Head of School

Kongsberg International School (KIS) is an IB school at its core and we are passionate about teaching the PYP and MYP curricula. We aim to ensure that students have a positive learning experience which will prepare them for not only their future learning but to be valued members of society in a fast-changing world. We believe that this has been reflected in recent IB Evaluations.

KIS was established in 2003 to serve the needs of an increasingly international community in the “Technology Town” of Kongsberg. We work closely with local industry, the wider local community and the local environment as a means to strengthen learning engagements. We have also initiated ground-breaking projects that have taken our students to many parts of the world and opened their eyes to the true meaning of global citizenship.

KIS currently employs 40 members of staff, and the student body consists of just under 200 students. As a small school, KIS has always prided itself on its family feeling, with close working relationships between staff and students. Despite its size, with students from more than 30 nationalities and staff from all parts of the globe, the school has an international, multicultural dynamic. Kongsberg International School is a non-profit, independent school that is funded primarily through state subsidies and topped up with capped school fees. The sum of these factors results in a diverse student body.

Kongsberg is a small university town located in the south-eastern part of Norway, less than 100km from Oslo, with proximity to mountains and the south coast of Norway. Kongsberg has around 28.000 inhabitants, with a large portion employed in international high-tech companies that operate all over the world. The main areas for the industry are energy, maritime systems, defence, aerospace, car part production, automation and optics. Kongsberg is a safe, family-friendly town that offers a range of opportunities for those interested in outdoor leisure activities such as golf, fishing, hiking, climbing and cross country- and alpine skiing.

Kongsberg International School is now seeking candidates for the position as Head of School.

The Head of School is appointed by the Board and is the school’s chief executive. He/she is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, within the framework laid out by the Board.                                                                                                               

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

·       Visionary and Strategic Management: Articulate a clear educational vision, driving the process of developing the school to be well positioned in the future, including the analysis of opportunities for development of the school site and facilities

·       Financial stewardship alongside the school’s Finance Committee

·       Lead the development and implementation of school policies and guidelines together with the school’s Senior Leadership Team

·       Continue to develop appropriate organisational structures, ensuring a safe, positive and productive working and learning environment for staff and students, including a commitment to the safeguarding of young people

·       Implement effective communication systems, creating partnerships based on trust and respect

·       Lead the professional growth of the school’s employees and ensure that the staff has the correct capacity and skills

·       Guide both PYP and MYP programmes, supported by the Curriculum Coordinators, according to IB guidelines and standards

·       Be a visible and active Head of School with employees, students, parents, alumni, partners and the larger community

·       Support the school as it aims to move into new, purpose-built premises.

Preferred Qualifications and Personal Skills

·       Bachelor’s or master’s degree in educational science

·       Formal education or relevant experience in leadership and/or strategic management

·       Teaching experience, preferably in an IB school

·       Experience working in an international environment, and a mind-set focused on intercultural awareness

·       Appreciation of and belief in the IB Primary and Middle Years Programmes

·       Embodiment of the attributes of the IB Learner Profile

·       High working capacity and the ability to prioritise and meet targets

·       A leader who is confident, yet humble and respectful

·       A team player who listens and empowers

·       Capability of striking a balance between leading change and maintaining continuity

·       Willingness to respect and embrace Norwegian culture and legislation

·       Excellent English skills

·       Norwegian or Nordic language skills are not essential, but are highly desirable

We Can Offer

·       A management position with great potential for influence, as well as personal and professional development

·       Interesting work tasks in an inspiring, international environment

·       An informal and stimulating work environment with a high professional standard

·       Competitive terms and conditions

For start August 2023. For further information, please contact Business Manager, Andrew Gregory by email as below or tel.: (+47) 458 67 680.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you and you believe that you can lead our school’s continued development, please apply by e-mail to: andrew.gregory@kischool.org, enclosing a full CV and cover letter addressing the areas outlined in the main tasks and responsibilities as well as the competencies contained in the person specification. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 27 December 2022. The school reserves the right to contact suitable candidates before the closing date.

Due to anticipated levels of interest, we regret that we will not be able to give feedback to all applicants. However, applicants are welcome to request a simple confirmation of receipt.