Location: St Leonards, NSW
Location type: On-Site
Date advertised: 25th November 2025
Job Type: Full time
Closing Date: 24th December 2025
About Us
- An exceptional opportunity to lead a growing Christian bilingual school.
- Seeking a visionary Christian educator
- A preference for fluency in Mandarin and being passionate about bilingual learning
Are you ready to lead with purpose and leave a legacy?
The International Chinese School (ICS) is a unique and dynamic K–6 independent school located in St Leonards, NSW. Founded on strong Christian values and a commitment to bilingual (English–Mandarin) education, the school is entering an exciting phase of growth and development. ICS now seeks an outstanding Principal to lead the next chapter of its mission.
The Role
The Principal will be a visionary Christian educator who can inspire, lead, and strategically guide the school as it grows from 115 students to 300–400 students over the coming years. This is a pivotal leadership appointment requiring deep faith, professional capability, and a passion for bilingual education and cultural engagement.
Key Selection Criteria
1. Deep Christian Faith & Missional Leadership
- Demonstrates a mature Christian faith, able to uphold the school’s Christian ethos, enrich its spiritual life, and lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction.
2. Experienced, Qualified & Independent School Leader
- Holds appropriate professional qualifications and a strong understanding of NSW education.
- Brings the capability to operate autonomously, lead confidently, and manage multiple priorities with minimal board reliance.
3. Visionary, Strategic & Growth-Oriented
- Able to craft and implement a long-term strategic plan that supports enrolment growth, enhances programs, strengthens resources, and ensures sustainable future development.
4. Commitment to Bilingual (English–Mandarin) Education
- A preference is for fluency in Mandarin and being passionate about bilingual learning.
- Able to champion Chinese language and culture while maintaining high-quality teaching and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.
5. Hands-On, Multi-Skilled Administrator
- Comfortable “wearing many hats” during this growth phase—managing operations, logistics, staffing, programs, and daily school matters with strong discipline and attention to detail.
6. People-Centred Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
- Leads with empathy, professionalism, and relational strength.
- Able to build trust, work collaboratively with staff and families, and maintain a compassionate yet decisive leadership style.
7. Strong Governance, Compliance & Financial Acumen
- Understands and ensures compliance with NESA and all regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrates sound financial stewardship, risk awareness, and organisational integrity.
8. Instructional Leadership & Educational Excellence
- Committed to outstanding teaching and learning.
- Supports staff development, lifts academic and character outcomes, and nurtures a culture of innovation and excellence.
9. Entrepreneurial, Innovative & Community-Focused
- A proactive problem-solver, strong communicator, and confident community representative.
- Able to build partnerships, engage stakeholders, and seize opportunities that enhance the school’s mission and reputation.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead with purpose and leave a legacy, we invite you to apply immediately. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please submit a tailored CV and Cover Letter, addressing the Selection Criteria, to:
Ken Patteson
Chifley Global Group Executive Search
kenpatteson@chifleyglobal.com.au
+61 417 777 838
Chifley Global
Dare to Lead. Dare to Change. Est. 2003
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