Academic director Ref 79
Closing date: 15 September 2006
The academic director leads and manages the academic work of the IB in order to help the organization fulfill its educational mission and maintain its reputation as the leading organization in international education. The role is the leading academic post within the IB, based at the International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Centre (IBCA) in Cardiff, Wales (UK), and is responsible for the development and quality control of all the IB’s academic programmes. The academic director also directs the development of the organization’s language policy. The relationship between IBCA and the IB’s four regional offices is especially important.
The academic director works in close collaboration with the IB’s publications group and with the other directorates within the organization, particularly assessment, finance, human resources, ICT and strategic planning. The role involves the development of contacts and partnerships with other organizations in education, including governments, non-governmental organizations and other external educational agencies.
The academic director reports to the IB’s director general and is responsible for programme development, professional development and research, and language services.
Key accountabilities
The main accountabilities of the role are summarized as follows:
- direct the continued development of IB programmes and related assessment models so that they remain at the leading edge of international education
- ensure the development of varied programme support materials and opportunities for professional development, taking advantage of technology and of services provided by potential partner organizations, so that schools can access up-to-date information and support
- lead the research agenda of the organization in order to identify, prioritize and develop research to support the organization’s mission
- direct the development and use of quality assurance frameworks that will enable the IB to deliver quality services in flexible ways in the areas of school authorization and evaluation, curriculum development, teacher support, professional development and teacher certification
- lead the development of services to schools in the organization’s official and working languages and maintain an up-to-date language policy
- manage and ensure the professional development of direct reports to ensure they fully meet objectives
- direct the business planning process of the academic directorate’s divisions according to the needs of the IB strategic plan
- negotiate, control and manage budgets for the academic directorate
- provide relevant information to, and ensure the appropriate involvement of, the various academic committees and the education committee of the Council of Foundation in order to ensure that the IB identifies and delivers the academic programmes and services to fulfill its mission
- represent the IB with stakeholders, as well as external agencies, representatives from universities, governments and non-governmental organizations in order to promote the mission of the IB, enhance the understanding of its programmes, and foster new relationships and opportunities
- maintain an ongoing knowledge of reforms and developments in international education systems in order to initiate/develop new models or approaches that can enhance the role of the IB in the future
- manage relevant potential areas of serious risk recorded in the risk register
- be an active member of the publications management committee and contribute to the development of the IB’s publications agenda.
Requirements for the role
The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- a postgraduate degree—PhD or equivalent
- skills and specialist experience in curriculum development and evaluation, professional development of teachers and research
- IB experience or significant experience in international education
- appropriate professional qualification and extensive senior management experience in a multicultural environment
- ability to focus, align, and build high performance teams
- excellent skills in communication and negotiation
- ability to build enduring partnerships and develop teamwork across organizations and regions
- experience in strategy development and ability to think beyond own area of responsibility to create new, long-term visions for the organization
- a strong command of the English language
- proficiency in either French or Spanish highly desirable
- ability to achieve organizational goals, demonstrate drive for improvement and overcome obstacles and resistance
- experience of change leadership.
Location
The position will be based in Cardiff, Wales (United Kingdom).
Compensation
A competitive (local) compensation package will be offered.
Useful documents
Job description: [50.5kb, word]
Apply now
Please forward a curriculum vitae with a letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the role to: Mrs Linda Bassett, human resources department, International Baccalaureate, Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff
CF23 8GL, United Kingdom. Please quote the reference number.
Fax: (029) 2054 6062
Email: recruit@ibo.org
