Head of School

The Head of School holds overall responsibility forthe strategic, operational, and financial management of the school,while ensuring the wellbeing of the entire school community. Thisrole encompasses leading faculty and staff, as well as overseeingthe holistic academic and pastoral programs from Early Years 3through Grade 12. The Head of School ensures that education at theFIS, related activities and school developments align with the FIScore values and guiding statements and comply with all regulationsand standards governing international schools inGermany.

As the school’s primary representative,the Head of School engages with students, parents, staff, the FISgoverning bodies and the broader community, serving as a liaisonbetween all internal and externalstakeholders.

About theSchool

At the Franconian International School(FIS), we are committed to delivering excellence in internationaleducation. Our inquiry-based curriculum, from Early Years to Grade12, balances academic rigor with the holistic development of everystudent. We empower students to become engaged global citizens,equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. With adiverse community, we are united by the values of Caring,Curiosity, Respect, Integrity, and Belonging. These values shapeour learning environment, fostering collaboration, personal growth,and a lifelong love of learning. Join us and be part of a communitythat inspiresgrowth.

Students

The FIS ishome to over 800 students from Early Years to Grade 12,representing more than 40 nationalities. Our diverse student bodybrings a rich blend of cultural backgrounds, with many studentsfluent in multiple languages. Coming from business and professionalfamilies – often connected to our sponsoring companies – ourstudents benefit from a global perspective. On average, they spendaround three to five years at FIS. We take pride in fosteringstudent voice and leadership, ensuring they play a key role inshaping school decisions and driving continuousimprovement.

The FIS provides a full-dayEnglish-language program fostering dynamic, immersive learning.Early Years and Primary School (Grades 1-5) are transitioning tothe IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with planned authorization inspring 2025, including specialist instruction in German, PE, Art,Music, and Performing Arts. Secondary School offers the IB MiddleYears (Grades 6-10) and Diploma Programmes (Grades 11-12), plus theFIS High School Diploma. Our EAL program supports non-nativespeakers, while Learning Support and Counseling services meetdiverse student needs.

Faculty, Administrationand Leadership

The FIS has a highly qualifiedfaculty of nearly 120 international teachers and 20 dedicatedlearning assistants from over 30 countries, many with experiencefrom top international schools. With an 8:1 student-to-teacherratio, we prioritize personalized attention. Our strongadministrative team of 40 ensures smooth school operations daily.The Senior Leadership Team, including the Heads of Primary andSecondary School, Curriculum, Educational and BusinessAdministration, Head of School, and Deputy Head, is dedicated toeducational excellence.

SchoolFacilities

Our modern school in- and outdoorfacilities are designed to inspire and support student learning.Featuring spacious classrooms and state-of-the-art science and artlabs, our campus also includes dedicated music rooms, a theater,and an Aula for gatherings and events. Students can explore theirinterests in three well-equipped libraries and enjoy meals in ourvibrant cafeteria. Additionally, there are two full-sizedgymnasiums on campus, providing ample space for sports and physicalactivities.

InternationalAccreditations

The FIS holds accreditations fromthe International Baccalaureate (IB), the Council of InternationalSchools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools &Colleges (NEASC), affirming its commitment to excellence andadherence to international educational standards. In early 2025,the school will decide on the approach for its next accreditationcycle.

Erlangen, in Bavaria’s vibrant NurembergMetropolitan Region, is the smallest of its major cities withnearly 120,000 residents. Despite its size, it ranks as Germany’ssecond top business hub after Munich, hosting prominent companieslike Siemens and the Friedrich-Alexander University. NearbyHerzogenaurach is home to sports giants Adidas and Puma. Erlangen’scharming city center and excellent public transport offer a mix ofconvenience and culture. Just 25 minutes away, Nuremberg (pop.~540,000) provides easy access to an internationalairport.

Role andResponsibilitiesCommunity:

• Setsthe tone and serves as a role model, fostering a school culture andenvironment where students and staff can learn, grow, andthrive.
• Works with all stakeholders to assurethat the school provides a caring environment for all its students,fostering diversity, equity andinclusion.
• Ensures safety and well-being byimplementing and overseeing effective safeguarding, conflictmanagement, crisis response, and emergencyprocedures.
• Builds constructive relationshipswith all school stakeholders, including students, parents, staff,and the governing bodies, fostering open communication andtrust.
• Addresses student, staff, parental andcommunity concerns, with a specific focus on safeguarding,promoting a culture of belonging.
• Maintainsvisibility throughout the school and actively engages with thecommunity.
• Represents the FIS at local,regional, national, and international levels, advocating for theschool and strengthening itsreputation.
• Prioritizes students’ needs as thecentral focus of all decision-makingprocesses.
• Insists on a focus on learning inevery aspect of the school’s activities, ensuring that education isat the heart of the school’s mission.
• Promotesthe implementation of a curriculum rooted in best practices,international-mindedness, and providing value beyond theclassroom.
• Ensures the successfulimplementation and development of the IB programs (PYP, MYP, andDP).
• Assures the curriculum fosters highacademic standards appropriate for a “non-selective” school,supporting all students in reaching their fullpotential.
• Ensures that the curriculum,program, and environment meet and maintain accreditation standards,demonstrating excellence in education.
• Assuresthe existence of quality programs that foster well-rounded studentsthrough a robust extracurricular program that supports personalgrowth beyond academics.

