Managing Principal

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of General Manger for the enterprise and the general guidance of from Operations Manager, the position holder is generally responsible for the overall management of Hermann Gmeiner School and SOS Kindergarten in Mekelle. He or she is responsible for the effective operation of the school, general administration of all instructional, business, or other operations of the school. She or he will administer and supervise the school, the Kindergarten and their employees, lead development of educational program improvement, foster a culture of positive, engaged learners, and serve as a strong advocate for the school’s core values--including developmental philosophy and community involvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 Educational Program Management

• Actively participates in the development of comprehensive School Improvement Plan encompassing goals, objectives, activities, time-lines, and resources;
• Determines priorities based on assessed needs, sound theories, financial capabilities, expertise, time-lines, and other resources;
• Develops the school Professional Development Plan;
• Monitors the implementation of programs/services through a systematic design;
• Supervises the guidance program to enhance individual student education and development;(QuASS)
• Plans, organizes and directs implementation of all school activities;
• Develops schedules for classroom observations, conferences and follow-up activities;(principal)
• Embody, advocate for, and execute on the mission, vision and strategic direction of the School;
• Outreach to community and school about our model and develop support systems,
• Foster participatory leadership and shared decision making;
• Facilitate teacher leadership for professional development, staff/ teacher meetings, and instructional planning meetings;
• Ensure educational and regulatory compliance at all governmental levels;

Instructional Leadership

• Identifies and communicates effective instructional planning strategies;
• Facilitates the development of programs and monitors implementation of curriculum that meets the needs of all students;
• Analyzes and utilizes all summative, formative, and common assessment data for the improvement of curriculum for instruction and student achievement; (principal)
• Maintains a school-wide climate and organization for learning (high expectations, cooperation, support, positive attitudes, etc.);
• Facilitates the development of curriculum/ instructional programs based on theories, research findings, and needs assessment results;
• Identifies and communicates effective teaching strategies, classroom management strategies, and strategies for altering pupil behaviors;
• Incorporates computer and other technology into the management and instructional processes;
• Chairs the school management team; and general staff/review meetings

Operations Management

• Provides oversight and leadership in the preparation of school calendar;
• Develop school office procedures, methods and practices;
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including, but not limited to, financial, record keeping, and employment;
• Supervise day-to-day operations of the school and the Kindergarten;
• Responsible for overall vendor management including, but not limited to payroll, facilities, contractors;
• Attend and participate in Annual Education meetings and committee meetings;
• Manage recruitment and selection of staff;
• Supervise improvement of teaching by annually reviewing goals and objectives, observing instruction, and conferencing with teachers, in collaboration with staff, students and representational parent input;
• Supervise staff and foster positive, collaborative working relationships

Human Resource Management

• Utilizes effective interview and selection process to select most competent candidate;
• Assigns personnel to positions, which ensure optimum performance and equitable distribution of assignments;
• Systematically evaluates the performance of immediate supervisees to improve competencies;
• Plans and conducts staff development activities to improve competencies of school personnel;
• Organizes and supervises support service personnel for optimum performance;
• Facilitates positive faculty and staff attitudes;
• Provides due process procedures required by law in the management of school employees and students;
• Supervises the preparation of reports, records, lists, all other paperwork required or appropriate to the school’s administration, attendance, and reporting student progress;
• Coordinates school planning and the work of immediate supervisees;
• Attends workshops, meetings, courses, and conferences relevant to continuing professional development, and management of the school programs;
• Reacts to stress situations in a reasonably calm and positive manner;
• Meets timelines and deadlines as requested;
• Conducts self and administrative office in an organized and business-like manner;
• Exhibits dependability in carrying out assigned responsibilities;
• Exhibits assertiveness as appropriate in dealing with administrative responsibilities;
• Assumes responsibility for school-related activities that extend beyond the school day;
• Works with National Office and Program Level staff and other support personnel on school programs and goals related to instruction, professional staff development, and other services;
• Performs other duties consistent with the position assigned as may be requested by Line Managers

Business Management

• Develop and manage annual school budget;
• Provide performance and financial reports to concerned body as mandated by law or subscribed in the job description;
• Maintains fiscal accountability system;
• Develops and monitors financial plan (budget) based on programs/service priorities and financial capabilities;
• Inspects building and grounds on a daily basis in order to manage the maintenance of the facility and reports maintenance needs;
• Manages financial resources in a most cost-effective manner;

Communications Management

• Establish and maintain professional and cooperative working relationships with all stakeholders: parents, students, staff, neighbors, and partners;
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence to the school community;
• Advocate for Hermann Gmeiner School/Kindergarten in the greater community and with the media;
• Represent SOS Hermann Gmeiner School in administrative and consultative and other meetings;
• Maintain frequent and regular communications with families through a newsletter, school website, one-on-one meetings, etc. as appropriate;(principal)
• Outreach and marketing for the purposes of maintaining enrollment and development;
• Engage and involves parents in the activities of the school;
• Assesses community expectations and perceptions of school performance;
• Utilizes community resources to support programs and services including parent volunteers;
• Conducts regular parent advisory committee meetings;
• Establishes and maintains favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs;
• Works with other schools and organizations in a professional manner;
• Manages conflict situations in an effective manner;
• Keeps the General Manager informed of the school activities and problems;

Job Requirements/Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Educational Planning and Management, Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, or related discipline;
• Additional training in educational leadership, school management, human resource management, financial management and physical resource management

Knowledge of:

• Regional and federal laws applying to private schools and foreign charities
• Special education needs and issues
• Modern educational theories and approaches
• Social and emotional learning programs
• Budget preparation and control procedures

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as school Principal/ Director or Vice Principal/ Director
• Experience of coaching and developing staff
• Experience working with a culturally and linguistically diverse community environment

Ability to:

• Plan, coordinate, and direct work and activities of teaching professionals
• Manage budgets, prioritize expenditures, and seek innovative methods for providing school resources;
• Promote and market educational programs and services of the school;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written language (local and national language, and English);
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful relationships with a variety of people and stakeholders
• Engaging families and the larger community in the life of the school
• Organize and facilitate trainings

How to Apply

Send us your application (application letter, detailed CV containing contact detail of there references) electronically through SOS Children Villages Application portal (ICIMS)

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conducts of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered.  Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference check processes.

SOS Children's Villages Ethiopia provides equal employment opportunities to all co-workers & qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or class.