Head of School

Location: The Duker Academy, Ghana.

Job Overview:

The Head of School at The Duker Academy will provide dynamic leadership, strategic vision, and operational oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality education in alignment with the school's mission and values. The Head of School will serve as the primary leader and ambassador for the school community, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Also, the Head of School must be innovative and visionary to lead our institution through a significant transition from the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to the Cambridge Curriculum. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of curriculum development and implementation, and a proven track record of leading successful transitions in educational settings. He/She will be responsible for guiding the school community through this transition period, ensuring a smooth and effective adoption of the Cambridge Curriculum, and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. To succeed in this role, he/she should be able to make quick decisions under pressure and have a comprehensive understanding of the Cambridge curriculum, new trends in education as well as benching of other international schools.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Transition Leadership:

• Develop a detailed transition plan outlining timelines, milestones, and action steps for the adoption of the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Collaborate with curriculum coordinators, department heads, and teachers to review existing curriculum materials, identify areas for alignment with the Cambridge Curriculum, and develop new resources as needed.
• Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum.
• Establish mechanisms for monitoring progress, assessing challenges, and making necessary adjustments to the transition plan as needed.

2. Educational Leadership:

• Articulate a compelling vision for educational excellence and student success aligned with the principles and objectives of the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Provide visionary leadership to the school community, setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with the school's mission and values.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and reflective practice.

3. Community Engagement:

• Communicate regularly and transparently with parents, students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders about the transition to the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Solicit feedback and input from stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and town hall meetings to ensure their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
• Create opportunities for parent education and involvement in supporting their children's learning and adjustment to the new curriculum.
• Celebrate milestones and achievements related to the transition process, recognizing the contributions of all members of the school community.

4. Operations and Administration:

• Provide effective operational leadership, overseeing budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation to support school programs and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, maintaining the school's reputation for excellence and integrity.
• Implementing and monitoring school policies and safety protocols
• Interview and hire school personnel when necessary 
• Lead in the Organization of school events
• The general management of the School Infrastructure, the School's physical facilities and equipment, including the allocation of rooms and other space.

5. Professional Development:

• Identify professional development needs related to the Cambridge Curriculum and provide targeted training and support for faculty and staff.
• Support the professional growth and development of faculty and staff through mentoring, training, and professional learning opportunities.
• Facilitate collaboration and sharing of best practices among teachers, encouraging a culture of peer learning and support.
• Partner with external experts, consultants, and professional organizations to provide specialized training and resources as needed.

6. Strategic Planning and Resource Management:

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and school leadership team to develop a strategic plan for the successful transition to the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Allocate resources strategically to support the implementation of the new curriculum, prioritizing investments in professional development, instructional materials, and technology infrastructure.
• Advocate for additional resources and support from external partners, donors, and stakeholders to enhance the transition process and support ongoing educational initiatives.
• Reviewing the performance of the school in terms of its objectives as stated in its strategic plan.

7. Student Support and Success:

• Ensure that the transition to the Cambridge Curriculum promotes the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students.
• Implement systems for monitoring student progress, identifying areas of need, and providing targeted support and intervention as needed.
• Collaborate with counselors, learning support specialists, and other student support services to address the diverse needs of students during the transition period and beyond.

8. Quality Assurance and Accreditation:

• Develop and implement processes for monitoring and evaluating the quality of educational programs and services in alignment with the Cambridge Curriculum standards and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulations associated with the adoption of the Cambridge Curriculum.
• Prepare and submit reports and documentation required for accreditation reviews and site visits, demonstrating evidence of alignment with curriculum standards and best practices.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience in educational leadership roles, with a demonstrated track record of leading successful curriculum transitions.
• Experience with both the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Curricula is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, implementation, and assessment practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others, build consensus, and drive change.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
• Understanding of international education trends and best practices.
• Strong understanding of international curricula, accreditation standards, and best practices in education.
• Proven ability to lead change, build consensus, and make data-informed decisions.
• Fluency in English (additional languages may be advantageous in an international context).
• An International teaching license is a plus
• Proficiency in educational technology and education management systems
• Attention to detail and effective crisis management skills