Principal / Head of School-Shanghai
Link InternationalShanghaiUpdate time: February 24
Job Description
Job Description: Foreign Principal

Position Title: Foreign Principal / Head of High School

Location:Shanghai,China
School Type: International School
Start Date:Feb.,2026 or Aug.,2026

1. School Overview

School is a leading A level/AP school committed to providing a rigorous, holistic, and internationally-minded education. We foster a diverse and inclusive community where students are empowered to become compassionate, lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

2. Position Summary

We are seeking an inspirational, dynamic, and highly experienced educational leader to assume the role of Foreign Principal for our High School division (Grades 9-12). The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall academic, operational, and pastoral leadership of the high school, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and student welfare. This role requires a visionary individual with a proven track record in international education, exceptional intercultural communication skills, and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and high-achieving school culture.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development:

Provide instructional leadership to ensure the delivery of a world-class, academically rigorous curriculum ( IB DP, AP, IGCSE/A-Level).
Lead, monitor, and evaluate the teaching and learning process to ensure consistently high standards and continuous improvement.
Oversee curriculum development, review, and alignment with international best practices and the school’s mission.
Analyze student performance data to inform strategic decisions and implement targeted interventions for student success.
Foster a culture of innovation in pedagogy, including the effective integration of technology in the classroom.
B. Faculty Management & Professional Development:

Lead, mentor, supervise, and evaluate the high school teaching faculty and departmental heads.
Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality international and local teaching staff.
Design and implement a robust program of professional development to build faculty capacity and promote best practices in international education.
Manage faculty schedules, assignments, and professional growth plans.
C. Student Life & Pastoral Care:

Champion the school's pastoral care system, ensuring the holistic well-being, safety, and personal development of every student.
Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive school culture that values diversity and global citizenship.
Oversee student discipline and behavior management systems, acting as a final arbiter on major issues in accordance with school policies.
Support the development and implementation of co-curricular programs, including athletics, arts, clubs, and student leadership initiatives.
D. Operational & Administrative Management:

Manage the daily operations of the high school division, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Develop and manage the high school budget in collaboration with the Head of School and Finance Department.
Maintain clear and proactive communication with all stakeholders: students, parents, faculty, and the wider school community.
E. Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement:

Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement the school’s strategic plan.
Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and the parent community through regular communication and engagement events.
Represent the high school division at school-wide functions, board meetings, and within the broader international community.
4. Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
A valid teaching and administrative credential/license from an recognized institution.
A minimum of 8-10 years of teaching experience, preferably in an international high school setting.
A minimum of 5 years of successful experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Principal, Vice Principal, Dean) within an international or bilingual high school.
In-depth knowledge and proven experience with at least one major international curriculum: IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement (AP), or A-Levels/IGCSE.
Exemplary communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills, with the ability to lead a diverse community.
Demonstrated experience in faculty coaching, evaluation, and professional development.
Highly Desirable:

Experience living and working in [China/Southeast Asia/Middle East, etc.].
Experience with school accreditation processes.
Basic proficiency in the host country's language (e.g., Mandarin Chinese).
5. Personal Attributes

A visionary and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Unimpeachable integrity and a strong ethical compass.
Passionate about education and deeply committed to student success.
6. Compensation and Benefits

Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package including housing allowance, international health insurance, and annual flight allowance.
Tuition remission for dependent children.
Professional development opportunities.
Contract renewal bonus.

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