Rettore (Head of College)

This is a remarkable chance for a passionate educator and school leader to take on the role of head at a distinguished residential UWC college, set against the stunning backdrop of Italy’s Adriatic coast.

UWC Adriatic serves nearly 200 students aged 16–19, who come from 78 different nationalities.

UWC (United World Colleges) is a worldwide educational movement comprising 18 schools and colleges united by a shared purpose: to harness education as a means to unite individuals, nations, and cultures for the promotion of peace and a sustainable future. Established in 1982, UWC Adriatic proudly stands as the first United World College in mainland Europe.

Nestled in the charming village of Duino, the college is located a short distance from the historic port city of Trieste. Although UWC Adriatic functions as a private, non-profit institution, it benefits from considerable public funding, which reflects its esteemed reputation both regionally and nationally and creates opportunities to influence positive change. The college is dedicated to a holistic educational approach that combines the academic rigor of the IB Diploma, a comprehensive extracurricular program, and a strong focus on service, compassion, and personal accountability. Over 70% of the students at the college receive full scholarships, fostering a richly diverse community that is both culturally and socio-economically varied, aligned with UWC’s commitment to embedding intentional diversity within its transformative educational model. Since its inception, the college has welcomed numerous students from Central, Eastern, and South-eastern Europe, and has now broadened its focus to include a significant number of students from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, many of whom are refugees or from communities affected by crises.

The UWC Adriatic President and Board are in search of an exceptional and highly motivated Rettore (Head) to succeed Dr. Khalid El-Metaal, who has effectively led the college for four years, guiding it through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and laying the groundwork for promising future initiatives.

The new Rettore will possess a proven history of impactful senior leadership and a deep comprehension of the dynamics of leadership within a residential school environment. They should adeptly navigate complexity, balancing authoritative leadership with a genuine pursuit of consensus that the UWC community values. In these globally challenging times, their leadership will be characterized by empathy, steadiness, vision, and courage. They will serve as an inspiring ambassador for the college, engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders and supporters. A genuine and demonstrable dedication to UWC’s mission and values is essential, while knowledge of the Italian language is preferred.

For an initial, confidential discussion regarding the position, please reach out to Jean Sullivan (jeansullivan@rsacademics.com) and include your CV/résumé.

To find more information, including a comprehensive candidate information brochure, and to apply for this position, please visit rsacademics.com.

Application deadline: Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at 10:00 UK / 11:00 Italy.

Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics may begin prior to the application deadline; therefore, early applications are encouraged.

UWC Adriatic is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young individuals. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct in accordance with our safeguarding policies.

The safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role are outlined in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as well as fostering diversity and inclusion in schools.