Director of Enterprise, Innovation & Social Impact 2024-2025

THE ACADEMY

GEMS World Academy-Dubai (GWA) is a private, co-educational IB World School for PreK to Grade 12 students. Established in 2008 as a member of GEMS Education, the Academy is authorised to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP programmes, and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We serve a multi-ethnic community in the heart of Dubai, with a student body drawn from over 100 countries. Non-selective, our ethos is grounded in the IB Learner Profile; we encourage intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a real sense of communal endeavour. The Academy has gained national and international recognition for its work to improve outcomes for students, as well as its aspirational and inclusive vision. As a member of the GWA community you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Academy whilst working alongside an exceptionally talented group of teachers and leaders. 

GEMS World Academy-Dubai develops inquiring, reflective and caring learners who, through the rigour of the IB programmes, have the knowledge, skills and character to take action and create a better, more peaceful world. Supported by highly qualified staff in world-class facilities, our diverse international community is encouraged to develop intercultural understanding and respect. Our aim is to be a leading world-class IB school that maximises every student’s learning and character to enable them to choose their own successful path, and positively contribute to the local and global society. 

JOB PURPOSE:

With the CEO / Principal and the Senior Leadership Team, the post-holder will (i) share responsibility for all the policies, decision-making processes and strategic planning involved in the management of the Academy; (ii) realise the ethos of an IB learning organisation with high expectations of students and staff, and a positive approach to internationalism, entrepreneurialism and innovation; (iii) lead the development of the Academy as a learning, researching and self-evaluating organisation (iv) lead by example, setting the highest professional standards and maintaining a visible presence around the Academy.

The focus of this post is to lead on all aspects of enterprise, innovation and social impact through the school and provide strategic leadership and overview of operations in the Academy’s direction in these areas.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in effective teaching and helping students succeed. While experience in teaching the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes is preferred, outstanding teachers from any curriculum background are encouraged to apply. Alignment with the IB philosophy and commitment to the Learner Profile values are crucial. A genuine passion for working in a non-selective and culturally diverse community is also a key requirement. Additionally, the candidate should possess:

• A certified professional qualification at degree level, such as B.A., BSc., PGCE, PGDE or equivalent specialism in Business, Science or Technology or equivalent
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience directing a flourishing centre of enterprise and innovation in a demanding educational setting - ideally within an IB curriculum school 
• Proven impact in generating social impact prospects and challenges for students in a whole-school context
• Experience and connections with for-profit, non-profit, and government entities in finding and deploying innovative strategies to build a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world 
• Availability from August 2024
• The experience, personality and educational philosophy to continue to drive the education agenda at this flagship GEMS IB World School, catering for students from over 100 countries
• Aspiration to work in a world class school with significant opportunities for career development and advancement

YOUR PACKAGE AND BENEFITS

An excellent remuneration package is available for successful candidates including; a competitive tax-free salary, housing, premium medical insurance and life insurance, working permit and residence visa, annual flight allowance, tuition fee concession, and other benefits in line with the UAE Labour Law. In addition to these, we offer:

• The opportunity to shape the future of a highly significant IB programme
• The opportunity to work as part of a highly collaborative team with an excellent support system
• An excellent programme of continuing professional development 
• Training with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) 
• The chance to shape the future of the subject in collaboration with the leadership team, external education professionals, and exam boards
• The opportunity to develop personally and professionally, through a well-structured performance management system
• Opportunities to advance to positions of greater responsibility over time
• A commitment to staff wellbeing, including access to all of our sports facilities, and staff social events
• GEMS Rewards, which offers a package of benefits for staff such as retail discounts, savings on gym membership, cinema tickets and many other offers