Head of School 11 views

Position Title

Head of School

Location

Ayat, Zone 2″,Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Employment Type

Full-Time | Senior Leadership Position

Start Date

11th August 2026

Application Deadline

30th May 2026

About LionHeart Academy

LionHeart Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is an international school committed to delivering high-quality, student-centered education in Ethiopia. The school offers the Pearson Curriculum, incorporates the HighScope approach in Early Years, and is currently on the pathway toward IB authorization and COGNIA accreditation. LionHeart Academy is also a proud member of the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Our mission is to provide a 21st-century education through authentic learning experiences, meaningful assessment, innovation, and personal development. We strive to nurture well-rounded, confident, and responsible individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to both local and global communities.

Position Overview

LionHeart Academy is seeking an experienced, visionary, and values-driven educational leader to serve as Head of School. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across all areas of the school while ensuring excellence in teaching and learning, staff development, student well-being, and community engagement.

The Head of School will work closely with the Executive Office, academic leadership team, faculty, parents, and external stakeholders to guide the continued growth and development of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the implementation and development of the school’s strategic vision and long-term goals.
• Promote a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Support the school’s pathway toward IB authorization and international accreditation.
• Ensure alignment between academic programs, operational systems, and the school’s mission and values.

Academic Leadership

• Oversee the successful implementation of the Pearson Curriculum and HighScope framework.
• Support high standards in teaching, learning, assessment, and student achievement.
• Supervise curriculum development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster inquiry-based, student-centered learning practices.
• Monitor academic performance data and guide improvement strategies.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate leadership and faculty teams.
• Promote professional development and instructional excellence.
• Build a positive and collaborative school culture.
• Support clear communication and effective teamwork across departments.

Student Well-Being & School Culture

• Ensure a safe, inclusive, respectful, and nurturing learning environment.
• Uphold school policies, safeguarding standards, and student behavior expectations.
• Encourage student leadership, global citizenship, and character development.

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local educational regulations and international standards.
• Oversee school operations in collaboration with administrative departments.
• Support effective systems related to safety, facilities, staffing, and school improvement.
• Participate in budgeting and resource planning with the finance and operations teams.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the school professionally in local and international educational networks.
• Strengthen partnerships that support educational excellence and institutional growth.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in an international school setting.
• Strong understanding of international curricula, particularly Pearson (Edexcel) and IB frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in school growth, accreditation, or institutional development.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience leading diverse teams and multicultural learning communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience serving as Head of School, Principal, or Director.
• Experience with CIS, COGNIA, or IB authorization/accreditation processes.
• Experience working in Africa or within developing educational environments.
• Understanding of safeguarding and international child protection standards.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Integrity and professionalism
• Visionary and strategic thinking
• Compassionate and student-centered leadership
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Passion for international education and educational innovation

Compensation & Benefits

LionHeart Academy offers a competitive compensation package based on qualifications, experience, and location. Additional benefits may include:

• Housing or housing allowance
• Medical insurance support
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Paid holidays and school breaks