Bonn International School Brief for the position of Director, Bonn International School (BIS) August 2015
Contents Background 3 Mission Statement 4 The Role 5 The Person 7 How to Apply 9
bonn-is.de Candidate Brief Bonn International School (BIS) Background Bonn International School (BIS) is a young and dynamic IB World school for students from pre- Kindergarten to grade 12. BIS currently educates 760 students from 68 different nationalities. Bonn is a city with a high (and increasing) number of international companies and academic and research institutions. It is also Germany s host city for agencies of the United Nations. Its location in the heart of Europe and on the banks of the Rhine makes it an attractive and accessible place to live and work. The School is a dynamic, self-funding, non-profit organisation, with a supportive Board of Trustees committed to excellence, change and innovation. Over the years the recruitment of teaching staff has reflected this same spirit of optimism and excitement about educational development and advancement. BIS is authorised to offer the IB PYP, MYP and Diploma programs. The School is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Association of German International Schools (AGIS). The School was successfully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in 2014. With extraordinary support from the city, state and federal governments, as well as from major donors, BIS has world-class facilities which match the School s aims and ambitions for academic excellence. The School comprises three sections - Early Learning, Primary School and Secondary School. In addition, there are special facilities for sciences, technology, the arts, performance, media, physical education and a cafeteria, which enable the School to offer a broad and balanced educational program. The School s buildings have been designed with a contemporary outlook and a desire to create learning spaces that support the IB curriculum model, bring children together in shared environments and provide opportunities for parents to meet. Plans are being developed for the next phase of building to accommodate the increase in student numbers and the need for expanded core facilities. 3
Mission Statement The mission of Bonn International School is to inspire and empower students, aged 3-19, to become balanced, responsible global citizens who are successful, independent thinkers with a passion for learning. BIS is able to accomplish this by providing a high-quality, internationally recognised, inquiry-based education delivered in English and framed within a caring multicultural community.
bonn-is.de Candidate Brief Bonn International School (BIS) The Role To lead the development and strategic direction of Bonn International School (BIS), as a leading organisation able to deliver an excellent standard of education under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate programmes to students from a broad range of nationalities. To manage the School s finances, resources and staff for the long-term, whilst strengthening the School s profile both nationally and internationally. Key Responsibilities: School management and direction: To develop long and short term strategy with key stakeholders of the School: the Board of Trustees, the Senior Leadership Team, students, parents, local authorities and supporters / donors. To initiate, develop and review school management policies, fund-raising, community outreach, contacts with Government Agencies and business organisations. Develop educational and operational plans, policies and objectives, in consultation with the Board of Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team, and implement them by working with the Leadership Team, Business Manager and staff. This will include: the educational programmes and curriculum of the School; the plans and management for facilities and properties of the School; the financial, administrative and ICT systems; the marketing and development of the School. Financial Management Develop, control and review the School s operating Annual Budget in conjunction with the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Board and the Business Manager, within the guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, fulfilling all legal and official fiscal requirements of the host country and ensuring that the School is run in a prudent and business-like manner. Ensure that the Finance and Personnel Committee is presented with monthly reports, and that audit findings are implemented. Manage in conjunction with relevant partners other financial matters that pertain to the School. Develop long range financial plans that match the strategic objectives of the School, including expansion of facilities and increase in programmes and enrolment. 5
bonn-is.de Candidate Brief Bonn International School (BIS) Staff Leadership and Development Recruit, manage, develop and retain the Senior Leadership Team (2 Principals, Business Manager, Vice Principal Operations) and other direct reports, providing guidance, feedback and mentoring in support of the execution of their duties and their professional development. Set objectives in line with the strategic thinking and regularly review performance of the Senior Leadership Team, enabling them to develop their skills in leading their school duties and managing their staff effectively. Ensure that the highest possible calibre teaching staff is recruited, evaluated, developed and retained. Encourage and support all staff in the implementation of school policy. Ensure that procedures for administration that support the Principals in carrying out their responsibilities are maintained and updated as appropriate, e.g. in admissions, business management and bookkeeping. Support the work activities of employees of the school through the Primary and Secondary School Principals and their professional teams. Recruit, manage, develop and retain professional staff within guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Review, recommend and oversee the management of salary and benefit policies. Marketing Develop, co-ordinate