Head of Secondary

St. Nicholas School (Alphaville) is seeking to appoint an experienced senior leader for the role of Head of Secondary, to start in July 2024.

St Nicholas Alphaville is an all-aged school for students from 18 months to 16 years of age currently. We are authorised to offer the IB PYP and MYP, and we are currently in the candidacy stage of the IB DP, with authorisation expected by June 2024 with the first cohort starting in August 2024. The section currently has 144 of students on roll in MYP 1 – 5, and the post holder would directly manage approximately 20 pedagogical staff.

Due to the needs of the school, this position is only suitable for candidates who already possess a good track record in middle leadership, but ideally have senior leadership experience and are looking for an exciting new challenge, leading the section through the continued implementation of the IB DP.

The Head of Secondary is a member of the whole-school Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to the Head of School. They are responsible for the section’s daily management, including pedagogical leadership, executive decision-making, and budgeting. Candidates must possess extensive knowledge and experience of the Secondary curriculum, and secure knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate Programmes and the IBO’s standards and practices.

The post holder must be a knowledgeable, caring, and supportive presence in the life of all students, and they will be a member of the Safeguarding Team. They must be able to maintain a friendly, open, supportive relationship with families, and provide regular, meaningful opportunities for families to engage in Secondary school activities. The Head of Secondary must understand the school’s beliefs around learning and model and promote the school’s values and mission through a positive attitude, work, and interactions at all times.

Required skills and attributes – Desirable (D) and Essential (E)

• Demonstrable experience of a passion for education, and ability to inspire this passion in the learning community (E)
• Fluent English (E)
• Portuguese or another language (verbal and written) (D)
• Graduate in education (E)
• Postgraduate or further study in a relevant field (D)
• Experience and evidence of leading a team of education professionals (E)
• Experience and evidence of working with parents and building positive relationships (E)
• Experience and evidence of an international school setting (E)
• Experience in a variety of settings, contexts, and countries (D)

We offer a competitive salary and an international package to be discussed at the interview. Apply by submitting you updated CV and a cover letter to recruitment@stnicholas.com.br.

Deadline for applications: Thursday 30th November 2023, 12-noon.

However, the school reserves the right to interview suitable candidates and make an appointment before this deadline.

St Nicholas believes that students learn best when they are safe and secure, and the school has the responsibility to promote and protect the safety and wellbeing of all members of its community.