Head of Humanities (Secondary - for August 2026)
About This Role
Lead the Star Mirdif Way
Uphold our values. Lead with compassion. Go Beyond.
Do you believe that effective leadership is rooted in courage, clarity, and authentic connections?
Are you a leader who is willing to engage in tough conversations, prioritizes curiosity over judgment, and understands that being clear is a form of kindness while being unclear can be unkind?
Do you cultivate trust through honesty, openness, and presence—even in challenging discussions?
If so, it’s time to Go Beyond with Star International School, Mirdif.
Leadership at Star Mirdif
At Star International School Mirdif (Dubai), we view leadership as a matter of influence rather than hierarchy.
It embodies the courage to speak the truth, the resilience to listen intently, and the humility to be shaped by what you hear.
Our Leadership Playbook is founded on the belief echoed by Susan Scott:
“The conversation is the relationship.”
And supported by Brené Brown:
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
Leaders here exemplify emotional maturity, vulnerability, and bravery, as psychological safety serves as the cornerstone of high performance.
Every leader adheres to The Star Mirdif Way:
● Embrace our STAR culture and values
● Accountability with compassion—clarity, care, and fairness
● Go Beyond for our students and one another
These principles are actionable behaviors—more than just slogans.
How We Lead
Informed by the works of Scott, Brown, Goleman, Lencioni, and your own Leadership Playbook, leaders at Star Mirdif:
● Establish clarity—because everyone deserves to understand what truly matters
● Build trust—through openness, curiosity, and honesty
● Communicate with care and bravery—even during challenging discussions
● Demonstrate vulnerability-based courage—approaching situations with authenticity rather than defensiveness
● Support others through coaching (GROW & ADAPT)
● Create an environment of psychological safety while maintaining high standards
● Promote consistency and unity across phases and teams
● Take ownership of their responsibilities—while contributing to the broader school mission
● Maintain an unwavering focus on student learning and personal growth
Our guiding principle for 2025–26 is:
Lead with clarity and consistency. Foster a cohesive culture.
Why Lead at Star Mirdif
● A leadership environment rooted in courage, clarity, and connection
● A team founded on trust and emotionally intelligent leadership
● A school where leaders engage in Fierce Conversations—honest, kind, and courageous
● Professional development focused on coaching, inquiry, and self-awareness
● A community where wellbeing begins with you and develops with us
● A flagship ISP Lab School, driving purposeful innovation throughout the region
This is a place where leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.
What’s Next - August 2026
Our new purpose-built Secondary School will feature:
● A contemporary auditorium
● A Sixth Form Centre
● Enhanced sports facilities
● A cutting-edge library
● The flagship Go Beyond Hub—for STEAM, design, digital media, and innovation
A new facility marks a new chapter for bold leadership.
Ready to Lead the Star Mirdif Way?
If you can lead with clarity, engage in honest dialogue, build trust through kindness, and exemplify the courage to show up fully—we would love to hear from you.
At Star Mirdif, we Go Beyond—creating the clarity, consistency, and cohesion that empower every member of our school community to realize their potential and positively impact the world.
How to apply: Please review the attached job description, ISP role profile, and leadership playbook prior to applying. You can submit your application as a single document that includes a letter addressed to the principal (no more than one page) explaining why you would be an excellent fit for the role, followed by an updated CV (maximum of two pages) that lists your employment dates and references from current and past employers. Ensure that the dates on your CV are formatted as mm/yyyy and account for any gaps in education and employment.
Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
Star International School and ISP are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders will undergo appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the last ten years of employment history.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Star International School and ISP are committed to enhancing our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing team members regardless of age, disability status, socio-economic background, or other demographic factors. We strongly encourage candidates who align with our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role to apply.