Senior Deputy Principal

The ADvTECH Schools Division leads the private sector in the field of education, contributing meaningfully towards the sustainable development of human capacity in South Africa.

Key Purpose Statement

To understudy the Principal or Head of School with the operational and academic management of the school as well as alignment with the Brand values. This role will stand in for the Principal, in their absence, to lead the staff and ensure an optimal student experience is delivered.

May carry a specialized portfolio for Academics, Sport or Performing Arts, depending upon the school. To organize, co-ordinate and implement activities and initiatives associated with the portfolio at their school for the grades they are responsible for. Also plays role of Dean of Grade dealing with academic, pastoral and other Grade specific issues e.g. subject choice.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Management of School Operations

• Draws up and controls the budget for their respective area, reducing waste wherever possible and educating/informing staff regarding financial obligations and procedures. Oversees the ordering of various resources and requirements that the school needs.
• Ensures compliance with the requisite policies, procedures and legislation, at the school. Recommends corrective action in the event of any breaches by either staff or students.
• Contributes to creating a learning environment for students and teachers which is conducive to academic excellence and in keeping with the Brand promise.
• Presents Assemblies as required and/or assists with the organisation
• Compiles Duty Lists viz. Breaks, Assembly, detention and monitors adherence with these
• Considers applications from new students and makes recommendations
• Implements and upholds the Code of Conduct, makes recommendations regarding discipline
• Tracks benchmarking viz Jumptrak; IEB. MAP etc
• Oversees selection, voting for and appointment of Student Exec’s/ SRC’s etc
• Manages the Grades in respect of academic, pastoral and grade specific needs

2. Implementation of Academic Strategy

• Implements academic policies and procedures. Ensures staff are informed and understand requirements
• Oversees academic programs in respective grades, evaluating programmes and services and recommending modifications as necessary
• Liaises with examination body to ensure all assessment guidelines, policies and procedures are actioned, timeously
• Undertakes regular class visits to grades under their supervision to monitor teaching and learning
• Prepares the Year Plan by co-ordinating input from all relevant areas and submitting it for approval
• Oversees organisation of field trips, excursions and camps and monitors their outcomes. Makes recommendations for improvement
• Assists with the implementation and synchronisation of the Timetable for their grades
• Performs the role of Student Information System (SIS) super user for the school
• Follows examining body guidelines for student results, portfolios and examination practices
• Oversees the test/exam evaluation process, monitors compliance with agreed standards and reports on infringements and risks
• Oversees the test/ exam Moderation System in respect of methodology, deadlines, question formats and marking procedures
• Oversees the production and delivery of academic reports reviewing standards, averages, formats and presentation
• Analyses results data and recommends academic interventions to address problems detected
• Manages the Tutorship system for their grades

3. Building Brand Awareness

• Assists the Principal with forecasting enrolment targets for new students and academic staff as well as for roll-over students
• Liaises directly with the Brand Marketing/ Head of Marketing & Admissions to plan events and/or communications for the school including Open Days, Parents Evenings, Newsletters etc
• Engages in word of mouth marketing
• Submits material to Digital Marketing for updating of the website and/or other digital platforms at the request of the Principal

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Management* Assists with monitoring the student experience at the school, meeting with students/ teachers and parents, as required, to identify issues and resolve problems timeously

• Keeps parents and students informed re subject changes, academic demands, tertiary study requirements etc
• Assists with planning and hosting events. e.g. subject-related workshops, sports days, cultural activities, open days, expos, special/theme days, concerts, inter house, awards etc.
• Convenes Awards ceremonies and/or valedictions, as required and evaluates their success making recommendations for improvement
• Organises student led conferences and monitors their outcome

5. Human Resource Management

• Assists with leading and motivating staff to achieve agreed objectives and foster growth, their own as well as the students
• Conducts staff, grade and subject meetings in accordance with agreed time intervals. Meets regularly with other phases/ schools to ensure consistency
• Interviews staff for recruitment purposes & undertakes telephonic reference checking, as required
• Takes responsibility for the orientation of new teachers and monitors their integration into the school
• Manages and conducts performance reviews in accordance with policies and procedures and takes corrective action where necessary. Provides continuous feedback to direct reports
• Manages the recruitment, utilization and performance of Student Teachers
• Manages Human Resources in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements
• Mentors staff and encourages their professional development
• Arranges and presents regular staff training sessions
• Convenes management meetings providing advice and guidance as appropriate and reporting back to Principal/ Head of School
• Arranges for substitute teachers, in absence of staff members, and monitors their performance

6. Health and Safety Management

• Manages OHS for their school, communicating requirements, liaising with suppliers, Group EHS Manager and advisors as necessary and monitors compliance
• Assists with the management and maintenance of facilities by reporting breakages and maintenance needs, timeously.
• Selects and sets up venues for classes and examinations
• Monitors and controls use of furniture, resources and equipment

7. Extra -Curricular Portfolio Management (Sports/Arts & Culture) (if applicable)

• Leads the portfolio, oversees all staff assigned to it including specialist contractors. Responsible for their performance, motivation, training and development
• Monitors interest in portfolio activities and recommends ways to develop and improve student participation. Responsible for growing the portfolio and facilitating its contribution toward the school’s USP
• Controls budget for the portfolio and oversees ordering of stock/ equipment
• Manages Award ceremonies for the portfolio
• Manages Tours/ fixtures/ events for the portfolio

Competencies

Skills

• Leadership
• Communication
• Capability Building
• Commercial Aptitude
• Management
• Problem Solving
• Planning & Organizing
• Decision Making

Behavioural Attribute

• Analytical
• Customer Orientation
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Execution (Delivers on commitments)
• Open Mindedness

Qualification

• Minimum: Higher Diploma / Bachelors Degree (NQF Level 7) in the Education Field
• Ideally: Post Graduate Diploma / Bachelors Degree (NQF Level 8) in Education / Management Policy / Development / Curriculum Development

Experience

• Teaching Experience - 8 years
• Managerial Experience - 5 years
• Head of Department - 5 years

Other requirements

• South African Council of Education (SACE)
• Drivers Licence