Faculty& Staff:

• Leads and collaboratesas an integral part of the senior leadership team, ensuringcohesive and effective leadership across theschool.
• Involves all faculty and staff incultivating a whole-school ethos aligned with the FIS core valuesand guiding statements.
• Makes final decisionsregarding the hiring, promotion, and retention of faculty andstaff.
• With the support of the seniorleadership team, recruits, mentors, and evaluates high-qualityfaculty and staff to ensure excellence in teaching andoperations.
• Ensures that adequate faculty andstaff are employed, both in number and quality, to effectivelyimplement curriculum, program objectives, and operationalsupport.
• Implements a regular performanceappraisal program for faculty and staff, ensuring continuousimprovement and accountability for high educationalstandards
• Ensures that regular professionaldevelopment opportunities are available and encouraged to promotegrowth and enhance teachingpractices.

Governance, Finances& Facilities:

• Implements thestrategic vision of the school, as approved by the Board ofDirectors (BoD), ensuring alignment with long-termgoals.
• Reports regularly to the Board ofDirectors on policy decisions, key school developments, fiscalperformance, and overall schooloperations.
• Ensures the development andadherence to a sound financial business plan, in line with theBoD’s approvals, promoting financialsustainability.
• Ensures compliance with alllegal and statutory requirements, safeguarding the school’soperations within regulatoryframeworks.
• Assures the establishment andenforcement of effective administrative rules and procedures,maintaining smooth and efficientoperations.
• Maintains clear and effectivechannels of communication between all school constituencies,fostering transparency andcollaboration.
• Ensures that facilities andequipment are adequate and well-maintained to support the school’seducational objectives and operationalneeds.

Profile &Qualifications

• Master’s degree inEducation or related field.
• Professionalfluency in English and German (C2 level).
• 5–10years of experience in educational leadership, preferably in aninternational or IB setting.
• In-depth knowledgeof IB pedagogy and international educationstandards.
• Strong communication skills and apassion for holistic studentdevelopment.
• Proven experience in data-drivendecision-making, utilizing assessment results and feedback toinform educational practices and enhance studentoutcomes.
• Strong commitment to fostering apositive school culture that emphasizes social-emotional learningand the well-being of all students andstaff.
• Competitive base salary with annualperformance-based reviews.
• Attractiveperformance bonus, based on achieving 100% of individual targets(Board-evaluated).
• Car leasing optionsavailable, in line with FIS regulations (taxablebenefit).
• Educational benefits for children,following FIS policy (taxable benefit).
• Pensionscheme contributions starting after just 6 months ofservice.
• Comprehensive relocation support, withservices and benefits in accordance with FISpolicy.
• 30 days of vacation per school year,aligned with school holidays.
• An initialtwo-year fixed-term contract with the opportunity for a tenuredposition, contingent on a performance evaluation conducted sixmonths prior to contractexpiration.

ApplicationProcedure

Interested and qualified candidatesshould submit the followingmaterials:

• CoverLetter: A letter ofapplication (maximum two pages) explaining your strengths as acandidate and your interest in this specificposition.
• CurriculumVitae: A CV (maximumtwo pages) detailing relevant experience, including clearindications of completedqualifications.
• VideoSubmission: A shortvideo answering the following threequestions:
  • Why are you motivated to apply forthis role at our school at this point intime?
  • Why do you think that you are uniquelyqualified to be the best candidate for thisrole?
  • How do you know that you are successfulin your current role? What are your personal metrics ofsuccess?
• References:A one-page list of references, including their phone numbers andemail addresses.
• Please submit all requiredapplication materials at your earliest convenience and no laterthan January 15,2025.

Pleasenote

• If you currently reside or ifyou are planning to move to the Erlangen / Nuremberg area, pleasenote this clearly in your application.
• Pleasesubmit your application online by clicking the “Apply Now”button.

Equal Opportunity and ChildProtection Statement

The appointment will besubject to satisfactory references, verification of identity andproof of qualifications. TheFranconian International School iscommitted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,and applicants must be willing to undergo child protectionscreening appropriate to the post, including checks with pastemployers andnational/international disclosure and barringservices. The Franconian International Schoolis an EqualOpportunities employer, and welcomes applications for all postsfrom appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability,ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion orbelief.

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