Headmaster
The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (Georgia)

The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi Seeks New Headmaster for Summer 2026

Tbilisi, Georgia – July 30th 2025

The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (GZAAT), a distinguished independent high school, has officially launched its international search for a new Headmaster. The successful candidate will succeed the current Headmaster upon his planned departure, with an anticipated start date in the summer of 2026. This timeline ensures a smooth and comprehensive transition.

This is a regular, scheduled leadership transition following a successful tenure. The school remains stable, thriving, and fully committed to its mission. The current Headmaster’s departure is part of a well-structured, forward-looking plan to ensure continuity and strong support for the incoming leader.

This is a significant opportunity for an experienced educational leader to direct an institution that is a model for academic excellence in the region. The successful candidate will have prior leadership experience in an American school and a genuine interest in working and living in the vibrant culture of Georgia.

Founded in 2001 with support from the U.S. Department of State, GZAAT was established to bring the best of American independent school practices to Georgia. The Academy's mission is to cultivate knowledgeable and compassionate individuals who are both deeply rooted in their Georgian heritage and prepared to be responsible global citizens.

We are seeking a Headmaster who will uphold this unique mission and lead the Academy’s next phase of development. The position offers a salary and benefits package that is highly competitive for Georgia and the surrounding region. The compensation is structured to be very attractive for a US-based professional, affording an exceptional quality of life in Tbilisi.

The Role:

The Headmaster is the chief academic and administrative officer of GZAAT. Key responsibilities include:

•  Academic Leadership: Promoting the Academy's commitment to a student-centered, interactive learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and effective communication. The Harkness method is a cornerstone of our pedagogy.
• School Culture: Maintaining a school culture that balances its American educational philosophy with a deep appreciation for Georgian language, history, and culture.
• Faculty Management: Recruiting, developing, and leading a dedicated faculty of both Georgian and international educators.
• Strategic Planning: Overseeing the school's long-term strategic direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and managing its modern facilities.
• Community Relations: Acting as the primary representative for the Academy, building positive relationships with students, parents, alumni, and the broader community.

Qualifications and Attributes:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Master's degree or higher in Educational Leadership or a related field.
• A proven track record of successful leadership as a Headmaster or Deputy Headmaster in a reputable American high school.
• A strong understanding of interactive, seminar-based teaching methods.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• A collaborative and transparent leadership style.
• A genuine and enthusiastic desire to relocate to Tbilisi, Georgia, and engage with a new culture.
• An adventurous spirit, a flexible mindset, and the resilience to thrive in a dynamic environment.

The GZAAT Opportunity:

This position offers a unique professional and personal experience. The Headmaster will lead a student body of motivated, trilingual individuals who are admitted through a competitive process and go on to attend prestigious universities worldwide. The role is based in a modern, purpose-built facility designed for the Academy's discussion-based teaching style. Living in Tbilisi provides the opportunity to experience a city with a rich history, a renowned culinary scene, and a welcoming population.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest that speaks to their understanding of the GZAAT mission, a comprehensive resume, and a list of at least three professional references to tako.japaridze1@gmail.com & mjaparidze@aat.ge. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi:

The Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi is a co-educational, private high school for grades 8-12. Instruction is in English, and class sizes are small (typically 12-15 students) to foster discussion and debate. Through a vibrant extracurricular program and a commitment to accessibility for talented students, GZAAT has established a reputation for excellence and is consistently recognized as one of the finest schools in Georgia. Our graduates matriculate to top colleges and universities in the United States, Europe, and Georgia.

Personal Data Processing Consent: By submitting your application, you consent to the Guivy Zaldastanishvili American Academy in Tbilisi (GZAAT) collecting, processing, and storing the personal data you provide for the exclusive purpose of evaluating your candidacy for this position. Your information will be handled with confidentiality and shared only with authorized members of the hiring committee. GZAAT will retain your data for the duration of the recruitment process and for a limited period thereafter in accordance with applicable law.