Pedagoginen johtaja

Academic Director, HEI Schools Al Khobar Saudi Arabia

HEI Schools Al Khobar preschool in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia is looking for a Academic Director, starting as soon as possible.  

Preschool is opening its doors for the first time in early 2025, offering Finland-inspired early education services to 1-5 year old children. Preschool is owned by a forward-thinking family from Saudi Arabia who have greatly contributed to the educational landscape of Al Khobar. Family has played a pivotal role in founding the first school in Al Khobar during the 1950s, occurring well before the establishment of the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. Family has collaborated with the International Schools Group (ISG) since 2009 to develop ISG Dammam, an American K-12 school in Saudi Arabia. Now the family is expanding to early education with a mission to bring fresh and future-driven early education to the children in Al Khobar. You will report to and work in close cooperation with the preschool owner and principal who is responsible for operations, local law regulations and who is the supervisor for local educators. Working language is English. Maximum capacity for preschool is planned to be 80 children in total. 

As Academic Director, you will be responsible for leading the planning, development and implementation and evaluation of HEI Schools curriculum and pedagogy in Al Khobar. This is a new role as the preschool is starting its operations for the first time and you will be the key person in planning and setting up the daily schedule, routine and pedagogical activities and practices for the whole preschool. As the expert of holistic pedagogy, you will introduce and support local educators to implement Finland-inspired play-based curriculum and you’ll guide their professional development. You are evaluating the pedagogical implementation of the HEI Schools pedagogy and ensuring the preschool is meeting the education quality standards. You maintain learning data such as records of student progress and prepare reports. Together with the local team, you build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, educators and staff to deliver best outcomes for families and children. In addition, you support preschool operations such as participating in educator recruitments, overseeing enrollment processes and maintaining enrollment records, developing center policies and communication towards parents.

In this role, you will:

• lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of HEI Schools curriculum and pedagogy

• provide curriculum direction & guidance and support for local educators to effectively implement the pedagogical planning 

• build the knowledge, skills and professionalism of local educators 

• maintain learning and enrollment records

• guide families’ understandings about play-based learning, and the significance of the early years in the education continuum for children

To succeed in the role, you bring: 

• Work experience as kindergarten educator with holistic early education approach

• Work experience from Finnish early education and/or HEI curriculum and concept

• Work experience as daycare director is a plus

• International / multicultural work experience as an educator, preferably from MENA region

• Bachelor of Education with early childhood education teacher qualification

• Good written and spoken English. Arabic and other language skills are a plus.

• Other skills such as 

  • Ability to lead educators from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of knowledge and experience

  • Strong communication and interpersonal/ intrapersonal skills 

  • Adaptive and resilient mindset with the ability to lead own area of responsibility when not everything is clear or things change

  • Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary learning theories and ‘Finnish’ mindset in education setting relating to early childhood education and care, professional quality standards and approved learning frameworks

What HEI Al Khobar offers:

• Employer is Establishment Qaleh Al-Abdaa for Entertainment and employment contract follows Saudi Arabian labor law

• Fixed-term contract at least for one year, with possibility for extension

• Start as soon as possible, as agreed

• Based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 

• Monthly salary 3000 EUR gross, or as agreed depending on qualifications and experience (salary is paid in Saudi Riyal) 

• No income tax in Saudi Arabia

• Full-time position normally from 7.30 to 16.30 from Sunday to Thursday including lunch

• Paid annual holiday 4 weeks / year and paid public holidays (estimation 10 days / year)

• Housing benefit - furnished apartment for whole employment

• Private health insurance

• Flights (round-trip)

• Transportation to work and back

• Support in relocation such as work visa application, registering as resident in Al-Khobar, opening a local bank account

• Work equipment (laptop, phone subscription)

• End-of-service award

• Coming with family - 1-5 year old child can enroll to HEI Al Khobar kindergarten for free
  

A background check for this role will be performed. Condition of the job is accepted transcript of criminal record and health check.

Read more: https://www.heischools.com/blog/hei-schools-announces-new-partnership-to-launch-early-years-center-in-al-khobar-saudi-arabia 

Why join? 

• You will join the Al Khobar team and also the global community of more than 23 HEI Schools branded kindergartens operating around the world with 19 more coming in future. See other HEI kindergartens around the world: www.heischools.com/company/locations

• An inspiring role as Finland-inspired education pioneer supporting local education enthusiasts

• Meaningful work and ability to make a difference in transforming the education landscape!

• Al Khobar is a vibrant city located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, known for its beautiful waterfront, modern amenities, recreational activities and rich history. Al Khobar has evolved significantly over the decades and has attracted many expatriates and is today recognized as a cosmopolitan hub that boasts a diverse population, cultivating a unique blend of cultures. Additionally, its proximity to Bahrain and Qatar enhances its appeal, enabling easy access to both destinations while providing an ideal base for those seeking a modern seaside lifestyle.

Interested to apply? Send your CV and a short 2 minutes video in English where you tell us why you’d be the best person for the role. Apply as soon as possible as we could move forward with suitable candidates during the application period. Please note we only accept applications sent through the application form. Last day to apply is 10.11.2024.

Questions about the role? Contact Menon VK, Manager at Abdulmohsen group (parent company of Establishment Qaleh Al-Abdaa for Entertainment), +966504987199, menonvk[at]aet.com.sa, Sun-Thur GMT+3.

Questions how to apply? Contact Iida-Lotta Vilkki, Office & HR Manager, HEI Schools Headquarters, +358408269546, iida-lotta.vilkki[at]heischools.com, Mon-Fri GMT+3.