Head of School and CEO

West Island College, a premier, independent, post-secondary preparatory school based in Calgary, Alberta, is seeking an enthusiastic, visionary leader to serve as Head of School and CEO, effective July 2018. Compensation will be highly competitive for this central strategic and leadership role.

West Island College (WIC) is a co-educational bilingual day school with exceptional teachers and staff and a community of enthusiastic learners. Since its founding in 1982, WIC has gained a reputation for nurturing outstanding academic achievements, inspiring community service, and catering to the personal development of each student. WIC is a vibrant community with a welcoming campus that embraces big thinking, global perspectives, environmental stewardship, innovation, and creativity. WIC’s academic offerings include an Advanced Placement Programme, an International Studies programme, a Fine Arts Certificate, Outdoor Education, and Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Liberal Arts Institutes. Outstanding athletics, small class sizes, and an extensive co-curricular programme with leadership opportunities provide 550 students in Grades 7 to 12 with the opportunity to challenge, inspire, and support one another. For more information, please visit the website at www.westislandcollege.ab.ca

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working effectively with the senior management team, the Head of School is the educational leader and, as Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for all academic, financial, and administrative aspects of WIC. The Head will advise and build upon the strategic plan and vision, develop and implement appropriate action plans, lead in the School’s Advancement initiatives, and promote an inclusive school culture. By providing leadership, direction, and encouragement, the Head of School will inspire and maintain high standards of teaching and learning, and provide an atmosphere where students, teachers, and staff can flourish. As the face of West Island College, the Head of School will engage, educate, develop, fundraise, and communicate in order to build and sustain positive and enduring relationships with WIC’s internal and external communities.

The new Head of School will be an outstanding individual with a proven track record of accomplishments in education and the ability to command the respect of all WIC stakeholders. Candidates should possess a perspective compatible with WIC’s Purpose, Promise, and Commitments, as well as the ability to communicate them effectively and lead the School toward their achievement. Strong academic credentials, excellent leadership and team building skills, outstanding communication abilities, creativity in building an exceptional educational programme, an understanding of the role of co-educational independent schools, an excellent rapport with young people, and demonstrated strategic relationship development skills with external stakeholders are all qualities desired in the Head.

The Search Committee will begin to consider potential candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. WIC is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to diversity within its community. Applications should include a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant), and may be forwarded electronically, in confidence, to Dr. Laverne Smith at: Laverne Smith & Associates Inc. wic@lavernesmith.com