Head

This is a unique chance to be part of a bold educational vision; one which will prepare students for life as active, successful and useful citizens of the world, and which will be rooted in the local context, helping to transform Armenia, a country of extraordinary beauty and rich culture.

This is not a job.  It is a mission.

The School

Founded by Veronika Zonabend and her husband Ruben Vardanyan, UWC Dilijan is the flagship development in the RVVZ Foundation’s ambitious philanthropic programme to regenerate the town of Dilijan and the surrounding region.  The aim is for UWC Dilijan to be an outstanding example of values-led, international education and to fulfil the UWC mission of using education to create a better, more peaceful world.

Opened in 2014 the College has around 200 boarders from 70+ countries, who study the IB Diploma, and most of whom benefit from funded scholarships.  The atmosphere is informal but purposeful, collaborative and vibrant.  The campus design is stunning and the wooded valley in which it is situated beside the town of Dilijan is beautiful. 

(Please download the attached brochure “An introduction to UWC Dilijan” to learn more)

The Role

The Head of UWC Dilijan needs to keep one eye on the horizon and another on the ground.
 
This role requires someone who is, on the one hand, a bold, strategic thinker and outward-facing ambassador and, on the other hand, someone who takes the time to know every member of the School community and is close enough to the operational details to identify priorities and work with colleagues to identify solutions to problems. 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Head of School will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the UWC Dilijan and will manage a team of professionals and support personnel.  As the Head of School, s/he will provide leadership to the College’s strategic planning process and will implement new strategic initiatives.  In addition, s/he will provide coordination with the Founders, The Board and RVVZ Foundation senior management team. 

(Please download the attached document “Information for candidates Head UWC Dilijan” to learn more about the role, the person specification, life in Dilijan and the application process)

The Ideal Candidate

While the next Head is expected to have leadership experience in international education, to understand residential schooling and to have taught the IB Diploma, the Board are keen to receive applications from candidates with varied types of experience and background to fulfil the multi-faceted role.

The successful candidate will be qualified to university graduate level, as a minimum, and will be:

• adaptable, creative and entrepreneurial (someone with ideas and the energy to pursue them and the ability to change track if called upon to do so)
• a strategic thinker but also pragmatic enough to ensure projects are completed rigorously and correctly
• open-minded and keen to understand the perspectives of others, humble enough to back down if their ideas are not approved – not egotistical
• excellent at networking and being an ambassador for the School and the RVVZ Foundation
• extremely student-centred in their thinking 
• at ease within the relaxed and informal nature of the school
• able to live and work happily without access to a wide choice of restaurants and shops
• a fluent English speaker and an excellent communicator

Above all, the next Head must be someone who will see this as a mission, not a job, and who will be fully committed to the School and its wider purpose within the RVVZ Foundation.

Remuneration and Reward

Outstanding candidates can expect an exceptionally attractive remuneration package, which includes beautiful and spacious accommodation within the campus and other rewards and benefits, subject to discussion. 
Candidates with school-age children should note, however, that there is currently no high quality English language education available locally apart from at UWC Dilijan.  Assistance with school fees is therefore only likely to be offered to candidates whose children board in another country.

The Application Process

Full details about the application process can be found in the attached document entitled “Information for candidates”.  The key points to note are:

This appointment is being managed by Russell Speirs, CEO of RSAcademics on behalf of the Board of Governors.

Candidates seeking more information are encouraged to contact Jean Sullivan in the first instance to arrange a conversation with Russell or with Keith Clark, Senior Consultant at RSAcademics.

Jean Sullivan  Mobile +44 (0)7885 879887 jeansullivan@rsacademics.co.uk

The closing date for applications is Monday 27th February 2017 at 10h00 Greenwich Mean Time. 

Candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline should they be able to.

PLEASE NOTE: candidates who submit their CV and covering letter before the deadline may find their initial interviews and meetings are brought forward.  This will not benefit or jeopardise their application or anyone else’s.  It will simply provide more flexibility vis a vis interview dates.

UWC Dilijan is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, satisfactory references and a medical.