Head of Middle School

Job Details
Job Title: Middle School Principal
Work Unit: GEMS Dubai American Academy
City & Country: Dubai, UAE
Job Holder Name:
Direct Reporting Line: Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent
Dotted Reporting Line:

Job Goal
To provide visionary leadership and showcase exceptional management skills in faculty recruitment and development, the execution of a high-quality curriculum, ensuring the school’s long-term financial health, and maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders. The role focuses on the social well-being and academic advancement of every child.

Supervises:
Assistant Principal and designated faculty and support staff

Interfaces with:
Faculty, staff, students, parents, colleagues, leadership team members, the broader school community, and GEMS corporate staff officials

Key Accountabilities
- Uphold and promote the ethos and excellence standards outlined in the GEMS Core Values.
- Ensure adherence to GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct at all times.
- Model and foster DAA’s Culture of Kindness, reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
- Dedicate time and leadership to effectively implement DAA’s School Improvement Plan and develop division-specific initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.
- Ensure all teachers and support staff clearly understand performance expectations, including job descriptions and faculty handbooks, while guiding faculty towards mastering their teaching practices.
- Actively mentor all faculty members and support their professional development and career progression.
- Exhibit traits that enable others to view the principal as an instructional leader.
- Foster a shared sense of purpose and collective pursuit of consensus goals during the decision-making process.
- Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, colleagues, and the community using verbal, nonverbal, and written methods.
- Encourage faculty and parent involvement in various school activities.
- Cultivate leadership skills among teachers and share leadership responsibilities as appropriate.
- Ensure curriculum documentation clearly delineates content, skills, teaching methods, and assessment practices.
- Utilize assessment results to evaluate whether curriculum and instructional objectives and student performance outcomes are being achieved.
- Create a nurturing and productive school environment where all students and faculty are recognized for their efforts.
- Ensure that all school resources are identified and utilized to support both students and faculty in achieving their full performance potential.
- Take charge of sound financial management, including precise program budget planning and fiscal accountability.
- Commit to ongoing professional learning and growth, embodying the spirit of a lifelong learner.
- Acknowledge the importance of attending after-school student activities and parent events.
- Assume full responsibility for the operational aspects of the role, such as developing a master class schedule, maintaining accurate records, and managing office accounting.
- Actively participate in committee work.
- Thoroughly review all student admission applications according to DAA policies and implementing regulations.
- Carry out additional activities as necessary for the overall welfare of the school or as requested by the Head of School and Deputy Head of School.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Measurable
Job performance will be assessed by the Principal following school policies and implementing regulations.

Person Specifications
Qualifications / Knowledge:
- Current North American teacher and administrative certifications
- Master's Degree in Leadership and/or Administration (preferred)

Skills:
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Proven ability to collaborate successfully
- Strong work ethic with a commitment to enhancing the overall school program
- Positive and professional attitude that supports both DAA and the GEMS organization

Experience:
- Teaching and administrative experience, including substantial experience with elementary-aged children (minimum of 10 years preferred)
- Demonstrated history of successful operation and management experience
- Proven instructional leadership with a comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning in elementary grades
- Experience in effectively implementing an enriched, standards-based American curriculum