Middle School Principal

Job description / Role

Job overview

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is the pre-eminent international school operating in South Vietnam. Educating 1500+ students across grades KG-12, ISHCMC celebrates a truly international community of over 60 nationalities, consistently seen as making up the school.

ISHCMC is recognized as the first international school of the city, with a legacy of over 30 years of success. As a premium school in the city, it is regarded as having some of the best facilities and resources available to students and the school community. ISHCMC was the first IB continuum program school in Ho Chi Minh City and continues to champion the holistic nature of the IB curriculum and educational values. To strengthen the existing ISHCMC pathways to graduation, the school is currently investigating the introduction of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program to complement the strength of its IBDP provision. ISHCMC is recognized as one of the top schools within the global Cognita family of schools, and although aligned to Cognita’s vision of non-selective entry, ISHCMC consistently sees IBDP averages of 34+ and cohort destinations across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Starting in August 2026, ISHCMC has restructured the leadership model for its Secondary School with a clear focus on age and stage development needs by creating distinct Middle School Principal (grades 9 to 12) and High School Principal roles (grades 6 to 8). A significant opportunity exists for suitable, qualified candidates to lead ISHCMC through the next stage of its development. Within an already experienced academic team, the successful candidate will be empowered with significant autonomy, under clear accountability, to create identity and purpose for the Middle School, whilst maintaining the overall continuity of ethos and community that is such a strong feature of life at ISHCMC.

ISHCMC, or the International School Ho Chi Minh City, offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum for grades 6-8 that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary skills, and a holistic approach to education, focusing on critical thinking, research, and social-emotional development.

Position objective

ISHCMC seeks a dynamic instructional leader with exceptional interpersonal skills to serve as the Principal of the Middle School. The successful individual will be the ambassador person of Middle School, representing, advocating, marketing, and engaging with the community.

The Middle School Principal will lead 350 plus students and 30 plus staff members to achieve robust educational outcomes aligned to the AERO standards and with MYP approach. ISHCMC prides itself on culturally responsive leaders who are intuitive culture-builders with a passion for student success in academics and social-emotional growth.

The successful leader will build on instructional and cultural initiatives, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The school celebrates leaders who model an active learning stance, believe in the power of the collective, and demonstrate intellectual humility.

Reports to:

Head of School on strategic leadership and overall outcomes of the School Division.
Deputy Head of School on daily operations and academic and pastoral alignment of the School Division.

Scope of duties includes but is not limited to:

Leadership:

• Set direction for Middle School programs. Promote Middle School as a vital component of the whole school community.
• Highlight the uniqueness of Middle programs and achievements.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership and Senior Management Teams to develop and implement innovative educational strategies that align with the school’s improvement plan and mission.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, setting ambitious goals for student achievement and faculty development.
• Actively participate in community outreach initiatives to enhance the school’s profile and foster partnerships with local organizations.
• Champion student engagement. Advocate for student voice and agency, encouraging participation in decision-making processes and school activities to enhance their educational experience.
• Lead teaching and learning at the Middle School in alignment with the school's strategic plan. This includes ensuring high-quality professional learning, deep collaboration among teams, and effective teacher feedback and evaluation.

Management:

• Support the scheduling of classes and faculty assignments to optimize resource allocation.
• Ensure the effective administration of assessments such as but not limited to MAP, and analyse results to improve curriculum and instruction and share with staff, students, and parents.
• Regularly review and revise curriculum guide, student handbook, etc. in Middle School.
• Under the direction of the Deputy Head of School liaise with other Divisional Principals in leading whole school orientation for new and returning faculty and staff.
• Manage Middle School budget and ensure appropriate use of resources.
• Provide detailed reports for the Head of School and any other reports throughout the year.

Staff development:

• Lead efforts to recruit and retain high-quality faculty who are committed to the School’s vision and values.
• Ensure regular evaluation of staff performance and provide constructive feedback, make efficient decisions on any unsatisfactory professional practice.
• Professionally self-evaluate soliciting feedback from constituents. The Head of School ultimately evaluates your performance.
• Promote collaborative practices and facilitate continuing professional development of faculty and staff in accordance with their personal, professional and school goals.
• Inspire and empower the faculty and staff to achieve excellence in teaching and learning.

