Adjunct-directeur
Head of School (Secondary) Tijdelijk met uitzicht op vast
Inspire Global Learners – Shape Our Future.
Wat ga je doen?
Optimist International Academy (OIA) is a new international secondary school opening in August 2026 in Hoofddorp. OIA is a joint initiative of Optimist International School (primary) and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig (bilingual secondary). The school is currently on a journey of IB MYP candidacy towards authorisation.
We are seeking an inspirational, internationally minded educational leader to help build OIA as one coherent school, working in close partnership with the Head of Primary. This role offers the opportunity to shape culture, curriculum and operations from the ground up, while building strong IB practice and a stable, positive learning environment for students and staff.
As Head of School (Secondary), you provide continuity, stability, and clear direction as OIA develops and grows. You are a visible and approachable leader within the school, and you translate the school’s vision into strong daily practice across learning, culture, and organisation.
You lead the secondary teaching team and create the conditions for high-quality teaching and professional growth. You strengthen an open, safe, and inclusive school and working culture, and you drive a consistent approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement.
You guide the secondary school through IB candidacy to authorisation and ensure progress towards a coherent written, taught, and assessed curriculum. Together with your team and the MYP coordinator, you embed inquiry-based, concept-driven learning and international-mindedness in a consistent way.
You oversee the quality and consistency of admissions and contribute to strengthening OIA’s external profile and visibility. You act as a key link with parents, partners, and the wider region, and you represent the school with clarity and confidence.
Wie ben jij?
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Extensive experience with IB philosophy, Standards & Practices
- Proven leadership experience in international and/or bilingual school settings
- Experience leading or contributing to IB candidacy and authorisation
- Strong curriculum leadership skills (planning, assessment, evaluation)
- A clear commitment to high-quality IB professional development
- Experience coaching and developing teachers within an inquiry-based framework
- Strong English and Dutch communication skills (spoken and written)
- The ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse, international environment
You are a visible and approachable leader who combines professionalism with warmth and clarity. You build trust, create calm, and bring people together around a shared educational approach. You have solid IB experience, ideally within the MYP (experience with the DP is a strong advantage). Experience with school business operations and organisational processes is highly desirable.
Start date: By mutual agreement, no later than 1 August 2026.
Qualifications and eligibility
- A recognised teaching qualification eligible for registration in the Netherlands (e.g. PGCE, QTS, or equivalent)
- A relevant academic degree in education or a subject related to secondary teaching
- Eligibility and willingness to obtain Dutch teaching recognition (via DUO)
- School leadership qualifications or senior leadership experience are highly desirable
We also welcome applications from candidates currently based outside the Netherlands and would further discuss relocation and recognition requirements as part of the recruitment process
Wat krijg je van ons terug?
- The opportunity to build a new IB school from the ground up
- A collaborative and supportive international school community
- Strong institutional backing from experienced Dutch education partners
- Ongoing professional growth through IB training and leadership development
Salaris en benefits
- For this position, salary scale 13 applies. The gross monthly salary ranges from € 5.691,00 to € 8.065,00 based on a full-time appointment. Salary placement is determined by educational level and relevant work experience.
- You are entitled to 53 vacation days per year based on full-time employment. In addition, you receive 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus (13th month) of 8.33%.
- You’ll be offered a fixed-term contract, with the prospect of a permanent position, for 0.6–1.0 FTE.
- We offer an excellent pension scheme: Dunamare Onderwijs covers 70% of the pension contributions under the ABP pension fund.
- Dunamare strongly supports your professional and personal development. The Dunamare Academy is the place to be for learning and development, whether you are a teacher, educational support staff member or a leader. Explore our extensive programme at www.dunamare-academie.nl.
De afdeling
The Head of School functions as a school deputy and reports directly to the Rector. Together with the Rector and the other school deputy’s, the Head of School forms the Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig’s leadership team. As part of HLML’s leadership structure, you lead teachers who also work within Haarlemmermeer tweetalig.
About Optimist International Academy
Optimist International Academy (OIA) is building an innovative educational journey that unites an established primary school and a pioneering secondary school under one bold international vision. A collaboration between Optimist International School (OIS) and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum Tweetalig (HLML), supported by Floreer and Dunamare Onderwijs.
Dunamare onderwijs doet meer
Dunamare onderwijs doet méér. Meer voor leerlingen. Meer voor het onderwijs. En meer voor medewerkers. Denk aan goede opleidingsmogelijkheden, mooie secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden, een gezonde werk-privébalans, goede doorgroeimogelijkheden en volop aandacht voor vitaliteit. Lees maar. www.werkenbijdunamare.nl/arbeidsvoorwaarden
Optimist International Academy is onderdeel van Dunamare onderwijs. Daaronder vallen 24 uiteenlopende scholen voor voortgezet onderwijs in de regio Haarlem, Haarlemmermeer en Velsen, met uitstapjes naar Harlingen en Uithoorn.
Direct reageren?
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape a new international secondary school, we would love to hear from you. For questions, please contact Brenda Stam b.stam@haarlemmermeerlyceum.nl and to apply, please use the “Apply” button so we can be sure your application is received correctly. Application closing date: Friday 6 March 2026.
Interviews will take place in the week commencing 16 March 2026. Candidates shortlisted for a second interview will be invited to complete a developmental assessment following the second-round interview.