and evaluate fundraising and marketing efforts required to meet (new building) financial targets and establish longer-term fundraising plans. Oversee the student application, acceptance, directory information and billing processes to ensure robust development and viability of the School. Attend BIS school community events, represent the interests of BIS at Association of German International Schools (AGIS), (E)CIS, IB and other international organisation meetings and conferences. Maintain and develop good understanding and relationship with the City of Bonn. Maintain and develop good understanding and relationship with organisations and corporations represented at BIS, such as the UN and companies with multiple students at BIS. Salary and Benefits An initial three-year contract will be offered although the Board of Trustees are looking to appoint a candidate wanting to commit to the School in the longer term. The salary and benefits package offered will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. 6
bonn-is.de Candidate Brief Bonn International School (BIS) The Person The Board of Trustees are looking for a candidate able to lead the School by: Providing inspirational educational leadership and vision that encourages staff and students to strive for excellence within an IB context and work together towards fulfilling the School s mission. Planning and managing strategically within a framework of available resources, to enhance their optimum use according to agreed priorities and performance indicators. Providing educational expertise that ensures provision of a dynamic curriculum in keeping with the School s needs and its mission. Creating an enabling people environment through managing performance proactively, coaching and mentoring, and ensuring a positive learning culture for both staff and students. Fostering engagement and collaboration across a diverse, multicultural school community, by openly and honestly addressing questions and problems, building harmony and a sense of community. Recognising the individual needs and strengths of every student and fostering a culture of differentiation, inclusion and success for all. Establishing a learning culture that recognises the needs and philosophy of the IB curriculum. Initiating and managing constructive change, enabling and encouraging others to embrace change, and finding new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with external stakeholders, such as major (corporate) sponsors for continued financial support, and the local authorities, to enhance the position of Bonn International School in the wider German community. Preferred Qualifications: Comprehensive understanding and alignment with the three IB programmes; Senior leadership experience; Substantial classroom experience; International school experience or relevant experience living of and working abroad; Ideally, an advanced degree in education; The ability to speak German would be a distinct advantage; The successful candidate must qualify for German work and residence permits. Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they are: Aligned to the philosophy of the School; Able to work in a leadership team that exemplifies a whole school approach; Confident in leadership skills and able to motivate others; Innovative and flexible; Culturally sensitive with well-developed interpersonal skills; Approachable and calm with a well-developed sense of humour; Able to achieve a healthy work-life balance; Committed to achieving excellence in teaching and learning; Organised and clear in thought; An able public speaker and able to represent the School to external audiences effectively; Well versed in best educational practice and modern pedagogy. 7
bonn-is.de Candidate Brief Bonn International School (BIS) How to Apply Bonn International School (BIS) has engaged the services of Odgers Berndtson to assist with the recruitment of the Director for 1 August 2016. Letters of application and CVs can be submitted online (preferred method) at www.odgers.com/54056 or emailed to 54056@odgers.com In the event an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, the school reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline mentioned above and to bring the search to an early close. For this reason it is very important that interested candidates apply at the earliest possible time. Candidates should send the information requested below. It must be submitted as a single document in the form and manner requested. Please do not send any information other than that which is specifically requested below. A letter of application, no longer than two pages, explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in this particular position A current résumé not to exceed two pages Contact details for three references with phone numbers, e-mail addresses and the relation to the referees. At least one referee must be your current employer. If candidates prefer to send their application by mail, it should be addressed to: Freddie Dennis Odgers Berndtson 20 Cannon Street London EC4M 6XD Applications must be received by 5pm CET Friday, 2 October 2015. For an informal conversation, please contact: Freddie Dennis: +44 (0) 20 7529 6366 Peter Lawrence: +44 (0) 20 7529 6316 Antonia Storey: +44 (0) 20 7518 2650 Initial interviews with Odgers Berndtson will be held weeks commencing 19 and 26 October 2015. Short list interviews with Selection Committee are expected to be held on 16 November. Short-listed candidates will receive supplementary information prior to interview. Final candidates will be invited to visit the School on 30 November with interviews taking place on 1 December. Bonn International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we will check the suitability of staff to work with children. Applicants must be willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and overseas police checks (where applicable). Please see the School s Safeguarding & Promoting Welfare of Children Policy for full details of its safer recruitment procedures 9
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