Head of Residential Life

The Aga Khan Academy is on the lookout for a Head of Residential Life to manage its residential program. This full-time, residential position is dedicated to the comprehensive welfare, growth, and social-emotional well-being of our residential students in Grades 6 through 12, while effectively overseeing staff and resources. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role reports directly to the Head of Academy. The Head of Residential Life will handle the daily management and operational oversight of the Academy’s residential life, ensuring a secure, structured, and enriching environment for students. This position is vital in cultivating a sense of community, well-being, and personal development within the residences.

Part of a global network of schools, the Academy provides high-quality education to students throughout the Global South, nurturing their potential to become leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities. The Head of Residential Life will play a significant role in promoting the Academy’s core values and ethos.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Well-Being & Residential Experience
• Create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that encourages student well-being and personal growth.
• Manage the daily operations of the student residences, ensuring a safe, structured, and engaging living space.
• Monitor students’ well-being and development, proactively addressing their social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Collaborate with other staff to resolve student issues, including homesickness, safety, and personal challenges.
• Communicate effectively with parents about their children's well-being and progress.

Student Leadership & Engagement
• Support student-led projects, community-building activities, and cultural events that foster inclusivity and engagement.
• Encourage student participation in menu planning alongside the Food Services Manager and Menu Committee.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Head of Academy to enhance student autonomy by reviewing policies on curfews, electronic devices, and weekend schedules in an age-appropriate manner.

Residential Staff Leadership & Development
• Recruit, train, manage, and evaluate the residential staff team.
• Conduct regular training for residential staff focusing on student engagement, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
• Strengthen relationships between dorm parents and students, ensuring staff serve as mentors and facilitators.

Programme Implementation & Operational Oversight
• Ensure the efficient operation of residential facilities in coordination with relevant teams for maintenance, security, and student safety.
• Oversee health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with national and international boarding regulations.
• Manage budget planning and resource allocation.

Discipline, Safety & Pastoral Support
• Enforce student behavior policies and oversee discipline in accordance with the Academy’s restorative and educational philosophy.
• Lead meetings with residence, counseling, and other teams to ensure a unified approach to student support.

General Expectations & Reporting
• Ensure all residential programs align with the Academy’s values.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative staff to provide a seamless experience for students between residential and school life.
• Serve as a bridge between student representatives and senior leadership, ensuring student concerns are addressed.
• Oversee health and safety compliance in residential areas, adhering to safeguarding and student welfare policies.
• Provide regular reports and consultations to the Senior Leadership Team to ensure alignment between strategic goals and daily operations.

Qualifications & Experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or a relevant field (a master’s degree is preferred).
• A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a boarding school or residential environment.
• Strong knowledge of child development, safeguarding policies, and pastoral care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building strong relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Experience in managing staff, including recruitment, training, and performance assessments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary in a residential context.
• A strong commitment to the mission and values of the Aga Khan Academies.