What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Upper School Principal position at Atlanta International School?
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Atlanta International School (AIS) unites students, educators, and families from Atlanta and around the world with a shared mission: to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.
Our community represents 90 nationalities and over 60 languages. Starting in August 2025, AIS’s Upper School will span two campuses: the Buckhead Campus for Grades 3K-12 day students and the Sandy Springs Campus for Grades 9-12 day and boarding students.
This dynamic, inclusive environment gives AIS its unique energy—a place where students, educators, and families thrive, innovate, and belong. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school from 3K to Grade 12, we offer the PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, with additional flexibility through AISx. This unique program is tailored for pre-professional students in athletics, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and more. AISx partners with Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and the Atlanta United Youth Team and holds Athlete Friendly Educational Center (AFEC) accreditation.
Our engaging and comprehensive academic programs develop internationally minded, critical thinkers who excel at connecting complex knowledge to create innovative solutions. At AIS, students experience a world-class education within a diverse, multicultural, and multilingual community that prepares them for meaningful, global impact.
JOB PURPOSE
AIS leaders inspire students from diverse backgrounds to become courageous leaders in a culturally responsive and restorative learning environment. We are a team of innovative educators dedicated to creating inquiry-based lessons that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. At AIS, leaders and teachers ignite and sustain student curiosity by co-creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills for positive impact. As part of the Sandy Springs Campus team, you’ll work with both day and residential students in a beautiful, nature-rich setting that enhances the educational experience.
The Upper School Principal for the new Sandy Springs Campus will play a pivotal role in building and leading our innovative, international, and inclusive educational community. This role requires an extraordinary educational leader who is deeply committed to fostering a culturally responsive and restorative learning environment for both day and residential students. The Principal will oversee the educational, managerial, and operational aspects of the Sandy Springs Upper School, collaborating closely with the Buckhead Campus team to ensure alignment and synergy within our dual-campus structure.
The successful candidate will bring resilience, adaptability, and a solution-focused mindset essential for a startup environment. They will demonstrate advanced communication skills, a high level of empathy, and the capacity to engage with all members of our community across complex cultures. With a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-racism, and Child Protection, they will lead by example, inspiring a school culture rooted in respect, curiosity, and growth.
This is a full-time leadership position at the Sandy Springs Campus.
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Associate Head of School (Academics)
Start Date: July 1, 2025 (negotiable)
Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is determined by the Principal’s pay-scale with Senior Leadership Team benefits. Initial placement on the scale will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
AIS CORE VALUES BASED COMPETENCIES
- Commitment to Growth – Seeks continuous self-improvement.
- Collaborative Teamwork – Builds strong, supportive relationships.
- Adaptability – Maintains flexibility and openness to change.
- Inclusivity – Actively welcomes and engages diverse perspectives.
- Empathy – Shows compassion and understanding toward others.
- Intercultural Communication – Communicates effectively across cultures.
- Bias Awareness – Recognizes and mitigates personal biases.
- Task Prioritization – Manages time and tasks efficiently.
- Accountability – Takes responsibility for actions and outcomes.
- Constructive Conflict Resolution – Resolves conflicts in a restorative way.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sandy Springs Campus Principal will lead the development of an inclusive, innovative Upper School culture, ensuring alignment with the Buckhead Campus and fostering a supportive environment for all students. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, they will drive excellence in teaching, learning, and community engagement. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leadership and Vision: Lead the educational, residential life, and operational direction of the Sandy Springs Campus Upper School, fostering an environment that prioritizes innovative, inquiry-based learning and aligns with the values and mission of Atlanta International School.
- Community Engagement: Actively engage students, staff, parents, and the broader community, promoting an inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful school culture. Seek innovative ways to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, supporting understanding and continuous improvement of the school’s programs in alignment with AIS’s strategic plan.
- School Culture Development: Cultivate and maintain a strong, positive school culture that reflects AIS’s core values. Conduct regular “ecosystem checks” to understand and respond to the needs and voices of students, staff, and parents. Promote interculturaral understanding, restorative practices, positive discipline practices, and a climate where student voice and community spirit thrive.
- Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborate closely with the Associate Head of School, Buckhead Campus Principals, Director of Community and Belonging, Director of Residential Life, Director of Pathways, IB Coordinators, Group Leaders, and Counselors to ensure alignment of policies, programs, and safety protocols across both campuses. Foster partnerships with parents to enhance their understanding of and support for the Sandy Springs Campus.
- Instructional Leadership: Lead the development and alignment of instructional and assessment practices that enhance learning. Collaborate with IB Coordinators to oversee curriculum implementation, ensuring it is inclusive and research-based, with an emphasis on measurable student growth. Provide mentorship and coaching for teachers, nurturing a reflective, future-oriented professional culture.
- Operational and Strategic Planning: Support the Associate Head of School in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to align with AIS’s mission and goals. Participate in developing the master schedule, staffing plans, and operational procedures that enable smooth campus functioning.
- Residential Program Leadership: Manage the residential program, creating a safe and supportive environment for residential students. Ensure alignment of residential and day student experiences and promote a strong sense of community among all students.
- School Safety and Wellbeing: Work with leadership and health and safety teams to implement and monitor safety policies, safeguarding standards, and child protection protocols. Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students’ social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Professional Learning and Development: Lead professional development initiatives that empower teachers and enhance instructional quality. Facilitate reflective practices, goal-setting, and observation feedback to support teachers’ growth and align with AIS’s strategic objectives.
- Technology and Financial Acumen: Utilize strong technology and financial management skills to support the effective operation and advancement of the school.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Education and Experience: Master’s degree (preferred) in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Studies, or a related field, with a minimum of five years of teaching and leadership experience, such as serving as a Head of School, Principal, or Associate Principal. Relevant experience working with adolescent learners and a background in implementing IB or similar curricular frameworks.
- Skills and Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in instructional and pastoral leadership; supervision and evaluation; and fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments that support diverse student needs. Familiarity with concept-based or IB instruction (preferred); IB training will be provided as needed.
- Interpersonal and Professional Qualities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, intercultural competence, and a collaborative approach to leadership. Ability to work effectively within a startup environment, engage with the AIS community and beyond, and contribute to the strategic school improvement processes. A sense of humor and a commitment to constructive conflict resolution are also valued.
TO BE CONSIDERED
To be considered for the above-mentioned position, please submit the following items through our online career site https://www.aischool.org/our-school/careers: a letter of interest, resume, and email and phone contact information for three professional references with at least one being supervisory in nature by the stipulated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We will contact those applicants whose skills and experience best match our needs. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are not able to take or return phone calls regarding employment.
AIS is an equal opportunity employer. We are a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan Atlanta area and the United States at large. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. AIS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.
