Dean of Academics, Secondary School

Dean of Academics, Secondary School (Ormonde) 3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. We are looking for an outstanding Dean of Academics at our Ormonde Secondary The role of Dean of Academics is primarily an administrative one, with the key responsibility of ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school's academic programme. The Dean of Academics collaborates with the school leader for Academic Affairs to manage curriculum and instruction, thereby fulfilling the Nova Pioneer's educational objectives. The Dean of Academics is the primary point of contact for all educational staff, students, and parents about their specific program. The Dean of Academics establishes a professional tone for the program and serves as a positive role model for both faculty and students. About Nova Pioneer Imagine a world in which every young person across Africa attends a school that truly sets them up for success in the 21st century. A school that cares about individual students and allows them to explore the world around them. A school that focuses more on developing skills than on memorising content. At Nova Pioneer, we have done more than just imagine this future‑we are bringing it to life. Nova Pioneer is a pan‑African, independent network of schools offering high‑quality, accessible education from pre‑primary through secondary school. Nova Pioneer uses a unique, enquiry‑based learning approach that encourages students to ask “why” instead of telling them the “what”. It allows them to form their own thinking through exploration, investigation and collaboration. Nova Pioneer currently has 16 schools in South Africa and Kenya with a vision to launch 100 schools and reach tens of thousands of students across the African continent in the next decade. To learn more visit About The Role The key functions of the Dean of Academics can be categorised as follows: Year planning Day‑to‑day administrative functions Supporting the Deans of Instruction and Students Cambridge examinations officer Student academic support Recruitment Parent liaison Teaching/staff support Responsibilities Year planning Formulating the year’s academic calendar Setting up the Google assessment calendar Assisting with building the timetable Assisting with staff allocation in the timetable Assisting with building and running the PD programme for the start of the year and terms Create academic support programme with input of teachers/HODs Day‑to‑day administration Ensuring smooth running of the timetable Setting and ensuring adherence to important academic deadlines Managing Ed‑admin markbooks and reporting in conjunction with the Dean of Operations General trouble‑shouting on quick‑fix operational issues Leading staff on report compilation and ensuring quality control In conjunction with the Dean of Instruction, supporting HODs and lead teachers in running their teams, ensuring quality control in all aspects of teaching and learning, and hosting bi‑monthly HOD meetings Creating internal exam and invigilation timetables, and monitoring of all internal exam processes and procedures Administering the subject‑choice process for Grade 8s and AS/A level students in conjunction with the school leader and the post‑school success manager Address staffing issues around classroom instruction/professionalism etc. Putting accountability measures in place to support staff in delivering on teaching and learning Creating and updating academic policies for the senior school Supporting the Deans of Instruction and Students Manage a team of teachers, looking after their welfare, conducting observations and feedback sessions Participate in whole school observational walkthroughs Conduct results analysis sessions with staff Run PD sessions when required Help the Dean of Students with managing discipline and conducting disciplinary enquiries e.g. drug‑testing Cambridge examinations officer (All year round as we do 2 sitings per year) Ensure implementation of the Cambridge curriculum across all subjects Ensure exam entries are completed on time Building the exam and invigilation timetable Preparing exam venues and candidate cards Communicating all necessary exam information to candidates and parents Liaising with the science team to ensure practical exams run smoothly Training invigilators according to Cambridge standards Running Cambridge exams strictly according to Cambridge regulations Liaising with any Cambridge inspectors that may arrive to conduct observations Processing any concession candidates by the required deadline Chief invigilator Setting up a student results portal and communicating results logins to candidates Ensure smooth receiving, storing and distributing Cambridge results certificates to students Receiving, analysing and distributing results to teachers Registering staff for Cambridge training and following up on completion thereof Private candidates (All year round as we do 2 sittings per year) Updating website at beginning of the year- send requests to marketing Fielding information requests on private candidate exams (Customer service) Monitoring entry form sheet in order to track and register private candidates Liaising with candidates in the system to provide provisional entry statements, and following up on and making corrections. Collecting and storing candidate agreement forms Liaising on