Upper School Principal

• Upper School Principal
• Department: Upper School (Grades 6-12)
• Reports to: Head of School
• Type: Full-time, 12-month (occasional evenings/weekends for events)
• Position Summary

The Upper School Principal is a senior instructional and operational leader responsible for the academic excellence, culture, and day-to-day management of GIA's Upper School.

The Principal ensures high-impact teaching and learning aligned to a US curriculum framework while leading the implementation and continuous improvement of the Advanced Placement (AP) in Grades 9 - 12 and IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11-12, within GIA's multicultural context.

The role stewards faculty growth, student wellbeing, budgeting and resources, compliance, and strong school-home-community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• 1) Instructional Leadership & Curriculum
• Champion evidence-based instructional practices; set clear expectations for planning, teaching, and assessment across departments.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a coherent 9-12 curriculum that aligns US graduation requirements with IB frameworks and college-readiness outcomes.
• Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment, learning progressions, and intervention/extension pathways for diverse learners.
• 2) IB Programme Leadership (DP)
• Lead, in partnership with the IB Coordinators, the effective delivery of IB DP (G11-12): programme standards, instructional alignment, internal assessments, moderation practices, timelines, and examination readiness.
• Promote the IB learner profile and integrate ATL/ATLS skills across courses; use programme data for improvement cycles.
• Coordinate teacher professional learning specific to DP pedagogy, assessment, and academic honesty.
• 3) Advanced Placement Program Leadership (AP)
• Lead, in partnership with the school's AP coordinator, the effective delivery of the AP program (G9-12), including the annual evaluation of which AP courses will be offered.
• Promote a cohesive AP curriculum and integrate essential skills like critical thinking, research, and effective communication across all courses.
• Coordinate teacher professional learning, ensuring faculty receive necessary training and certification to teach AP courses effectively.
• 4) Student Success, Culture & Wellbeing
• Build a safe, inclusive, and achievement-oriented culture; ensure systems for pastoral care, advisory, attendance, behavior, and restorative practices.
• Oversee safeguarding procedures and partner with counselors, learning support, and college guidance to meet academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary needs.
• 5) Faculty & Staff Leadership
• Recruit, onboard, supervise, and evaluate faculty; provide coaching, walkthroughs, goal-setting, and appraisal that drive measurable gains in student learning.
• Cultivate collaborative teams (PLCs/department groups) that analyze evidence of learning and share best practice.
• 6) Assessment, Data & Reporting
• Establish a balanced assessment system (diagnostic, formative, summative; internal/external) and an assessment calendar that reduces overload.
• Oversee reporting cycles, transcripts, and communication of progress; use achievement and wellbeing data to inform interventions and school improvement priorities.
• 7) Operations, Budget & Compliance
• Manage Upper School operations: timetable/master schedule, staffing allocations, duty rosters, substitute coverage, calendar, facilities usage, and emergency readiness.
• Develop and monitor the Upper School budget; ensure compliance with policies, handbooks, and relevant laws.
• 8) Community & External Engagement
• Build trust and strong communication with students, families, faculty, alumni, and the wider community; lead parent forums and information sessions.
• Collaborate with admissions on student transitions and retention; represent GIA with accrediting bodies and partner organizations.
• 9) Accreditation & Quality Assurance
• Lead and document continuous improvement aligned to NEASC/IB and other applicable standards; coordinate self-studies, visitation logistics, action plans, and evidence management.
• Key Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership/Administration, or Curriculum & Instruction (required/preferred as appropriate).
• Valid teaching qualification; principal/administrator certification preferred.

Experience

• Proven success in senior leadership at the secondary level, ideally in an international school offering a US curriculum and IB programmes.
• Demonstrated impact improving teaching and learning, leading teams, and managing complex school operations.
• Knowledge, Skills & Dispositions
• Deep knowledge of US curriculum frameworks, secondary pedagogy, and IB DP programme requirements (policies, assessment, and authorization/continuum standards).
• Data-literate leader with strong planning, budgeting, scheduling, and project management.
• Excellent communication; culturally responsive, collaborative, and student-centered.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to inclusive, equitable practices that support diverse learners.
• Leadership Competencies
• Vision-driven, high-integrity, and values-based decision-making; builds capacity through coaching and professional learning; drives measurable improvement.
• Safeguarding
• GIA is committed to child protection and safer recruitment; all employees are expected to uphold the school's safeguarding policies and participate in required background checks and training.
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