Founding Head of School (PreK - Grade 5)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Founding Head of School (PreK - Grade 5), to lead the newest school in the Wellington College Education family, Hiba Academy Bay Area. The Head of School will join an established project team on the ground in the Bay Area and will assume responsibility for developing and implementing a high quality, premium educational program based on the IB Primary Years (PYP), ensuring the school provides an outstanding learning experience for our students. The Head of School will play a critical role in ensuring the successful opening of the school in Fall 2026, with accountability for leading all educational aspects. They will also be responsible for driving enrolments, supporting the Marketing and PR strategy and overseeing the operational aspects of school opening, including the recruitment of high-quality staff, assuring the proposed curriculum and adherence to the values-driven education of the wider group. In this, they will be ably supported by a Director of Finance & Operations and Director of Admissions and Marketing, as well as the team of professionals in the Shanghai-based Central Office. The Head of School will report directly to the Board of Directors.

The successful candidate will be attracted to join Wellington College Education, a purpose-led, values-based school group which has already had an exceptional level of success with its schools outside of the US. This is an incredible opportunity to lead the first school in the Bay Area and candidates should be excited and enthused by the challenge of the role and location.

The role will require positivity, adaptability and a high level of cultural sensitivity since the successful candidate will work closely with a variety of stakeholders that come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Alongside an exceptionally strong educational background, a flair for marketing and communication will be required in order to be the highly credible ‘face’ of the school, alongside a degree of financial and commercial acumen (although there will be significant support at a Group level on this aspect). 

This is a start-up role, and considerable commitment will be required especially in the pre-operational and early phase of school opening. In return, the Head of School will have significant scope and autonomy to ‘shape’ the school as part of the Founding team, balanced with support, expertise and guidance from across the WCC and WCI families. They will also benefit from extensive growth and professional development, as well as an attractive compensation package commensurate with the scope of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a clear strategic and educational vision of the school through a rigorous medium- and long-term plan, ensuring buy-in by all stakeholders to the educational vision and USPs of Hiba. 
• Alongside the Director of Admissions & Marketing (DoAM), drive the Marketing, Admissions and Communications strategy to promote the school and deliver the mission, vision and values of Hiba to stakeholders in an engaging way.
• During the pre-operational phase, partner closely alongside all members of the project team to ensure all aspects of school opening are on track including academics, admissions, facilities, HR, IT and legal/compliance.
•  Collaborate with architects and CO team to design and plan the school’s physical infrastructure and facilities ensuring an environment which support the best possible learning environment.
• Lead on the creation of a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students and staff thrive both academically and emotionally.
• Manage and monitor the budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation, especially given the high costs of running a school in the Bay Area.
• Oversee the development and communication of all relevant policies across Academics, HR, Health & Safety, Finance and Operations

Hiba Academy Bay Area is being assisted by the executive search firm Society on this appointment. To view the full details of the role, download the candidate pack and apply please visit: https://www.society-search.com/roles/head-of-school-hiba-academy-bay-area/

Please contact Jomar Mercado at jomar.mercado@society-search.com or Christopher Egan at Christopher.egan@society-search.com to have a confidential conversation.