Head of School-YIA, School Administration

Job summary

Works closely with the Superintendent, the governing board, and the LifePlus Team Director to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs necessary to fulfill the school’s mission and that of LifePlus. This role ensures full alignment with the mission and vision of LifePlus and its educational aims while also ensuring compliance with Chinese education regulations, balanced bilingual education, and alignment with both international standards and Chinese statutory requirements. This role involves:

1. Administers the school in accordance with LifePlus's philosophy, policies, and procedures.
2. Creates a positive learning environment for all students.
3. Oversees the School Leadership team, staff, and the school's daily operations, setting the tone for a high-quality international school educational program.
4. Builds a collaborative culture across international and Chinese teaching teams; fosters shared pedagogical standards and effective bilingual and international teaching practice.
5. Builds good communication and interaction with parents.
6. Provides long-term planning in cooperation with other LifePlus school heads, the governing board chair, the LifePlus Teaching and Learning Team, the LifePlus Lead Team Director, and the Superintendent.
7. Utilizes feedback from students, staff, families, and community in the evaluation of international instructional programs and school practices.
8. Represents the school in the area of government relations by actively cultivating relationships.
9. Oversees admissions strategy and enrollment growth in the local Chinese market.
10. Ensures alignment with licensing and accreditation standards and supports accreditation/re-accreditation processes.
11. Prepares annual budgets.
12. Reports regularly to the Superintendent and the governing board chair.
13. Champions student safeguarding and oversees student behavior, attendance, discipline, and enrichment programs.
14. Carries out other duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

Qualifications and requirements

• Demonstrates mature moral convictions and a values-centered approach to life and work, with the ability to maintain a healthy and integrated lifestyle with high standards of professionalism.
• Has a strong understanding of and passion for LifePlus’ vision, mission, and strategy.
• Has a minimum of 5 years of experience in a teaching role and 3 years in a leadership role. Prior experience working in an international or bilingual school context; China experience strongly preferred.
• Possesses a master’s degree in education administration or 2 years’ experience as a divisional principal and current enrollment in an approved Master’s of Education Leadership program.
• Experience with AERO/international high school curriculum (AP) frameworks and university counseling preferred.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with foreign and national staff with sensitivity to unique and multicultural perspectives and thoughts.
• Is able to plan, organize, execute, and evaluate in a broad range of educational settings, including strategic planning, teacher development, and curricular development.
• Language proficiency commensurate with the role is expected. Mandarin language proficiency is preferred.