Head of School

The Head of School holds overall responsibility for the strategic, operational, and financial management of the school, while ensuring the wellbeing of the entire school community. This role encompasses leading faculty and staff, as well as overseeing the holistic academic and pastoral programs from Early Years 3 through Grade 12. The Head of School ensures that education at the FIS, related activities and school developments align with the FIS core values and guiding statements and comply with all regulations and standards governing international schools in Germany.

As the school’s primary representative, the Head of School engages with students, parents, staff, the FIS governing bodies and the broader community, serving as a liaison between all internal and external stakeholders.

About the School

At the Franconian International School (FIS), we are committed to delivering excellence in international education. Our inquiry-based curriculum, from Early Years to Grade 12, balances academic rigor with the holistic development of every student. We empower students to become engaged global citizens, equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. With a diverse community, we are united by the values of Caring, Curiosity, Respect, Integrity, and Belonging. These values shape our learning environment, fostering collaboration, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning. Join us and be part of a community that inspires growth.

Role and Responsibilities

Community:

• Sets the tone and serves as a role model, fostering a school culture and environment where students and staff can learn, grow, and thrive.
• Works with all stakeholders to assure that the school provides a caring environment for all its students, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ensures safety and well-being by implementing and overseeing effective safeguarding, conflict management, crisis response, and emergency procedures.
• Builds constructive relationships with all school stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and the governing bodies, fostering open communication and trust.
• Addresses student, staff, parental and community concerns, with a specific focus on safeguarding, promoting a culture of belonging.
• Maintains visibility throughout the school and actively engages with the community.
• Represents the FIS at local, regional, national, and international levels, advocating for the school and strengthening its reputation.
• Prioritizes students’ needs as the central focus of all decision-making processes.
• Insists on a focus on learning in every aspect of the school’s activities, ensuring that education is at the heart of the school’s mission.
• Promotes the implementation of a curriculum rooted in best practices, international-mindedness, and providing value beyond the classroom.
• Ensures the successful implementation and development of the IB programs (PYP, MYP, and DP).
• Assures the curriculum fosters high academic standards appropriate for a “non-selective” school, supporting all students in reaching their full potential.
• Ensures that the curriculum, program, and environment meet and maintain accreditation standards, demonstrating excellence in education.
• Assures the existence of quality programs that foster well-rounded students through a robust extracurricular program that supports personal growth beyond academics.

Profile & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education or related field.
• Professional fluency in English and German (C2 level).
• 5–10 years of experience in educational leadership, preferably in an international or IB setting.
• In-depth knowledge of IB pedagogy and international education standards.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for holistic student development.
• Proven experience in data-driven decision-making, utilizing assessment results and feedback to inform educational practices and enhance student outcomes.
• Strong commitment to fostering a positive school culture that emphasizes social-emotional learning and the well-being of all students and staff.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter: A letter of application (maximum two pages) explaining your strengths as a candidate and your interest in this specific position.
• Curriculum Vitae: A CV (maximum two pages) detailing relevant experience, including clear indications of completed qualifications.
• Video Submission: A short video answering the following three questions:
  • Why are you motivated to apply for this role at our school at this point in time?
  • Why do you think that you are uniquely qualified to be the best candidate for this role?
  • How do you know that you are successful in your current role? What are your personal metrics of success?
• References: A one-page list of references, including their phone numbers and email addresses.
• Please submit all required application materials at your earliest convenience and no later than November 15, 2024.

Interviews for long-listed candidates will begin via Zoom in the second half of November. Final short-listed candidates will be interviewed by various stakeholders in early January, with a decision expected by the end of the month.

Please note

• If you currently reside or if you are planning to move to the Erlangen / Nuremberg area, please note this clearly in your application.
• Please submit your application online by clicking the “Apply Now” button.

Equal Opportunity and Child Protection Statement

The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, verification of identity and proof of qualifications. The Franconian International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and national/international disclosure and barring services. The Franconian International School is an Equal Opportunities employer, and welcomes applications for all posts from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.