Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The PRINCIPAL serves as the strategic and operational leader of

The School

, overseeing the

Pre-Primary, Primary, and High School

phases. The incumbent will drive the school's vision for academic excellence, enrolment growth, and financial sustainability.

The ideal candidate is a

transformational educational leader

with a

minimum of 10 years' senior leadership experience

in

independent IEB schools

, and a proven track record of

turnaround growth, strategic innovation, and high-level financial management

.

This role requires a dynamic, values-driven leader who can

balance academic integrity with business sustainability

, ensuring The School continues to thrive as a centre of learning excellence and cultural inclusivity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic and Academic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of a

whole-school academic strategy

that promotes excellence across all phases, fully aligned with IEB standards. Drive

school improvement and turnaround initiatives

, targeting measurable improvements in academic results, teaching quality, and learner outcomes. Strengthen data-driven instructional practices through performance analytics, academic tracking, and targeted intervention programmes. Oversee curriculum design, subject enrichment, and innovation to ensure relevance to 21st-century skills. Foster a culture of

continuous improvement

, accountability, and high expectations across all teaching teams. Introduce and oversee quality assurance systems, benchmarking the school's performance against leading independent institutions.

2. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the

chief ambassador and communicator

for the school, ensuring a consistent and professional voice in all internal and external interactions. Build strong, trust-based relationships with the Board, parents, alumni, learners, and staff. Enhance brand identity through effective communication strategies, digital engagement, and reputation management. Develop community and cultural partnerships that align with the school's heritage and multicultural ethos. Implement transparent channels for feedback and information flow across all school levels.

3. Financial and Operational Management

Demonstrate strong

financial acumen

, with oversight of multi-million-rand budgets, fee structures, and expenditure control. Ensure the school's long-term financial sustainability through prudent management, forecasting, and reporting. Collaborate with the Board on strategic budgeting, capital allocation, and governance compliance. Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring sound systems in administration, procurement, and infrastructure. Use financial data to support strategic growth, investment in teaching resources, and improved learner experiences.

4. Growth, Marketing, and Enrolment

Drive

strategic marketing initiatives

to strengthen the school's market position and enrolment base. Develop innovative

growth and retention strategies

that respond to demographic shifts and competitive pressures. Oversee branding, communication, and advertising efforts that reflect the school's ethos and academic quality. Build partnerships with local and international organisations to promote exchange, collaboration, and cultural enrichment. Monitor enrolment data and trends to inform proactive decision-making and school positioning.

5. Facilities and Campus Development

Oversee the maintenance, safety, and enhancement of the school's physical and digital infrastructure. Lead

long-term facilities planning

, ensuring that campus development supports projected growth and academic needs. Manage major capital projects, upgrades, and refurbishments, ensuring alignment with budget and quality standards. Champion environmental sustainability and the creation of inspiring learning spaces. Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

6. Fundraising and Advancement

Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand the school's development capacity. Build relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and alumni to secure long-term financial partnerships. Initiate capital campaigns for infrastructure, scholarships, and innovation projects. Establish a robust alumni engagement programme to leverage the school's legacy and community support. Ensure full transparency and accountability in all fundraising and development activities.

7. Governance and Compliance

Work in close partnership with the

Board of Governors

, providing professional insights, data-driven reports, and strategic recommendations. Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and accreditation requirements (IEB, ISASA, and Department of Education). Support the Board in long-term strategic planning, risk management, and policy development. Maintain meticulous records, minutes, and compliance documentation. Champion ethical governance and uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

8. Leadership and Human Capital Development

Lead with integrity and vision, building a

high-performance culture

across all academic and administrative teams. Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional educators who embody the school's values. Implement structured performance management systems with clear development pathways. Mentor senior leaders to ensure leadership continuity and depth across phases. Promote professional learning communities, collaboration, and shared ownership of school goals.

9. Culture, Inclusion, and Community

Uphold the unique identity of The School as a

multicultural and inclusive learning environment

. Strengthen cultural understanding and mutual respect across diverse backgrounds. Promote holistic education that integrates academics, values, culture, and personal development. Build partnerships with community organisations, embassies, and cultural institutions to extend learning beyond the classroom. Foster a sense of belonging, pride, and shared purpose among all members of the school community.

10. Innovation, Sustainability, and Future Readiness

Position the school as a

leader in innovation and digital learning

. Introduce emerging technologies and forward-thinking pedagogies to enhance learning outcomes. Integrate sustainability into campus operations and the curriculum. Encourage entrepreneurial thinking, design thinking, and problem-solving among students and staff. Anticipate future educational trends and adapt school strategy accordingly.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualification

in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related discipline. Minimum of

10 years' experience in senior educational leadership

, within independent school- IEB-accredited schools. Proven record of

turning around academic performance

and driving sustainable enrolment and financial growth. Strong understanding of the

IEB curriculum

and independent school governance. Demonstrated success in

financial management

,

marketing

, and

school operations

. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Experience in facilities management, fundraising, and stakeholder relations.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Visionary and results-driven leader with strategic foresight. Strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal and public-speaking skills. Collaborative yet decisive, with integrity and emotional intelligence. Financially astute, entrepreneurial, and adaptable. Deeply committed to diversity, excellence, and lifelong learning. Able to inspire, motivate, and empower others towards shared success.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a

comprehensive CV

, a

cover letter outlining suitability for the position

.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The School is an

equal opportunity employer

.

The School reserves the right

not to make an appointment

.

The The School further reserves the right

to make an appointment prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified

.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person