Head of Boarding, starting 1 August or sooner
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and caring individual who is looking for an exciting challenge to work within our student-centered team here in beautiful Jura, Switzerland.
Collège and Lycée Saint-Charles is a dynamic and friendly small school located in Porrentruy, Jura. Our mission is to provide students with a high-quality education while developing the attributes of kindness, respect, and responsibility towards others and the environment.
Founded in 1897, Collège et Lycée Saint-Charles follows the humanist and Christian values of caring for others and the environment, respecting cultures and individuals, and approaching the world with openness and positivity. The school aims to develop the same values in students and to support students in becoming responsible, global citizens who work to make the world a better place. Students are always at the heart of everything we do.
Collège et Lycée Saint-Charles is an IB World school (Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme), alongside our Swiss National curriculum. Our Boarding students range in age from 10-19. Since 2017, the school has completely renovated its buildings, including three brand new state-of-the-art science laboratories and adding new common areas within Boarding. We will be opening additional, new Boarding facilities in August 2023 and 2024. As such, this is an exciting time to join our School as we grow and develop for the future, in both our learning and boarding experience.
The Position
Collège et Lycée Saint-Charles seeks to appoint an experienced Head of Boarding, with proven experience of residential life and in leading teams. The successful candidate will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team.
Working closely with our students and staff, our Head of Boarding is responsible for fostering an environment that is enjoyable, safe, caring and stimulating, supporting our school philosophy and values. Flexibility and empathy in this role are essential.
When we consider the qualities that we are looking for in our applicants, we think of words such as energy, resilience, open-minded, enthusiasm, flexibility, sense of humour.
The role of Head of Boarding will cover a variety of responsibilities including:
- Overseeing the work of the Boarding team as a strong leader and team player, ensuring there is consistency within our Boarding team and strong communication;
- Leading our boarding team to arrange, organize and participate in a stimulating program of activities, trips, and events which play a key role in ensuring a happy boarding experience. This must consider our safeguarding and health and safety requirements, whilst balancing safety with independence, and student well-being with study time;
- Ensuring that parents are kept updated and well informed about all aspects of our boarding life and the welfare of their child;
- Lead by example, ensuring a visible and active presence in the boarding community, developing strong relationships with our boarders, our families and our staff;
- Developing the professional learning of our boarding staff to make the most effective use of their skills, expertise and experience, helping them to grow in their role. Maintaining health and safety within Boarding, liaising with key members of staff
- Playing a leading advisory role in the long-term development of boarding;
- Assisting with the appointment of all boarding staff.
Requirements
Essential:
- Extensive experience in working within, and leading a successful Boarding experience
- Demonstrated ability to be a strong team-leader and the capacity to guide our team in a considerate and collaborative approach;
- Excellent organisational and computer skills, combined with strong written and verbal communication skills;
- A desire to contribute to and foster a positive learning community, encouraging international mindedness and intercultural understanding where students feel supported and valued;
- An appreciation of working in a small school environment, with 40-60 students in our Boarding programme
- An excellent role model, who demonstrates flexibility, empathy, integrity and positivity;
- For applicants who are considering an August start date, the willingness to work with the school prior to arrival to be involved in the planning of the Boarding Programme for the new academic year.
Desirable:
- Prior residential experience in a Swiss, or European international school environment;
- Driving license;
- Proficiency in French and/or other languages.
Salaries and Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits;
- Accommodation and meals;
- Enhanced pension plan.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet our requirements should apply for the position by submitting the following documents by e-mail to secretariat@saint-charles.ch
Delay: January 20, 2023
- A letter of motivation;
- Full CV with photo;
- Passport copy;
- Contact details of three referees. Referees will be contacted with your consent.
Interviews
Interviews will be held by Skype and/or face-to-face, as appropriate.
Safeguarding
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices and appointments are subject to satisfactory criminal record/background checks.