Secondary School Associate Principal
Hong Kong International School (China/Hong Kong)

Hong Kong International School (HKIS) serves over 3,000 Reception 1 through Grade 12 students from around the world. HKIS is an American, Christian school in an international setting, and a culturally diverse community of more than 45 nationalities. We believe in and live out our Mission statement:

Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion,

and our lives to service and global understanding

 An American-style education, grounded in the Christian faith,

and respecting the spiritual lives of all

We are currently recruiting for the following position:

Secondary School Associate Principal (August 2026)

The Associate Principal is an instructional leader who collaborates closely with the other Associate Principals to support the Secondary Principal in the day-to-day leadership and management of the assigned grade levels. The Associate Principal provides leadership and support for teaching and learning, aligning the Secondary School goals with the School’s Operational Goals, Strategic Plan, and Student Learning Results. Primary responsibilities include supervision and evaluation of teachers; mentoring and developing Team Leader’s, leadership for monitoring student learning (e.g. collection, analysis and reporting of student learning data); instructional planning of curricular units; supporting the recruitment of faculty and staff; implementation of the curriculum; supporting best pedagogical practices in instruction and assessment; planning and leading professional development of faculty; allocation of resources; participation in various whole-school improvement committees, strategic planning initiatives, divisional committee work and other identified action areas.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Instructional Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise classroom teachers and support their professional growth and performance appraisal (Profile Year, Self-directed Professional Growth and those new to HKIS).
• Regularly observe teachers and provide timely feedback to facilitate student learning and the ongoing improvement of pedagogy.
• Provide leadership and support to develop teachers’ practices through coaching, modeling or in-service workshops, particularly in the areas of differentiation, inquiry, and assessment to support a deep understanding of content, and achievements of standards and benchmarks using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework.
• Lead teachers in the implementation of effective standards-based assessment practices and, collecting and analyzing student learning data to inform instructional practices.
• Build on current systems of collecting and analyzing student data, including the use and interpretation of formative, summative and standardized assessments to monitor growth and inform practice.
• Ensure that the individual learning needs of students are met.
• Actively support the Student Learning Result on spirituality, and implementation of religious education while encouraging learning about other faiths.

Day to Day Management

• Review and update operational procedures and systems to promote consistency of practice and maximize student learning.
• Make management decisions to enhance teaching and learning.
• Collaborate closely with the grade level counselors to proactively develop the social and emotional growth of students.
• Supervise and manage student behavior and collaborate closely with teachers, counselors, and parents to address any concerns that may arise.
• Promote a sense of community and school spirit within the secondary school, overseeing the running of assemblies, and other community events.
• Maintain effective communication channels with all stakeholders.
• Supervise students and handle student discipline when necessary.

Leadership for Curriculum Implementation

• In collaboration with the Principal and other AP(s) focus on alignment of HKIS’ standards and benchmarks within teams and across grade levels to ensure the integrity of the curriculum delivered.
• Lead teachers in designing integrated units of inquiry using the UbD framework, developing assessments that support the development of knowledge, skills, and conceptual understanding.
• Facilitate purposeful collaboration around student learning.
• Lead parent education sessions and support parent understanding of student learning, curriculum and HKIS practices, e.g., standards-based assessment.
• Ensure appropriate use and organization of resources for curriculum implementation.

Program Coordination

• Take on a leading role in the development and review the efficacy of co-curricular programs, e.g., clubs, gatherings, week without walls, or student advisory.
• Lead and/or support the coordination of key events (e.g., New Student Orientation, Back-to-School-Night, Parent Teacher Conferences, Self-motivated Learning Project, school trips).
• Collaborate closely with the Student Services Team, including the Student Services Director and School Psychologist and oversee the Social Emotional Learning program.

Developing Others

• Collaborate closely with the Secondary Principal to recruit high quality faculty and staff.
• Advocate and nurture a positive school culture conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and administrators.
• Engage others in supporting positive change.
• Plan, support, and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Facilitate opportunities for professional growth among colleagues

Other

• Contribute actively to the HKIS Mission and Student Learning Results.
• Remain current with the latest research in secondary education.
• Actively engage in recruitment of faculty and staff.
• Participate in school-wide projects and events and value being part of the HKIS and Hong Kong community.
• Undertake any other duties and functions as required which will help impact and strengthen the contributions of the secondary school and improve the overall operation of the School.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced degree in Education
• Degree in administration or educational leadership preferred
• Principal/Administration Certification preferred

Experience:

• A deep understanding of the developmental characteristics of teenage children and a passion for building positive student relationships.
• Successful experience in a key leadership role in a secondary school, as an administrator, team leader, or curriculum leader; with record of being a flexible, positive and contributing member of a school leadership team.
• Solid conceptual and applied knowledge of current research and trends in secondary education, curriculum development, assessment, and best pedagogical instructional practices.
• Demonstrated success in working with teachers on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Classroom teaching experience with middle and/or high school aged students.
• Previous experience in an international school and familiarity with American educational system preferred.

Required Skills:

• Grounded in knowledge about teaching and learning, particularly for middle/high school grades.
• Attitude of a servant leader, focused on serving others, a strong commitment to the HKIS’ Mission to actively support the Student Learning Results of the School.
• Demonstrated respect for teachers as professionals and as adult learners and ability to develop positive and respectful relationships with others.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions, work independently, as well as collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Effective communication skills - engage with a diverse community, confident writing skills, comfortable with presenting in public.
• Highly skillful at using technology, preferably Office 365.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm for handling multiple tasks, challenging schedules, and a demanding clientele.
• Reflective thinker, able to learn, grow and model.
• Strong understanding of child development.
• Able to Recognize and respect the diversity of ideas, values and cultures that make up the School.

Child Protection Statement:

 At HKIS, each child’s welfare is paramount. We act to ensure that our students enjoy the right to be protected from harm and exploitation and have their welfare safeguarded.

How to apply

Interested candidates please visit our website (www.hkis.edu.hk) for application.