Elementary Vice Principal

Bucharest, Bucuresti

Division: Elementary School
Reports to: Lower School Principal
Category: Full-time; Overseas or Local Faculty
Start Date: August 2027
Contract Length: 2 years initial contract

POSITION OVERVIEW SUMMARY

The American International School of Bucharest (AISB) seeks an inspiring, visionary, collaborative and dynamic educational leader to serve as the Elementary Vice Principal. We are looking for an experienced leader who will work with students, faculty, parents, and leadership teams to actively champion and support students' social and emotional well-being. The Elementary VP is pivotal in supporting the student care process through a multi-tiered approach to promoting students' attendance, punctuality, behavior, academics and well-being working closely with teachers and counselors to support the Social-Emotional Learning program. The Elementary Vice Principal holds operational oversight for key systems which facilitate the smooth running of the Elementary School and the well-being of students.

As a vital member of the Elementary Leadership Team, the Elementary Vice Principal reports directly to the Lower School Principal and works in close partnership with the PYP Coordinator, the Student Support Coordinator and the other Vice Principals working across the School. The Elementary Vice Principal is a key member of the Lower School Leadership Team and the Learning Leadership Team.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Education & Certification

It is expected that candidates for this position will be highly qualified educators, with:

A Degree and Teaching Certification
A Master’s degree or equivalent in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, or a related field (preferred)

Experience

A proven track record of successful classroom teaching followed by significant leadership experience that includes implementing social-emotional learning programs and leading pastoral care teams.
Significant experience designing, implementing, and optimizing master schedules and operational systems to ensure seamless day-to-day operations across elementary school grade levels

Core Competencies

Strong understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Restorative Practices;
Skilled at partnering with multiple stakeholders to ensure shared understanding and smooth coordination of Elementary operations;
Proven ability to lead teams with empathy, clarity, and high expectations;
Strong communication skills, with confidence navigating courageous conversations and feedback;
Exceptional organizational skills, systems thinking and the ability to manage multiple priorities;

KEY ATTRIBUTES

Demonstrates a growth mindset while being proactive, collaborative, and decisive
Dedication to holding students, teachers, and parents to high expectations
Ability to foster and maintain positive relationships with all members of the community (students, staff and parents)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in adult coaching/mentoring
Highly organized with systems thinking

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Leadership

As a core member of the Elementary Leadership Team, support the implementation of the PYP curriculum framework, ensuring alignment with the school's mission.
Stay current with educational trends and research and IB program developments through professional learning.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
Partner with Learning Support and EAL teams to ensure MTSS interventions are coordinated and monitored across tiers.
Champion identity-conscious and culturally responsive practice across curriculum, pastoral care, and community life.
Provide instructional leadership and ensure social-emotional well-being is embedded across all curricula and pastoral learning.
Collaborate with the Elementary Leadership Team and other educational leaders to align pastoral care with the mission of the school.
Collaborate with the ELC and Secondary Vice Principals to ensure consistent systems and procedures across the School.

Student Support

Take a leading role in creating a safe and positive learning environment for students.
Work with the counselors and designated safeguarding lead to support student safety and well-being.
Implement strategies to monitor and support students' social and emotional well-being within the PYP framework and in accordance with our Multi-Tiered System of Support.
Monitor, assess, and adjust the effectiveness of the elementary social-emotional learning program.
Work alongside Elementary Support Services teams to develop and implement programs and initiatives that grow students' social and emotional capacity as part of our Student Care and Response to Intervention programs.
Create, maintain and support opportunities for student leadership and agency.
Support the Co-Curricular Activities Team to ensure a successful and smooth program for students.

Supporting Positive Behaviors

Promote and integrate the school's values and the IB Learner Profile into the daily life of the school.
Take a lead in modeling and advancing responsible and respectful behavior.
Provide guidance and strategies to teachers for effective classroom management.
Maintain shared behavior management systems that emphasize restorative practices and conflict resolution.
Collaborate with teachers and counselors to address student behavioral issues and disciplinary matters in a supportive, solutions-focused manner.
Investigate and address serious disciplinary incidents, ensuring a fair, consistent process that is respectful of all parties involved.

Operational Leadership

In partnership with the Lower School Principal, manage the day-to-day operations, safety protocols, and behavioral and social-emotional needs across the Elementary School, ensuring compliance with school policies and international accreditation standards.
Take the lead in scheduling, active supervision, student enrollment, assemblies and facilities management.
Maintain and monitor systems to support student attendance and minimise lateness.
Analyze attendance, behavior, and well-being data to identify trends and inform intervention planning
Participate in budgeting and resource allocation decisions as needed.
Lead the transition process from KG to Grade 1 and support the Grade 5 to Grade 6 transition process.
Manage assessments and recommendation requests for students transitioning out from AISB.
Support Grade Level Leaders and other trip organizers with risk assessments, planning documentation, staffing and other practicalities of overnight residentials

Faculty Development

Lead and support professional development opportunities for faculty.
Mentor and grow the capacity of faculty and Learning Leaders across the Elementary School
Assist in the recruitment, evaluation and mentoring of faculty and staff
Contribute to Learning Walks to support effective teaching practices across the Elementary School.
Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their understanding and implementation of social-emotional learning practices.

Parent and Community Engagement

Foster strong relationships with parents and the broader school community.
Organize and participate in parent-teacher conferences and educational events.
Facilitate Student Study Team meetings, Student Care meetings and parent meetings.
Support the onboarding and transition of new-to-school families throughout the year
Organize and participate in parent education programs related to social emotional learning and upholding community agreements.

School Policies and Compliance

Ensure compliance with school policies, local educational regulations, and IB Standards & Practices.
Support the Principal in developing and updating school policies and procedures.
Lead the updating of policies and procedures related to student well-being.
Support the Elementary Leadership Team in the preparation for the accreditation visits (IB and NEASC)

Crisis Management

Assist in managing crises and emergencies within the school, working with the Principal to ensure the safety and well-being of students and faculty.
Play a key role in the Elementary School’s response team, ensuring that students and staff receive the necessary support during challenging situations.

Other duties

● Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal to support the overall functioning of the school.

CAMPUS AND LIFE IN BUCHAREST:

AISB's home is a beautiful, purpose-built ten-hectare campus located in the green suburb of Voluntari, offering the perfect balance of space and proximity to central Bucharest. As a safe, vibrant, and cosmopolitan capital, Bucharest captivates expatriates with its historic charm, tree-lined avenues, and a booming, modern cultural scene. Expatriate educators at AISB enjoy a high quality of life. Bucharest remains one of the most affordable European capitals, allowing for good savings potential paired with a generous school benefits package, including comprehensive health care, flights, and an extensive housing subsidy.

AISB At A Glance:

Enrollment: Close to 900 students from 60+ nationalities (Ages 2 to 18). Faculty & Staff: 280+ dedicated professionals, with over 63% of faculty holding advanced degrees.
Student-Teacher Ratio: An average student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, allowing for genuinely personalized learning.

GDPR & DATA PROTECTION DISCLAIMER

By submitting an application for this position, you acknowledge and agree that the American International School of Bucharest (AISB) will process your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the school’s personal data protection policies. Your data will be collected and processed solely for recruitment and selection purposes. Unsuccessful candidate documentation will be securely deleted or archived in accordance with legal retention periods unless explicit consent is provided for future opportunities.

Other

AISB is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All faculty and staff members are expected to share this commitment and adhere to the school’s Child Protection Policy. Appointment to this position is contingent upon satisfactory background checks and references.

Please note: AISB follows the guidelines of the school’s protective behavior policies and protocols and personal data protection policies and procedures, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees, and reporting any personal data breach.