Pastoral:

• Establish a robust support system for pupils. Identify needs and ensure proper guidance is accessible for students.
• Implement initiatives to enhance student safety and wellbeing such as leading workshops and training for staff on mental health, and support strategies.
• Support the evolution of the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) to enhance educational offerings.
• Show genuine interest in all students and ensure appropriate opportunities and activities for students are provided through leadership, athletics, arts, clubs, and social opportunities.
• Understand and support Cognita compliance rules, including but not limited to fostering a safe and inclusive environment and excels child safeguarding requirements.
• Coordinate with counselling and support staff to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. Host regular check-ins or meetings to ensure implementation of student accommodation and personal development plans.
• Respond appropriately to problems, crises, and immediate needs of students and parents.
• Advocate for students when issues arise and guide conflict resolution between parents, students, and teachers.
• Work closely with other Divisional School Principals in transition of students from grade 5 to 6 and from grade 8 to 9.

Communication:

• Instill a sense of confidence and pride in the school by parents.
• Articulate divisional programs, activities, and initiatives and respond to the school community questions through open houses, parent meetings, educational forums, parent conferences, and the PTO liaison.
• Maintain regular written communication with faculty, parents, and students.
• Communicate often with divisional staff to facilitate collaborative decision making.
• Oversee procedures for reporting student progress and providing quality reports.
• Be openly accessible to meet with individual students, parents, teachers, and staff.
• Promote the Middle School as a distinct entity, highlighting unique programs and achievements.
• Work with Admissions and Marketing Director by inviting prospective students and parents, showcasing ISHCMC’s existing facilities and academic offerings.
• Actively engage with media to share success stories and initiatives through PR articles and features.
• Develop and maintain a strong presence through the school’s website and social media to engage the community and enhance transparency.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Middle School, effectively communicating the school’s vision, values, and achievements to the community and to Regional.

General:

• Provide campus coverage during holidays in liaison with administrative colleagues.
• Provide leadership during school-wide events, ensuring smooth operations and positive experiences for all participants.
• Participate in school events, committees, and activities to promote school vision and community involvement.
• Establish community outreach initiatives that foster relationships with local organizations and charities, encouraging student participation and contributions.
• Perform any other reasonable duties delegated by the Head of School.

Position requirements

Knowledge and skills:

• Skilled in leading an international school.
• MYP knowledge and experience required.
• Curriculum development knowledge.
• Administrative skills - supervision of staff, budget development and monitoring, scheduling, staff development, data analysis skills, etc.
• Proficient in using computers.
• Proven administrative leadership of a similar school 5+ years.
• Overseas experience helpful.

Personal qualities:

• Leader and team player.
• Personable and approachable.
• Exemplifies the IB learner profile preferred – knowledgeable, inquirer, open-minded, principled, caring, communicator, risk taker, thinker, balanced, reflective.
• Resilient - able to work long hours depending on the demands of the job at various times throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in educational administration or educational leadership preferred.
• Ability to lead initiatives with staff and students to build school culture aligned with the school vision.
• Problem solver and positive attitude toward challenges.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills as an internal and external communicator.
• Effective collaborator and team member.
• Educational innovator and implementer – inspiring continual innovation and creativity and connecting student learning beyond classrooms.
• Navigator of diverse constituencies through collaboration, team-building, and diplomacy.
• Management experience and strong leadership skills. Able to hone strategic priorities, attract talent, delegate effectively, motivate others to grow, and solve problems effectively, mixing collaboration and decisiveness as needed.
• Community-minded, involved and inclusive.
• Visible and vibrant, approachable, and accessible to students and adult constituencies.
• International experience preferred, cultural competence required.

Safeguarding statement

It is the job holder’s responsibility to promote the safeguarding and the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Child Protection Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head of School or to the Regional CEP so that a referral can be made accordingly to the relevant third party services.

Working conditions

• International environment with diverse nationalities.
• Weekend and evening work as required to fulfil duties effectively.

Terms of employment

• Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
• Fixed term position, as per Vietnam labour law (renewable).
• Working time: Monday to Friday.
• Leave benefits: Competitive leave package above Vietnam legal requirements.
• Medical benefits: Group medical insurance.
• Probation period: 2 months from date of commencement.
• Pre-medical exam: Required.
• Reference check: Required.
• Background check: Required.