Principal (Head)
The British International School Ukraine (Ukraine)

Post:

Reports to:

Principal

The Board of Governors

Responsible for:

All staff, students, volunteers and visitors in the school.

Main Purpose:

The Principal is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the school according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Governors and following all approved handbooks and policies. This encompassing four campuses of which three are In Kyiv and one in the city of Dnipropetrovsk. The Principal oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of the business including planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling activities. The Principal is ultimately responsible to the Board of Governors of the British International School, Ukraine or their representative. However, on a day to day basis reports directly to the Head of the Supervisory Board as needed.

The Job Description and allocation of particular responsibilities may be amended from time to time with proper consultation.

Main Activities:

Operational Planning and Management

Primary Duties and responsibilities;

• Continue to develop the school operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Ensure that the operation of the organisation meets the expectations of its pupils, parents, teachers and the Board of Governors.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organisation by means of efficient communication with the Heads of Schools and other senior management providing leadership, support and guidance.
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board of Governors and prepare procedures to implement the organisational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board of Governors as appropriate.
• Provide support to the Board of Governors by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials.
• Ensure that the programmes and services offered by the organisation contribute to the organisation's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board of Governors.
• Ensure the development of a wide range of extra curricula activities.
• Determine a policy for pastoral care within the school: e.g. anti-bullying, anti-racist.
• Determine the norms of behaviour and discipline within the school and promote, through positive strategies, self-discipline and a proper regard for authority.
• Implement the school’s policy for exclusion, temporary or permanent, and that no pupil is expelled without prior consultation with the Board of Governors, and in any event shall act in accordance with the principles and procedures of natural justice.

Human Resources Planning and Management

• Determine staffing requirements for organisational management and programme delivery.
• In consultation with the Board of Governors ensure the recruitment of well-qualified staff.
• Ensure that personnel files are properly maintained and kept confidential.
• Oversee the implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff.
• Ensure a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organisation and that appropriate training is provided.
• Ensure the implementation of a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an ongoing basis and conducting an annual performance review.
• Coach and mentor senior management staff as appropriate to improve performance.
• Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.

Financial Planning and Management

• Research funding sources and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organisation.
•  Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board of Governors. Provide the Board of Governors with comprehensive, regular reports on expenditure of the organisation within the operating budget.
• Manage funds within the operating budget for recruitment, advertising, marketing, professional development, teaching materials, etc.

Promote the organisation: Community Relations/Advocacy.

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organisation.
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, politicians, and other organisations (British Council, British Embassy, British Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce, etc) to help achieve the goals of the organisation – raising the school's profile, increasing the numbers.
• Represent the organisation at community activities to enhance the organisation's community profile.
• Maintain an awareness of the expectations of the parents and respond appropriately where this is commensurate with good practice.
• Fully and effectively promote the school cultivating good public relations.
• Handle the media and all other aspects of publicity in consultation with the Board of Governors.
• Ensure that the school prospectus, website and promotional materials are updated regularly.
• Ensure the desired image and reputation of the school are adequately reflected in the quality of all printed and electronic material.
• Bring an appropriate “ marketing culture” to the school so that each member of the staff is aware of the contribution he/she can make to the promotion of the school.

Organise

• Develop policies and procedures for the school, pupils and staff which reflect ethical practices.
• Ensure that the school operates within the policies and procedures of the organisation.
• Ensure that school activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards.
• Develop forms and records to document various school activities, streamline existing policies and procedures and introduce new ones.
• Oversee the preparation of a school calendar of events.

Manage and Lead the Project

• Liaise with other managers to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.
• Meet all new parents and children wishing to join the school and take the decision on admission. If the Principal is absent, delegate to the appropriate Head of School.
• Chair whole school SMT meetings. If the Principal is absent, delegate to a Head of School.
• Participate with the Board of Governors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organisation.
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Governors of internal and external issues that affect the organisation.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Governors on all aspects of the organisation's activities.
• Foster effective teamwork between the Board of Governors and all SMT members.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board of Governors as appropriate and jointly with the Board of Governors when appropriate.
• Prepare and submit twice yearly reports to the Board of Governors.

Essential

Desirable

Evidenced in

Education and Professional Qualifications

Degree and Qualified Teacher Status.

Application

Evidence of continuous professional development.

Application

Experience of leading/co-ordinating professional development and inset training.

Application

Interview

National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).

Application

Working life experience outside education.

Application

Teaching and Learning

Significant experience of teaching at secondary school level.

Application

Interview

Experience in more than one school.

Application

Interview

Ability to understand the characteristics of successful behaviour management.

Application

Interview

Experience of successful whole school curriculum and assessment development.

Application

Interview

Experience of delivering a diverse curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.

Application

Interview

Evidence of leadership in exploring and developing, with staff, teaching and learning strategies.

Application

Interview

Evidence of success with teaching and learning programmes.

Application

Interview

Ability to create and maintain a climate which promotes high standards of achievement.

Application

Interview

Ability to maintain a climate with promotes good behaviour and discipline throughout the school.

Application

Interview

Leadership and Management

Evidence of transformational and inspirational leadership.

Application

Interview

References

Ability to identify and use appropriate leadership approaches for different situations.

Application

Interview

References

Experience of financial management and effective deployment of resources.

Application

Interview

Ability to create a working environment where all feel secure while being fully accountable.

Application

Interview

Experience and ability to form good relationships with the wider community.

Application

Interview

Experience of working within collaborative partnerships.

Application

Interview

Ability to work effectively with a Governing Body.

Application

Interview

Awareness of a range of school improvement strategies.

Application

Interview

Experience of analysing and utilising complex data.

Application

Interview

Understanding and commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students.

Application

Interview

Ability to delegate work and support colleagues in undertaking responsibilities.

Application

Interview

Experience of working with Governors to enable them to fulfil whole-school responsibilities.

Application

Interview

Skills and Strengths

Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as the use of IT and new technologies.

Application

Interview

Ability to promote and communicate an education vision and direction.

Application

Interview

Ability to inspire, motivate and innovate.

Application

Interview

Experience of developing pastoral care and a caring ethos within the school.

Application

Interview

Personal Attributes

Ability to work creatively and collaboratively.

Application

Interview

Demonstrably professional, honest and loyal.

Application

Interview

References

Ability to make and justify difficult decisions.

Application

Interview

Commitment to our students and their learning, wellbeing and safety.

Application

Interview

Committed to equality.

Application

Interview

Inspirational leadership qualities.

Application

Interview

Able to build and maintain successful and purposeful relationships.

Application

Interview

Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Application

Interview

Ability to remain positive and enthusiastic when working under pressure.

Application

Interview

Stamina and resilience.

Application

Special Requirements

Be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.