School Director

School Director Position for August 2025

If your talent as an outstanding educator and strategic leader lies in motivating students, inspiring faculty, and engaging parents, then the International School of Stuttgart (ISS) offers the type of vibrant environment where you will thrive.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented and exceptionally motivated leader to embrace our Mission, Vision, and historic strengths to ensure the next innovative and successful chapter in the school’s evolution.

To do this you will have followed an excellent career pathway. One that demonstrates meaningful leadership experience, in depth IB knowledge and the diverse range of attributes, attitudes, and competencies relevant to the needs and demands of a school dedicated to outstanding teaching and learning practices. Critical to your success will be the drive and vision to inspire our community coupled with the interpersonal skills to ensure the effective execution of the school’s strategic intent. You will value and enjoy working constructively and in harmony with our internal and external stakeholders. Your educational philosophy will be underpinned by a focus on the wellbeing of students, and the faculty.

International School Stuttgart is an IB World School that enrolls 921 students from approximately 53 countries. The school is situated on two campuses located in the attractive districts of Degerloch and Sindelfingen. A new Upper School building costing 22 million Euros will be completed for the start of the school year 2024/25.

Founded almost 40 years ago as a private, non-profit institution (Verein or Association) ISS is governed by a dedicated and experienced board. There are 232 employees in the school coming from more than 40 countries.

ISS has an enviable reputation amongst international schools is accredited by NEASC under the Ace Protocol and the current Director is the Chair of ECIS and Vice Chair of AGIS. He is leaving ISS after a sixteen-year tenure.

Required Demonstrable Key Attributes:

• be aligned with IB philosophy and ISS Guiding Statements and culture
• be internationally minded and culturally sensitive, with a commitment to student overall development, safety and wellbeing.
• possess excellent communication and collaborative skills.
• be a strategic thinker, with a growth mindset.
• have a strong record of learning, achievement, and leadership in an IB World School
• have experience of building and leading forward thinking, collegial and collaborative teams
• be innovative and creative in applying current research as to how children and adults learn and develop best.
• have extensive experience of international curriculum developments, programmes of study and assessment methods and be innovative and creative in applying them in practice
• demonstrate a strategic and mindful approach to international school leadership, based on best current practice.
• experience in working with high achieving boards.
• value the importance of building high visibility in the community.
• Possess financial acumen.
• Promote the development towards a data smart school by implementing information systems and processes to process, gather and analyze data
• demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence.
• experience in both internal and external marketing.
• ideally have knowledge of German or another European language

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a reputable university.
• PhD or an EdD could be a distinct advantage.
• Participation in ongoing professional development appropriate to the role of Director

Experience and Professional Behaviour:

• Significant leadership experience relevant to the post in an international school. School director could be a distinct advantage.
• Work experience with other cultures and nationalities within an international education environment and experience of the implications of leading a school with diverse nationalities.
• Ability to convert strategic intent into well executed plans.
• Demonstrates an empathetic and agile leadership style.
• Experience of all International Baccalaureate programmes.
• Experience of driving student achievement through focus on using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in student learning.
• Proven ability to bring about sustainable change and capacity building.
• Successful management of school finances showing cost control and financial planning
• Experience in people management and development to motivate faculty and staff and to improve learning.
• Proven experience in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning and also the effective use of education resources.

Personal Qualities and Values:

• Courage and conviction of opinions and decisions
• Ability to forge credible relationships with the wider community
• Open and collaborative leadership style
• Able to focus activities on the achievement of the Mission, Vision and Values
• A consistent record of good judgment and accountability
• Ability to lead learning Innovation
• Purposeful and responsive influencing style
• Ability to win hearts and minds of a wider audience
• Excellent prioritising, planning and organising skills
• Excellent team working skills
• Able to seek advice and support when necessary
• Sound financial judgment in partnership with the board of directors to secure value for money for the school
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Warmth and humour

Benefits

Include a competitive salary package, a strong focus on professional development opportunities and the benefit of living in an attractive and safe environment in the heart of Germany close to Switzerland and France.

How to Apply

Please apply by 24 April 2024 to Adele Hodgson email address: adele_hodgson@educationparadigms.com

Applicants should provide:

·        Current CV (no longer than 3 pages)

·        Letter of application

·        A targeted statement of educational philosophy relevant to ISS

·        Contact details of 4 professional referees including the most recent employer

International School of Stuttgart is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo relevant background checks.