant committee meetings.
Produce the Secondary School Staff and Parent Handbooks.
Coach and/or mentor leaders within the Secondary School.
Curricular and Academic Responsibilities Be aligned to and knowledgeable of the MYP and DP programmes.
Promote the IB values and ensure the best outcomes for all secondary students.
Ensure the curriculum matches the aims of the school and reflects the needs of students.
Maintain open dialogue between the school, students, and their parents on all educational matters.
Ensure effective curriculum planning, design, and management in collaboration with the Secondary School Leadership Team.
Produce the Secondary School curriculum handbooks in liaison with the curriculum coordinators.
Manage timetabling and resource allocation.
Oversee and implement the Secondary School's learning and teaching policy.
Organise and present at parental curriculum and information evenings.
Skills The Person The successful candidate will be an inspirational and innovative leader who can engage staff and stakeholders in the delivery of the school's objectives.
They will show leadership and moral values through action and example.
The successful candidate will possess the following key skills, experience, and attributes:
Qualifications & Personal Development University educated with an Honours Degree; recognised learning and development is essential.
Further degree in education is desirable.
Knowledge Teaching strategies and pedagogy that engage students and achieve high outcomes.
Leadership and management in learning and communication.
Experience in a previous senior leadership position.
Support of IB curricula.
Understanding of assessment for learning and use of data.
Knowledge of ELL and SEN provision.
Current educational issues and up-to-date curriculum developments.
CIS accreditation process; IB examining, training or workshop experience is desirable.
Experience A clear focus and passion for student learning.
Experience in a leadership position with responsibility for curriculum and/or pastoral care.
Experience in developing and implementing school quality improvement programmes.
Excellent professional knowledge of curriculum and current educational issues.
Successful partnerships and communication with parents and communities.
Proven ability to support, motivate, lead, and manage staff.
The ability to represent the school to its community.
Coaching and mentoring skills.
Experience in an international environment.
Knowledge of other cultures, particularly in the Middle East.
All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including:
Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for 1 child, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence, and end of Service Gratuity.
GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE.
About This Company GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - AL KHAIL GIS #