Academic Year 2025-26
Job Description
Job Title Head of Boarding Department Boarding
Start Date August 2025
Location Dubai, UAE
Reports to Principal
Direct reports Head of Zurich House, Head of Geneva House, Academic Tutors
Job Scope
The Head of Boarding is responsible for spearheading the strategic development of the Boarding section. This entails crafting and executing a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the SISD mission and IB framework, aimed at enhancing the overall boarding experience for students. They lead the recruitment, training, and professional development of boarding staff, ensuring a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Additionally, they collaborate with academic and administrative departments to integrate boarding programs seamlessly into the school curriculum, while continuously evaluating and refining policies and procedures to promote student well-being, academic success, and personal growth.
The Head of Boarding also cultivates partnerships with parents, guardians, and external stakeholders to foster a supportive boarding community and advocates for the boarding program both internally and externally. They stay informed about trends and best practices in boarding education and serve as mentors and role models for boarding students, providing guidance and leadership to support their holistic development.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
This not an exhaustive list of all duties/responsibilities. The responsibilities outlined may be modified by the Principal, upon mutual agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the role:
Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership and direction to the Heads of House, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment conducive to professional growth and excellence in boarding provision.
- Drive the strategic vision and direction of the boarding department, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and values.
- Guide the professional growth and development of boarding staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to seamlessly integrate boarding into the overall school community.
- Continuously assess and refine policies and procedures to enhance student well-being, academic achievement, and personal development within the boarding community.
- Foster meaningful partnerships with parents, guardians, and external stakeholders to create a supportive and inclusive boarding environment.
- Advocate for the boarding program both internally and externally, representing the unique needs and interests of boarding students.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in boarding education, incorporating relevant insights to elevate the quality of the boarding experience.
- Serve as a mentor and role model for boarding students, providing guidance and leadership to nurture their holistic growth and success.
Operational
- Plan and strategize the implementation of operational initiatives and plans within the boarding department to achieve organizational goals.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to schedule and manage resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization in support of boarding programs and activities.
- Oversee purchasing activities for the boarding department, including procurement of supplies, equipment, and services, while controlling costs and maintaining budgetary compliance.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of boarding programs and services, implementing quality control measures to enhance student experience and satisfaction.
- Manage inventory control processes, ensuring accurate tracking and management of boarding-related assets and supplies.
- Develop and maintain effective systems and processes for administrative tasks related to boarding, such as admissions, student records, and facility management.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to address logistical challenges and enhance operational efficiency within the boarding environment.
- Implement risk management protocols and emergency procedures to safeguard the well-being and safety of boarding students and staff.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in boarding operations, seeking opportunities to optimize resources and enhance the overall boarding experience.
Academic
- Lead strategic initiatives in academic development and student support for boarders, aligning with the school's educational objectives and mission, in collaboration with the Head of Secondary.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Secondary to ensure seamless integration of academic programs within the boarding environment.
- Develop and implement strategies to support academic growth and achievement for boarding students.
- Coordinate with teaching staff to provide academic support and resources tailored to the unique needs of boarding students.
- Oversee the monitoring and tracking of academic progress of boarding students, providing feedback and interventions as necessary.
- Foster a culture of academic engagement and inquiry within the boarding community.
- Oversee the scheduling and implementation of academic activities and support services within the boarding house.
- Communicate with parents and guardians regarding the academic progress and welfare of boarding students.
Admissions
- Develop and implement strategies in collaboration with the Head of Admissions to attract and recruit a diverse and talented cohort of boarding students
- Collaborate with the admissions team to streamline the boarding admissions process and provide excellent customer service to prospective families
- Conduct interviews of prospective boarding students to assess their suitability for the boarding community
- Work closely with the admissions team to review applications, make admissions decisions, and communicate decisions to prospective families in a timely manner
- Coordinate with relevant school departments to gather additional information and insights on prospective boarding students as needed.
- Conduct engaging tours of boarding facilities for prospective parents, showcasing the program's unique features, safety measures, and vibrant community atmosphere.
- Develop and maintain relationships with agents, and other relevant stakeholders to support the recruitment of boarding students
Marketing
- Execute marketing strategies, in collaboration with the Head of Marketing, to promote the boarding program, highlighting its unique features, benefits, and opportunities.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling marketing materials, including brochures, website content, and social media posts, targeted specifically towards prospective boarding students and their families.
- Plan and organize promotional events and information sessions to showcase the boarding program to prospective families, both locally and internationally.
- Represent the school at overseas boarding fairs and recruitment events, engaging with agents and prospective students and families, answering questions, and providing information about the boarding program.
- Build and maintain relationships with international educational agencies, consultants, and partners to expand the school's reach and visibility in key markets for boarding recruitment.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Undertake Refresher DSL training every 2 years as currently required
- Be thoroughly familiar with the school’s policies on Safeguarding and Child Protection, and professional guidelines.
General
- Ensure compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools.
- Take initiative and find solutions to recruit and retain boarders within the boarding school
- Support the Principal to raise the boarding profile.
Key Relationships
Internal Students, Teachers, Academic Tutors, Principal, Deputy Head of School (Teaching & Learning), Head of Secondary School, Senior Management and Leadership Teams,
Marketing & Admissions Team, Boarding House Staff, Healthcare Team External Parents, KHDA, IB, Third Party suppliers/contractors/agencies
Position Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Qualified Teacher
- Holds a BSA qualification or to be willing to study to obtain one
- First Aid qualification
Experience
- Experience of working in a Boarding School
- Experience of working with children and young people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of working unsupervised and using own initiative
Competencies
- Strong leadership skills to effectively oversee the boarding community and collaborate with staff.
- Excellent communication abilities to engage with students, parents and stakeholders effectively.
- In depth understanding of academic programs and strategies to support student success.
- Exceptional organizational and logistical management skills to coordinate various aspects of boarding operations.
- Ability to cultivate a supportive and inclusive boarding environment that fosters student growth and wellbeing.
- Proven experience in admissions, marketing and recruitment within a boarding context.
- Proficiency in crisis management and ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergencies within the boarding community.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, parents, agents, and staff members, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the boarding houses.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive remuneration and benefits to include relocation flight to Dubai to commence employment, visa, medical insurance, annual flight allowance, Be good to yourself day, accommodation including utility bills, laptop, CPD training, End of service gratuity
Contract Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours
- The position of Head of Boarding requires flexibility in working hours to accommodate the needs of boarding students and the residential facility.
- Regular working hours are 08:00 – 17:00 Monday – Thursday and 08:00 – 12:00 on Fridays.
- Participation in team meetings, training sessions and special events outside of working hours as necessary.
Swiss International FZ-LLC, PO Box 505002, Dubai – UAE, +971 4 449 6038, F: +971 4 449 60 37,