Director/Principal Pre-K to Grade 1
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Ignite School seeks an experienced educational leader to serve as Director/Principal for a new Pre-K to Grade 1 campus opening in Dubai. The role involves strategic leadership, KHDA compliance, operational readiness, and staff recruitment to ensure a successful campus launch.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Lead planning and preparation for the opening of the new Pre K to Grade 1 campus
- Ensure KHDA compliance and serve as main point of contact for regulatory matters
- Develop and implement campus policies, procedures, and operational readiness plans
- Oversee student recruitment, admissions planning, and enrolment growth
- Lead the implementation of the school’s mission, vision, and education plan
- Monitor school performance through KPIs and improvement targets
- Ensure high standards in teaching, learning, student wellbeing, and safeguarding
- Build strong relationships with parents and the wider school community
- Manage campus operations in line with approved budgets and school expectations
- Lead recruitment and performance management of staff
Requirements
- Experience as an educational leader in early years and elementary education
- Experience with school start up or campus development
- Experience with American curriculum leadership
- Knowledge of UAE regulatory compliance and KHDA requirements
- Strong strategic thinking, communication, and operational discipline
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- Ignite School is expanding with a new Pre K to Grade 1 campus in Dubai, opening for the 2027/28 academic year.
- The School Director/Principal will join during the 2026/27 academic year to lead preparation for the campus opening.
- The role involves strategic leadership, KHDA compliance, operational readiness, and staff recruitment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning and preparation for the new campus opening.
- Work with the Board of Trustees and KHDA to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Develop campus policies, procedures, and operational readiness plans.
- Oversee student recruitment, admissions, and enrolment growth.
- Lead implementation of the school’s mission, vision, and education plan.
- Monitor school performance through KPIs and improvement targets.
- Ensure high standards in teaching, learning, student wellbeing, and safeguarding.
- Build strong relationships with parents and the community.
- Manage campus operations and budgets.
- Lead staff recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
Candidate Profile
- Experienced educational leader with background in early years and elementary education.
- Experience in school start up or campus development.
- American curriculum leadership experience.
- Knowledge of UAE regulatory compliance and KHDA requirements.
- Strong strategic thinking, communication, and operational discipline.
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