Head of Primary and Early Years - Durres Campus

We seek a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Head of the Primary and Early Years section in an all-through (K12) school situated on the coast of the Adriatic in Durres, Albania. The Head of Primary and Early Years is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for providing strategic direction, academic excellence, and a nurturing environment for students in grades EY-5. Reporting to the Director, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership, educational expertise, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all learners thrive. A clear understanding of leading change and fostering a positive culture will be vital. Our language of instruction is English, so fluency is a must.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership to the Primary and Early Years section, setting high academic standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement;
• Develop and implement educational programs that align with international standards and promote innovative teaching and learning practices; and,
• Ensure the curriculum is rigorous, culturally sensitive, and prepares students for success in higher education and the global workforce.
• Student Engagement and Welfare Leadership
• Champion a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment that values diversity and promotes the well-being of all students;
• Monitor and support academic and personal needs of students, providing guidance and intervention when needed; and,
• Promote co-curricular activities and character development programs that enhance students’ holistic growth.

Faculty and Staff Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and retain a highly qualified and diverse team of educators and support staff;
• Foster a collaborative and professional work culture, providing mentorship and professional learning opportunities;
• Lead the Professional Growth Plan process for all faculty, providing feedback to ensure a high quality learning and teaching environment.

Community Leadership

• Build strong partnerships with parents, involving them in the school community and keeping them informed about their child’s progress;
• Engage with the local and international community to enhance the school’s reputation and network; and,
• Act as a spokesperson for the school, attending local, national, and international events to promote its mission and values.

Resource Leadership

• Oversee the budgeting process for the primary and early years section, ensuring responsible fiscal management and allocation of resources that aligns with the mission and values of the school; and,
• Seek opportunities for fundraising and grants to support academic programs and facility improvements.
• Compliance Leadership
• Ensure the school maintains accreditation and compliance with all relevant educational standards and regulations.

Qualifications:

• Masters’ degree in Educational Leadership from an accredited institution
• Minimum of five years of experience in educational leadership, preferably within a Primary and Early Years setting that followed the US curriculum
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Cultural competency 
• Experience in international education preferred, but not required
• Exceptional problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of accreditation processes 
• Fluency in English is a must; proficiency in other languages is a plus

Please note this Job Description is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, but instead is intended to convey the scope of the position. Additional duties may be assigned, and the job description may be revised to reflect the evolving needs of the school.