Head of School
Start Date: August 2021
Location: Changchun, China
Region: Far East and South East Asia - Leadanywhere
Curriculum: IB (Pre-K - 12)
Experience: 10+ years leadership experience and IB curriculum experience

School Overview This American International School opened its doors to the expatriate community in 2006. It is the first and only IB authorised International school for Pre-K to 12 in the Northeast China. There are currently 500 students enrolled in the school, from Nursery to Grade 12 representing 39 different countries. The school offers the IBPYP, IBMYP and IBDP with instruction in English. An extensive English Language Learners program is provided to students needing additional support. The school employs 60 full-time faculty members and 90% of the teachers are expatriates with the majority coming from the US and Canada. The school is housed in a purpose built "state of the art" facility and is set in over 5,000 square meters of landscaped green areas. The school's mission is to educate all students with a high quality, international curriculum in a safe, well-structured and loving atmosphere; to assist all students to develop and refine their academic, social and ethical character; and to encourage all students to use what they learn to improve themselves, their families, their countries of origin, and the world, even as they develop into the citizens of the world and life-long learners.

Location Overview Changchun is a safe and interesting place to live with the North Korean and Russian border being approximately 300 km away. It is a large and rapidly developing city but retains a real charm and is very green and compared to other China cities - pollution is not a big issue. Winters are cold but you will see lots of blue sky and summers are hot and sunny. Tourism is growing in this popular city and you will find western amenities: Restaurants, cafes, cinemas, luxury hotels and some great shopping!

Responsibilities

Supervises all schools activities and is responsible to carry out the schools' mission and to fulfil its educational objectives.
Supports and advances the Mission and Vision of Changchun American International School.
Supports student learning and achievement through best practices of educational leadership
Supports and promotes the Pre-School-12 curriculum based upon the IB goals and mission.
Supports and advances international education.
Incorporates current research and best practices in decision-making
Promotes the school as an inclusive, community school
Implements and monitors the strategic plans for the school development goals set up by the Board
Develop and meets annual goals, in support of the overall strategic plan. Complete an annual written self-appraisal against annual goals and job description to School Board.
Responsible for day-to-day operations of the school
Carrying out established school policies, review school policies and make recommendations for changes, and keep the board informed on all key aspects of the school's operation
Keep up-to-date parent/student and faculty handbooks with recent policies.
Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising and evaluating all school programs and activities
Supervise and administer educational programming for students and staff. Ensure student learning, encourage professional development and support and supervise teachers informally and formally through regular visits to classrooms.
Ensure parent meetings, conferences and timely communication about the School. Support and attend multiple co-curricular and weekend school sponsored community events.
Developing and effectively managing the school budget.
Lead the school through an accreditation process
Keep up to date with developments in iPad teaching and E-learning
Coordinating the work of the Senior Management Teams

Requirements

A highly qualified educational administrator with a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience
Knowledge and experience of international schools, and the International Baccalaureate curriculum
Strong management and diplomatic skills and a demonstrated ability to lead and to inspire the teachers and staff
Experience with and desire to work in a multi-cultural environment
Collaborative leadership style - a team builder
A high energy person who will be visible on the campus and in the community
Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with highly diverse and multicultural constituents: teachers and staff, parents, students, alumni, government officials, communities
Be a decisive and dynamic instructional leader with knowledge of relevant and current best practices
The ability to delegate effectively, and the wisdom to determine who needs follow-up supervision and who does not
Strong leadership skills are essential: outstanding communication skills (oral and written), ability to motivate and delegate effectively, ability to inspire.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is competitive and will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Furnished housing
Car provided
Health insurance
Annual home leave
Relocation allowance
Tuition waivers for dependent children
The initial contract will have a term of 3 years, with subsequent annual renewal at the School Board discretion.