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Director
British International School Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF JEDDAH

SEEKS A NEW Director

August 2015

THE SCHOOL

 

The British International School of Jeddah was established in 1977 and is one of the largest international schools in Saudi Arabia. The school provides high quality, coeducational, British international education

To the expatriate and local community.  Since its inception it has grown and developed rapidly, culminating in relocation to the current purpose built campus in 1999.  In total, the school has over 1500

students from over 60 countries.  The Director position becomes vacant upon the retirement of the current Director, Bruce Gamwell, following 11 years of successful service to BISJ.

 

VISION

 

We will be an outstanding international school, continuously striving for improvement and engaging our

Whole community with the concepts of:  Learning to live; Learning to learn; Learning to lead

 

MISSION

 

We provide excellent British---style education with an international perspective, within a safe environment, where individuals feel secure, respected, valued, happy and successful.

 

ACCREDITATION

 

BISJ is accredited by the Council of International Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the British Schools in the Middle East, and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate

Organisation and Cambridge International Examinations.

 

FINANCIAL POSITION

 

The School is a not for profit establishment and is financed entirely from school fees.  Over the years prudent financial management has resulted in the school being in a very healthy financial position.

The Director in consultation with the Business Manager and Heads of Upper and Primary Schools manages the annual budget, once approved by the Board.

 

THE FACILITIES

 

Since its inception the school has grown and developed rapidly, culminating in relocation to the current

purpose---built campus in 1999. There are some 90 rooms, 9 science laboratories, 5 computer rooms,

a large sports hall, a gymnasium, a multi---purpose hall, a refectory, 3 libraries, a clinic, 2 swimming pools and an outside sports area with running track.

 

THE CITY

Jeddah is the 2^nd largest city in Saudi Arabia, with a population of approximately 3,400,000. Jeddah is

A major commercial center and has many government offices. There are many shopping districts, restaurants and cafes. The Corniche is the largest waterfront area in Saudi Arabia at nearly 30km long.

Clustered around this area are hotels, restaurants, parks, beaches, aquarium, resorts as well as lots

Of artwork.  Artwork is everywhere in Jeddah.  Many traffic islands have large individual displays which

As well as being attractive and interesting also helps with finding your way around.

 

THE COMMUNITY

 

The school is oversubscribed and has some 1530 students from over sixty countrie.  The biggest groups

are British, Saudi, Egyptian and Lebanese.  Our school community is a vibrant and happy one with the

school offering far more than an academic environment. Parents are supportive and interested; students are well disciplined, inquisitive and hard working. Our staff is energetic, positive and provides

a fantastic education for the students.

 

THE STAFF

 

BISJ teachers are recruited both on overseas contracts and locally. As of September 2013, there were 23

nationalities among the teaching staff.  There are 148 full---time teachers, counselors and librarians. In

addition, there are 53 teaching assistants. Most are recruited from the United Kingdom, Australasia, North America and locally.  Overseas staff are housed in the school housing compound or in local compounds, which have excellent modern facilities.

 

GOVERNANCE

 

A self---perpetuating Board of Trustees governs the school.  The Board is responsible for the appointment of the Director. The Executive Leadership Team of the school comprises the Director,

Head of Upper School, Head of Primary and the Business Manager.  This group is responsible for

developing strategy for the whole school.  Each of the Upper School and Primary School then have their

own leadership teams.

 

DIRECTOR SALARY AND BENEFITS

 

The salary is tax free and highly competitive with other comparable international schools in the region;

additional benefits include, free, fully furnished housing with utilities paid, free tuition at BISJ for up to

two school---age children, a generous annual travel allowance, medical and life insurance, end of service

benefit, relocation and settling in allowances.

 

THE CANDIDATE

 

Applicants with the following qualifications and experience:

 

• Experience as Head of School, or Deputy Head of School, in an overseas international school.
• Leadership experience in an international school offering a British international curriculum, including
• IGCSE and IB Diploma.
• Demonstrable commitment to implementing the ideals of the International Baccalaureate.
• Experience of delegated school financial management responsibilities.
• Experience in working effectively with a board of trustees.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 

The new Director will assume responsibility during the month of August, 2015. Interested candidates should send an application at the earliest possible time but no later than April 15 2014. The review of files will begin as soon as applications are received. BISJ reserves the right to appoint before the stated

application deadline should an exceptionally appropriate candidate be identified.  Search Associates has been contracted to conduct this Director search.  Senior Associate Gez Hayden is the lead consultant.

 

Candidates should send the information requested below. It must be submitted exactly in the form and

manner requested.  Please do not send information other than that which is specifically requested here.

All applications should be by email to ghayden@searchassociates.com

 

• A letter of application, no longer than two pages, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in this position.
• A 2---page current résumé, with photo (low resolution).
• A maximum two---page statement outlining educational philosophy and leadership style.
• A one---page list of minimum three professional references with phone numbers and email addresses.

 

Please note that all the above materials must be scanned into a single PDF and sent in the same transmission to the e---mail address indicated above.  Also, please note that it is important to

limit the size of your single PDF to 5MB.