Vice Principal & Head of High School

About UsiCademy Middle East is a private, US-curriculum online school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 across the Arabian Gulf region and neighboring countries. We are part of the Pansophic Learning group and have been based in Dubai since 2007. We successfully educate over 1400 students and have enrolled over 6000 students. We have over 80 online teachers who are certified subject specialists, based regionally and in the US and Europe.iCademy Middle East offers an internationally recognized curriculum designed for high interactivity, flexibility, and individualized learning pathways. Students who meet iCademy Middle East’s graduation requirements are eligible to receive a U.S.-accredited diploma. In addition to international and U.S. accreditations, iCademy Middle East is licensed by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and is accredited with NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and provide NCAA eligible courses for athletes.iCademy Middle East combines rigorous academic standards with accessible online education to support diverse learner needs.Position OverviewThe Vice Principal & Head of High School Department is a senior academic leadership position responsible for supporting the Head of School in the overall academic leadership of iCademy Middle East, while providing direct leadership and oversight of the High School Department. A significant focus will be on teaching and learning and driving student achievement.The role provides strategic and day-to-day academic leadership within iCademy's online learning environment, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, student achievement, engagement, wellbeing, and staff performance.The role works closely with High School teachers, Department Heads, Academic Advisors, Learning Coaches, Learning Support, Student Services, and other school leaders to ensure students receive a consistent, engaging, and high-quality online learning experience.Reports to: Head of School / Principal Job Type: Full-Time / PermanentWork Location: HybridKey Responsibilities Whole-School Academic LeadershipSupport the Head of School in providing effective academic leadership across the online school.Deputize for the Head of School when required.Contribute to the development and implementation of school-wide academic priorities, policies, procedures, and improvement plans.Support consistency in teaching, learning, assessment, student support, and communication across the online school.Work collaboratively with academic and support teams to address issues affecting students and staff.Support the implementation of school-wide academic initiatives and programs.Promote a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and professional online school culture.High School LeadershipProvide overall academic leadership and direction for the High School Department, covering Grades 9–12.Ensure high standards of online teaching, learning, assessment, student progress, and achievement.Monitor High School academic performance and student outcomes and lead appropriate intervention and improvement strategies.Work with High School teachers and Department Heads to ensure effective curriculum planning and delivery.Ensure appropriate academic expectations and standards are maintained across virtual classrooms.Support effective delivery of High School programmes in line with school requirements and applicable KHDA expectations.Online Teaching and LearningPromote high-quality and engaging online teaching practices across the High School.Support teachers in using virtual learning platforms, digital resources, and appropriate educational technology effectively.Monitor the quality and effectiveness of online lessons and student learning experiences.Promote student interaction, participation, collaboration, and engagement within the virtual learning environment.Encourage the use of innovative approaches to online instruction, assessment, and feedback.Identify and address barriers to effective online learning.Student Progress, Achievement and EngagementMonitor student attainment, progress, attendance, participation, and engagement across the High School.Analyse academic and student engagement data to identify trends and students requiring additional support.Work with Academic Advisors, Learning Coaches, teachers, and Learning Support to implement appropriate intervention strategies.Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and ensure appropriate follow-up.Support students in preparation for examinations, graduation, further education, and future academic or career pathways.Promote student ownership, independence, and responsibility for learning within the online environment.Staff Leadership and DevelopmentProvide leadership, coaching, and professional support to High School teachers and relevant academic staff.Support teachers in managing effective online classrooms and maintaining student engagement.Monitor staff performance and support the implementation of professional development and improvement plans where required.Identify training and development needs related to online teaching, curriculum, assessment, student engagement, and technology.Encourage collaboration and sharing of effective online teaching practices.Participate in the recruitment, selection, interviewing, induction, and onboarding of academic staff as required.Student Wellbeing and SafeguardingPromote a safe, inclusive, respectful, and supportive online learning environment.Monitor student wellbeing and engagement and ensure concerns are appropriately addressed.Work closely with Academic Advisors, Learning Coaches, School Counselor, Learning Support, and the Safeguarding Lead.Ensure safeguarding concerns are escalated and managed in accordance with school procedures.Promote appropriate student behaviour, digital citizenship, and professional conduct within the online environment.Academic Advising and Student Support CoordinationWork collaboratively with Academic Advisors to monitor student academic progress and overall school experience.Ensure effective communication between teachers, Academic Advisors, Learning Coaches, Learning Support, and other student support functions.Support the development of coordinated intervention plans for students requiring additional academic or pastoral support.Ensure appropriate escalation and follow-up of student concerns.Parent and Student EngagementMaintain effective communication with students and parents regarding academic progress, expectations, and significant concerns.Support the resolution of escalated academic and student-related concerns.Promote positive relationships with parents and students through appropriate online communication channels.Participate in virtual parent meetings, information sessions, and school events as required.Academic Quality Assurance and ComplianceMonitor academic standards and the quality of online learning provision.Support compliance with KHDA requirements, school policies, safeguarding procedures, and applicable UAE regulations.Contribute to school self-evaluation, quality assurance, inspections, audits, and accreditation activities.Review academic data, student feedback, staff feedback, and other relevant information to identify opportunities for improvement.Ensure agreed academic policies and procedures are consistently implemented within the High School.School Improvement and Strategic DevelopmentContribute to the school's strategic planning and continuous improvement activities.Lead High School improvement initiatives and projects as assigned.Identify opportunities to improve online teaching, student engagement, academic outcomes, and the overall student experience.Support innovation and the effective use of technology within the online learning environment.Contribute to the development of systems and processes that support an effective and scalable online school model.Communication and CollaborationMaintain clear, timely, and professional communication with staff, students, parents, and school leadership.Lead or participate in virtual leadership and departmental meetings.Ensure key information and decisions are communicated effectively to relevant staff.Foster collaboration between teachers, Department Heads, Academic Advisors, Learning Coaches, Learning Support, and other teams.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.Other DutiesParticipate in school leadership meetings and activities as required.Attend virtual school events, training sessions, parent meetings, and other activities.Maintain confidentiality and professional standards at all times.Represent iCademy Middle East professionally in internal and external engagements.Undertake other reasonable duties assigned by the Head of School / Principal. Role Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Education. Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is preferredValid teaching qualification / licenseSignificant experience teaching within an American curriculum, with strong knowledge of American curriculum standards, frameworks, and assessment practices8 – 10 years of teaching experience, preferably including High School / secondary educationMinimum 5 years of experience in a senior academic leadership, departmental leadership, or equivalent educational management roleDemonstrated experience in online, virtual, blended, or digital educationStrong understanding of curriculum, assessment, student progress, safeguarding, and student wellbeingExperience leading, managing, and supporting remote/online teaching staffKnowledge of UAE education requirements and KHDA expectations is desirableStrong understanding of the requirements and expectations of an online American curriculum school is highly desirable