Head of Pastoral Care & Boarding
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Pastoral Care & Boarding to lead our pastoral and boarding programs at our prestigious K-12 International School (for expats students)in Shenzhen, China. This key leadership role will be instrumental in shaping a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered pastoral culture while overseeing all aspects of the boarding experience for expatriate students. The successful candidate will foster an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring their well-being remains at the heart of all school operations.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and evaluate the school’s pastoral care strategy to promote student well-being, resilience, and personal growth across all grade levels (K-12).
Oversee the boarding program, including residential life, student supervision, extracurricular activities, and daily operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and nurturing living environment.
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of pastoral staff, boarding house parents, and support personnel, providing professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative team culture.
Establish and maintain robust safeguarding and child protection protocols, ensuring compliance with international standards and local regulations.
Collaborate with academic leaders, counselors, and parents to address student needs, resolve pastoral concerns, and support holistic student development.
Develop and monitor pastoral care policies, procedures, and resources, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, values, and educational philosophy.
Organize parent workshops, pastoral events, and community-building initiatives to strengthen partnerships between the school, families, and students.
Serve as a key advocate for student well-being, representing the school in relevant forums and staying updated on best practices in pastoral care and boarding education.
Requirements
Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in international education, with at least 5 years in a senior pastoral care or boarding leadership role (e.g., Head of Pastoral Care, Director of Boarding).
Recognized teaching qualification and leadership certification (e.g., NPQH, PGCE, or equivalent international credentials).
In-depth knowledge of safeguarding, child protection laws, and student well-being frameworks.
Proven track record in building and leading high-performing pastoral teams, with strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective pastoral programs that support diverse student populations.
Excellent cross-cultural competence and experience working with expatriate students and families.
Fluency in English (written and spoken); proficiency in Mandarin is preferred but not required.

Compensation & Benefits
Annual total compensation package: RMB 500,000 – 600,000, including base salary, performance bonuses, and benefits.
Comprehensive international school benefits, including medical insurance, housing allowance (replaced by on-campus residence), professional development funding, and annual flight allowances.
Important Note
On-campus residence is mandatory for this role to ensure full immersion in the boarding community and availability for student support.