Head of Middle School

Job Details

Job Title: Middle School Principal

Work Unit: GEMS Dubai American Academy

City & Country: Dubai, UAE

Job Holder Name:

Direct Reporting Line: Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent

Dotted Reporting Line:

Job Goal

To provide visionary leadership and showcase exceptional management skills in faculty recruitment and development, the execution of a high-quality curriculum, ensuring the school’s long-term financial health, and maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders. The role focuses on the social well-being and academic advancement of every child.

Supervises

Assistant Principal and designated faculty and support staff

Interfaces with

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

Key Accountabilities

• Uphold and promote the ethos and excellence standards outlined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Ensure adherence to GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
• Model and foster DAA’s Culture of Kindness, reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
• Dedicate time and leadership to effectively implement DAA’s School Improvement Plan and develop division-specific initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.
• Ensure all teachers and support staff clearly understand performance expectations, including job descriptions and faculty handbooks, while guiding faculty towards mastering their teaching practices.
• Actively mentor all faculty members and support their professional development and career progression.
• Exhibit traits that enable others to view the principal as an instructional leader.
• Foster a shared sense of purpose and collective pursuit of consensus goals during the decision-making process.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, colleagues, and the community using verbal, nonverbal, and written methods.
• Encourage faculty and parent involvement in various school activities.
• Cultivate leadership skills among teachers and share leadership responsibilities as appropriate.
• Ensure curriculum documentation clearly delineates content, skills, teaching methods, and assessment practices.
• Utilize assessment results to evaluate whether curriculum and instructional objectives and student performance outcomes are being achieved.
• Create a nurturing and productive school environment where all students and faculty are recognized for their efforts.
• Ensure that all school resources are identified and utilized to support both students and faculty in achieving their full performance potential.
• Take charge of sound financial management, including precise program budget planning and fiscal accountability.
• Commit to ongoing professional learning and growth, embodying the spirit of a lifelong learner.
• Acknowledge the importance of attending after-school student activities and parent events.
• Assume full responsibility for the operational aspects of the role, such as developing a master class schedule, maintaining accurate records, and managing office accounting.
• Actively participate in committee work.
• Thoroughly review all student admission applications according to DAA policies and implementing regulations.
• Carry out additional activities as necessary for the overall welfare of the school or as requested by the Head of School and Deputy Head of School.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Measurable

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

Person Specifications

Qualifications / Knowledge:

• Current North American teacher and administrative certifications
• Master's Degree in Leadership and/or Administration (preferred)

Skills:

• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to enhancing the overall educational experience

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.