Head of Middle School

Job Details

Job Title: Middle School Principal

Work Unit: GEMS Dubai American Academy

Location: Dubai, UAE

Job Holder Name:

Direct Reporting Line: Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent

Dotted Reporting Line:

Job Goal

The objective of this role is to provide visionary leadership and exemplary management in recruiting and developing faculty, implementing a top-tier curriculum, ensuring the school's long-term financial health, and maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders. The principal is responsible for fostering the social well-being and academic growth of all students.

Supervises

Assistant Principal and designated faculty and support personnel

Interfaces with

Faculty, staff, students, parents, colleagues, leadership team members, the broader school community, and GEMS corporate officials

Key Accountabilities

• Champion and promote the ethos and standards of excellence outlined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Ensure adherence to GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
• Model and promote DAA’s Culture of Kindness, reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
• Dedicate time and leadership to successfully implement DAA’s School Improvement Plan and develop actions aligned with strategic priorities for the division.
• Ensure all teachers and support staff clearly understand their performance expectations, including job descriptions and the faculty handbook, and assist faculty in becoming master educators.
• Mentor all faculty members and encourage their professional growth and career advancement.
• Exhibit traits that enable recognition of the principal as an instructional leader.
• Foster a shared sense of purpose and collaborative goal-setting in the decision-making process.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, colleagues, and the community through verbal, nonverbal, and written means.
• Involve faculty and parents in a wide range of school activities.
• Develop teachers' leadership skills and share leadership responsibilities when appropriate.
• Ensure curriculum documentation clearly articulates content, skills, instructional methods, and assessment practices.
• Use assessment data to evaluate whether curriculum and instructional goals and student performance outcomes are being achieved.
• Create a supportive and productive school environment where all students and faculty are recognized for their efforts.
• Identify and utilize all school resources to support students and faculty in reaching their full potential.
• Assume responsibility for sound financial management, including accurate budgeting and fiscal accountability.
• Commit to ongoing professional learning and growth, embodying the principles of a lifelong learner.
• Acknowledge the importance of attending after-school student activities and parent events.
• Take responsibility for the operational aspects of the role, including master scheduling, accurate record-keeping, and office accounting.
• Actively participate in committee work.
• Review all student admission applications in line with DAA policies and regulations.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the overall welfare of the school or as requested by the Head of School or Deputy Head of School.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Job performance will be assessed by the Principal following school policies and regulations.

Person Specifications

Qualifications / Knowledge:

• Current North American teaching and administration certifications
• Master’s Degree in Leadership and/or Administration (preferred)

Skills:

• Proven capacity to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Strong collaborative skills
• Solid work ethic and commitment to the overall welfare of the school program
• Positive and professional demeanor supportive of DAA and the GEMS organization

Experience:

• Teaching and administrative experience, particularly with elementary and middle school levels.

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.