ISU Director Search

ISU Seeks a New Director Commencing August 1, 2025

 

The International School of Ulaanbaatar (ISU) seeks a new Director to succeed Bill Elman who will leave the school at the end of the 24/25 school year after 8 years of dedicated service. In partnership the board hopes to establish an equally strong relationship with the next leader to build on the great achievements to date.

 

The International School of Ulaanbaatar (ISU) is a not-for-profit international school that has proudly served the international and local community in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, for more than 30 years. The school currently enrols 235 students from 28 different nations, the majority of whom are ex-patriates, mostly from the diplomatic, NGO and business sectors.

 

ISU is unique in some respects yet similar to many other fine international schools world-wide in other ways. Its location and connection with the people and culture of Mongolia set it apart from any other IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and DP of the International Baccalaureate. More familiar will be its holistic student-centred approach, academic programme, co- and extra-curricular activities and international community spirit.

 

ISU is the only school in Mongolia that is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reinforcing its international credentials, character and quality.

 

Preferred Qualifications, Experience & Personal Qualities:

·      Masters or doctoral degree

·      Ideally, 10 years in leadership roles in an accredited international school, with five or more at the senior level (divisional principal or higher)

·      Experience of the accreditation process

·      Experience with IB, authorization and the re-authorization process

·      Commitment to the school’s mission

·      Understanding of the strengths and challenges of small schools

·      Effective strategic thinker

·      Student-focused

·      Financial acumen

·      Excellent organizational skills with an eye for detail

·      Cultural competence and sensitivity

·      Able to inspire individuals and groups

·      Effective communicator and community orientated

·      Flexible, adaptable, and growth-oriented

 

Compensation and Benefits

The initial term of the Director's contract is three years. The compensation package is competitive and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the chosen candidate. Benefits include an annual pension payment, housing, utilities, international medical coverage, tuition waivers for up to two children attending the school, annual home leave, a professional development grant and allowances for transportation and shipping at the onset and conclusion of the contract period.

 

The salary and benefits are tax free for expatriate ISU employees, due to the terms of the bilateral agreement under which the school was founded.

 

Application Process

The school has secured the services of Dr. Simon Taylor of Simon Taylor Consulting to assist in the search.  To apply, please send the following documents to directorsearch@isumongolia.edu.mn:

 

·      A letter of application

·      A resumé/curriculum vitae including a list of at least three referees, including someone in a current supervisory role

·      A written reflection entitled “International students – a preparation for life” (<500 words)

·      Evidence of police background checks – home country, current country and all other countries where you resided for 6 months or more.

 

Please note the following

·      Testimonials will not be sufficient. Those named as references will be contacted by the consultant.

·      The consultant will not consider candidates for the position unless they will be free to accept a new employment contract at the start of the ISU 25.26 school year.

 

The deadline for applications is September 1, though the ISU Board reserves the right to close or extend the search as needs warrant.

 

Initial interviews with the consultant will occur on a rolling basis commencing in May, 2024. Board interviews will follow, with finalists on site at the school in September.

 

Please click here for a more detailed brochure profiling the school and this exciting opportunity.