Middle School Principal Buckhead Campus

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Atlanta International School (AIS) unites students, educators, and families from Atlanta and around the world with a shared mission: to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.

Our community represents 90 nationalities and over 60 languages. Starting in August 2025, AIS’s Upper School will span two campuses: the Buckhead Campus for Grades 3K-12 day students and the Sandy Springs Campus for Grades 9-12 day and boarding students.

This dynamic, inclusive environment gives AIS its unique energy—a place where students, educators, and families thrive, innovate, and belong. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school from 3K to Grade 12, we offer the PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, with additional flexibility through AISx. This unique program is tailored for pre-professional students in athletics, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and more. AISx partners with Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and the Atlanta United Youth Team and holds Athlete Friendly Educational Center (AFEC) accreditation.

Our engaging and comprehensive academic programs develop internationally minded, critical thinkers who excel at connecting complex knowledge to create innovative solutions. At AIS, students experience a world-class education within a diverse, multicultural, and multilingual community that prepares them for meaningful, global impact.

JOB PURPOSE

AIS leaders inspire students from diverse backgrounds to become courageous leaders in a culturally responsive and restorative learning environment. We are a team of innovative educators dedicated to creating inquiry-based lessons that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. At AIS, leaders and teachers ignite and sustain student curiosity by co-creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills for positive impact. As part of the Buckhead Campus leadership team, you’ll work with students in a 3K12 urban school setting incredible experiential learning opportunities in Atlanta.

The Middle School Principal leads Atlanta International School in Grades 6–8. In this role, you will nurture the holistic development of young adolescents and empower them as globally minded leaders. With a focus on sustaining excellence and innovating for the future, the Middle School Principal ensures alignment with AIS’s mission and vision and drives meaningful student learning experiences grounded in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP).

As a skilled communicator, empathetic leader, and visionary educator, you will inspire faculty, students, and families, fostering a culture of inclusion, inquiry, and collaboration. This role requires an educational leader who is deeply committed to fostering a culturally responsive and restorative learning environment for Middle School students. The Principal will oversee the educational, managerial, and operational aspects of the Buckhead Middle School, collaborating closely with the Secondary School leadership teams to ensure alignment and synergy across our 3K12 and dual-campus structure.

This is a full-time leadership position at the Buckhead Campus.

FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Associate Head of School (Academics)
Start Date: July 1, 2025 (negotiable)

Application Deadline: December 20, 2024

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is determined by the Principal’s pay-scale with Senior Leadership Team benefits. Initial placement on the scale will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

AIS CORE VALUES BASED COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Growth – Seeks continuous self-improvement.
• Collaborative Teamwork – Builds strong, supportive relationships.
• Adaptability – Maintains flexibility and openness to change.
• Inclusivity – Actively welcomes and engages diverse perspectives.
• Empathy – Shows compassion and understanding toward others.
• Intercultural Communication – Communicates effectively across cultures.
• Bias Awareness – Recognizes and mitigates personal biases.
• Task Prioritization – Manages time and tasks efficiently.
• Accountability – Takes responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Constructive Conflict Resolution – Resolves conflicts in a restorative way.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Middle School Principal will lead the development of an inclusive, innovative Middle School culture, ensuring alignment in a 3K12 environment and fostering a supportive environment for all students. Through strategic leadership and collaboration, they will drive excellence in teaching, learning, and community engagement. Key responsibilities will include:

1. Leadership and Vision: Lead the educational, pastoral, and operational direction of the Buckhead Middle School, fostering an environment that prioritizes innovative, inquiry-based learning and aligns with the values and mission of Atlanta International School.
    
2. Community Engagement: Actively engage students, staff, parents, and the broader community, promoting an inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful school culture. Seek innovative ways to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, supporting understanding and continuous improvement of the school’s programs in alignment with AIS’s strategic plan.
    
3. School Culture Development: Cultivate and maintain a strong, positive school culture that reflects AIS’s core values. Conduct regular “ecosystem checks” to understand and respond to the needs and voices of students, staff, and parents. Promote interculturaral understanding, restorative practices, positive discipline practices, and a climate where student voice and community spirit thrive.
    
4. Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborate closely with the Associate Head of School, Buckhead Campus Principals and Associate Principals, Director of Community and Belonging, IB Coordinators, Heads of Year, Group Leaders, and Counselors to ensure alignment of policies, programs, and safety protocols across our 3K12 dual campus structure. Foster partnerships with parents to enhance their understanding of and support for the Middle School.
    
5. Instructional Leadership: Lead the development and alignment of instructional and assessment practices that enhance learning. Collaborate with IB Coordinators to oversee curriculum implementation, ensuring it is inclusive and research-based, with an emphasis on measurable student growth. Provide mentorship and coaching for teachers, nurturing a reflective, future-oriented professional culture.
    
6. Operational and Strategic Planning: Support the Associate Head of School in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to align with AIS’s mission and goals. Participate in developing the master schedule, staffing plans, and operational procedures that enable smooth campus functioning.
    
7. Student Support and Wellbeing: Co-Lead the Middle School Student Support Team with the Associate Principal, including counselors, learning specialists, and Heads of Year, to provide a robust pastoral care system with intentional social-emotional learning. Foster a culture of inclusion, intercultural understanding, and restorative practices that nurture student well-being and resilience. Promote student agency, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular engagement.
    
8. School Safety and Wellbeing: Work with leadership and health and safety teams to implement and monitor safety policies, safeguarding standards, and child protection protocols.
    
9. Professional Learning and Development: Lead professional development initiatives that empower teachers and enhance instructional quality. Facilitate reflective practices, goal-setting, and observation feedback to support teachers’ growth and align with AIS’s strategic objectives.
    
10. Technology and Financial Acumen: Utilize strong technology and financial management skills to support the effective operation and advancement of the school.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Education and Experience: Master’s degree (preferred) in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Studies, or a related field, with a minimum of five years of teaching and leadership experience, such as serving as a Head of School, Principal, or Associate Principal. Relevant experience working with adolescent learners and a background in implementing IB or similar curricular frameworks.
   
• Skills and Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in instructional and pastoral leadership; supervision and evaluation; and fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments that support diverse student needs. Familiarity with concept-based or IB instruction (preferred); IB training will be provided as needed.
   
• Interpersonal and Professional Qualities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, intercultural competence, and a collaborative approach to leadership. Ability to work effectively within a startup environment, engage with the AIS community and beyond, and contribute to the strategic school improvement processes. A sense of humor and a commitment to constructive conflict resolution are also valued.

TO BE CONSIDERED
To be considered for the above-mentioned position, please submit the following items through our online career site https://www.aischool.org/our-school/careers: a letter of interest, resume, and email and phone contact information for three professional references with at least one being supervisory in nature by the stipulated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We will contact those applicants whose skills and experience best match our needs. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are not able to take or return phone calls regarding employment.