Caroline Jacoby

With over 25 years of experience in international education, Caroline Jacoby has served as a Director, Elementary Principal, PYP Coordinator, and teacher across Africa, Asia, and Europe. As a Senior Consultant with Search Associates since 2020, she partners with Boards and school leaders (particularly across Africa) to recruit exceptional Heads of School, Principals, and senior leadership members.

During her tenure as a Director, Caroline led multiple whole-school self-studies culminating in successful re-accreditation with CIS/MSA and the IB. She has guided strategic planning processes, overseen significant campus development projects, and led school communities through complex security situations, including periods of civil unrest requiring faculty evacuation. Having spent 12 years leading schools across multiple regions of Africa, she brings a nuanced understanding of both the opportunities and complexities of international education on the continent. Caroline holds a Master’s degree in International Education from the University of Bath and a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from the University of Melbourne.

Since joining Search Associates, Caroline has successfully led more than 45 leadership searches. Her depth of on-the-ground school leadership experience across diverse cultural contexts enables her to guide boards and candidates with both practical insight and genuine empathy.

Caroline served for seven years on the Board of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), including four years as Chair. She contributed to the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a member of the Director General’s Advisory Committee for four years. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Board at Woodleigh School, a forward-thinking independent school in Australia.

Now based in Melbourne, Caroline continues to travel widely and values every opportunity to engage directly with school communities. Her global perspective (shaped by years of leading schools on multiple continents) informs her ability to identify leaders who can thrive in diverse and demanding educational environments.