Headteacher (Secondary School)

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Headteacher (Secondary School) Department: Academic Reporting to: Deputy Director Location: Mindset High School, Mzuzu. Contract type: Full Time
Position Overview The Head teacher is the chief academic and administrative leader of Mindset High School, responsible for enforcing strategic direction, ensuring academic excellence, and maintaining a disciplined and supportive learning environment. The role involves overall management of staff, students, academic programs, and school operations inline with the school’s vision, mission, and national education standards. Job Purpose To provide visionary leadership and effective management of the school to ensure high academic performance, disciplined student conduct, staff productivity, and sustainable institutional growth. Reporting Line • Reports to the Deputy Director • Directly supervises all teaching staff Level of Authority • Full authority over daily school operations and academic leadership. • Responsible for implementation of school policies and strategic plans. • Oversees staff recruitment recommendations, performance management, and discipline. • Authorized to represent the school in official meetings and external engagements. • Operates within the governance framework of the school.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Leadership: Oversee curriculum implementation, teaching quality, and student academic performance.
2. Staff Management and Supervision: Supervise teachers and staff, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development.
3. School Administration: Ensure smooth daily operations including timetabling, discipline and resource management.
4. Student Discipline and Welfare: Maintain high standards of discipline and promote student welfare and character development.
5. Strategic planning and development: Lead school improvement initiatives and long-term development planning.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with parents, School Management Team, community, and Education Authorities.
7. Financial and Recourse Oversight: In collaboration with management, support budgeting processes and ensure efficient use of school resources. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Overall student academic performance and pass rates. • Teacher performance and staff retention. • Effective implementation of school policies and curriculum. • Level of discipline and student behavior standards. • School growth in enrollment and reputation. • Timely completion of academic programs and examinations. • Stakeholder satisfaction (parents, board and community). • Compliance with Ministry of Education regulations.

Working Conditions • Full time leadership role based at school premises • Requires extended working hours including weekends and school activities • Involves regular interaction with staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders

Ethical and Professional requirements • High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. • Strong leadership and decision-making ethics. • Commitment to confidentiality and fairness. • Compliance with education laws and school policies. • Ability to manage pressure and make sound judgements.

Personal Specifications

1. Qualifications: • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
2. Experience: • At least 5 years teaching experience (preferred) • Minimum 3 years in a senior leadership role e.g. Deputy Headteacher
3. Computer Literacy: • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft excel, and PowerPoint. • Ability to use School Management Systems and digital reporting tools. • Ability to use email and internet.
4. Familiarity: • Strong understanding of the Malawi Secondary school curriculum. • Knowledge of education policies, school governance, and inspection standards. • Familiarity with staff management and academic quality assurance systems.