Secondary Principal - August 2025

Job Description

We are currently hiring an experienced Secondary School Principal for GEMS American Academy - Abu Dhabi to start in August 2025. This appointment will be made immediately with sufficient notice offered to the current line manager. The position reports to the Head of School/CEO.

Our Mission:

GEMS American Academy is a diverse and caring international learning community offering a rigorous, relevant, and holistic education. We develop global citizens who have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and impact the world.

Our Identity Statement:

GAA offers an enriched American Curriculum and PYP programme to students of all nationalities, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and/or an American high school diploma. Beyond its rigorous academic program, GAA prepares students to lead successful lives through the exceptional diversity of its community and the extracurricular experience that contributes to the development of the whole person.

The Position:

We wish to appoint a Secondary School Principal, who will embrace the GEMS American Academy community and continue to move the Secondary program forward, joining us in August 2025.

The Secondary School Principal will promote the core values and mission/vision of the school and seek to ensure that they are implemented effectively.

The goal of this position is to provide visionary leadership and demonstrate exemplary management skills in the recruitment and development of faculty, the implementation of a superior curriculum, the assurance of long-term school financial stability, the provision of effective communication with all the school's constituents, and ensure the social well-being and academic growth of all children.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Model and encourage a culture of kindness. Promote and advance the mission and vision of the school in leading all aspects of the divisional program.
• Commit time and leadership for the successful implementation of the School Development Plan and to develop division-specific actions for the school's strategic priorities.
• Be a positive influence on school culture and climate within the context of a culturally diverse community.
• Model and encourage the IB Learner Profile and GEMS Core Values by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Serve as the instructional leader for the division, maintaining a relentless focus on high standards for progress and attainment for all students.
• Be accountable for student learning through the effective monitoring and evaluation of the instruction program, including the use of data and systems to implement sustainable change.
• Use assessment results to determine whether curriculum and instructional goals and student performance outcomes are being met.
• Lead the faculty growth and supervision process in the spirit of continuous improvement and learning-centered practice.
• Oversee the daily operation of the Secondary School, ensuring the effective management of facilities, staff, resources, and budget to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
• Instill a sense of common purpose and common pursuit toward consensus goals with regards to the decision-making process. Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, colleagues, and in the community in an open, caring, and approachable manner.
• Create an efficient, productive, and caring building atmosphere where all students (and faculty) have the opportunity to be recognized for their best efforts.
• Develop the leadership capabilities of teachers and to share leadership responsibility when appropriate.
• Work directly with the Head of School in the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality faculty.
• Have a personal commitment to see constant professional learning and professional growth and to be a lifelong learner.

Skills:

• A Bachelor of Education degree, or an initial degree plus a relevant teaching qualification such as a PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent.
• Successful demonstration of pedagogical leadership, organization, HR/interpersonal skills, financial acumen, and change management.
• Proven effective communication, public relations, collaborative, and planning skills.
• Proven record of successful operation and management experience.
• Proven record as an instructional leader with a deep understanding of teaching, learning, and authentic assessment, across grades 6-12.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively.
• Professional and personal commitment to the successful implementation and development of a world-class International Baccalaureate programme.
• Experience with the successful implementation of an enriched, standards-based North American curriculum.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to contribute to the general welfare of the entire school community.

If you meet these criteria, are enthusiastic about teaching and learning, and have the drive and passion to get the most from our students, then we would welcome your application.

Please Note:

Interviews will be held face-to-face, where possible, or virtually as suitable candidates apply. We reserve the right to make appointments before the closing date of this advertisement; therefore, early applications are recommended.

Join us in shaping the future of education. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and help them become truly world-class and world-ready individuals.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including a competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling, private medical insurance, annual airfares to the country of residence, and end of service gratuity.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.