DIRECT REPORTING: LiMai Principal

The Academic Director assists the VP Academic and collaborates with the Principal, Vice-Principal, teachers, parents, and students to enhance student learning. This role involves strategic leadership, curriculum management, teacher development, and direct involvement in teaching or substitute teaching.

I. Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Academic Program Development & Research

Student Advising & Support

Teaching Quality Assurance

Staff Development & Knowledge Transfer

Cross-Departmental Coordination

Additional Administrative Duties

II. Detailed Responsibilities

2.1 Leadership & Management

Serve as a role model for academic excellence, guiding staff toward high standards.

Collaborate with Principals and VP Academic to evaluate, enhance, and expand academic programs.

Manage assessment calendars, data, and school-wide curriculum alignment with US COMMON CORE/IGCSE/A-LEVEL/AP/DSE standards.

Ensure compliance with school policies, collaborating with the G7-G12 Chinese Academic Director to uphold institutional reputation.

Foster a positive work environment; attend training sessions, open days, parent meetings, and management reviews.

Report to the Principal and VP Academic on academic matters, ensuring smooth curriculum operations.

Liaise with administrators to maintain accurate class records, schedules, and faculty resources.

Act as an active member of the Faculty Executive Board, contributing to strategic governance.

2.2 Academic Program Development & Research

Oversee curriculum design, instruction, and assessment, ensuring alignment with educational standards.

Lead data-driven analysis of academic performance, implementing standardized assessments to inform teaching strategies.

Observe faculty instruction, provide feedback, and assist with textbook selection/purchasing.

Coordinate in-house and standardized testing, tracking results for stakeholders.

Report student progress to the VP weekly and facilitate monthly academic review meetings.

Develop ESL curriculum using best practices; recommend educational materials and student scheduling.

2.3 Student Advising & Support

Ensure optimal student experience through pastoral support, placement testing, and age/level-appropriate class assignments.

Assist in recruitment strategies, including marketing and student enrollment planning.

Develop personalized education plans, review report cards, and analyze test data for parent communication.

Maintain professional parent interactions to reflect institutional values; manage level-change retesting and record updates.

2.4 Teaching Quality Assurance

Drive standards-based instruction and data-driven assessment culture to enhance student achievement.

Conduct daily classroom observations to maintain high teaching quality; support foreign teachers with coaching and lesson planning.

Ensure compliance with legal regulations and lead accreditation efforts.

2.5 Staff Development & Knowledge Transfer

Manage faculty recruitment, training, evaluation, and professional growth, including weekly development workshops.

Create and monitor teacher development plans, including mentorship for new staff.

Report contract violations (e.g., tardiness, unprofessional conduct) to the VP Academic.

Observe classes to evaluate teaching effectiveness, recommend techniques/technologies, and facilitate cross-class collaboration.

Review weekly lesson plans (due Fridays by 15:00) for grades 7-12 and ensure compliance with administrative procedures.

Foster a culture of excellence and resource efficiency within the academic department.

2.6 Cross-Departmental Coordination

Collaborate with other departments to align curricula and support school activities.

Engage with the Moral Department as needed for student welfare and behavioral management.

2.7 Additional Duties

Participate in education seminars to communicate updates to the institution.

Manage classroom facilities, ensuring equipment functionality and bilingual communication for staff.

Oversee academic resources inventory, ensuring proper return and audit compliance.

Report potential risks/incidents to facilitate timely resolution.

III. Requirements

Language & Nationality: Native English speaker (USA, Canada, UK).

Education: Master’s/PhD in Education/Education Administration.

Certifications: Instructional Leadership License (preferred); TEFL/TESOL (minimum 120 hours).

Experience: 15+ years of managerial experience with international teaching/curriculum oversight (US COMMON CORE/IGCSE/A-LEVEL/AP/CANADIAN preferred).

Skills:

Proven project management and data-driven decision-making.

Excellent communication, cross-cultural coordination, and conflict resolution.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, draft policies, and lead diverse teams.

Attributes: Ethical leadership, adaptability, passion for team-driven culture, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Work Hours: Flexible 8 AM–5 PM schedule with occasional evening/weekend commitments.