Head of Professional Learning

The English Schools Foundation (ESF); Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) seeks a Head of Professional Learning to drive strategic, scalable professional learning across our Hong Kong schools. Reporting to the Director of Education, you will design and lead an integrated portfolio for both teaching and non-teaching staff to uplift student outcomes and operational excellence.

You will shape ESF as a global leader in professional learning, guide budgetary governance, and build external partnerships with schools and providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in Educational Leadership or Organisational Growth.
• Proven track record leading professional learning or organisational development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement long-term professional learning strategy aligned to ESF’s Vision 2030.
• Lead, design, and scale integrated professional learning for teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Partner with leadership to nurture a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Adult learning theory

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, Organisational Development, or related discipline

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or Organisational Growth

Tools

LMS platforms

Digital learning tools

Job description

The Head of Professional Learning plays a pivotal role in driving organisational excellence and professional growth across the English Schools Foundation (ESF).

Reporting directly to the Director of Education, this role designs, leads, and scales an integrated suite of continuous professional learning initiatives for both teaching and non-teaching personnel. By positioning ESF as a global leader and centre of innovation in professional learning, you will empower our staff to directly elevate student learning outcomes and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Architect and Execute Strategy: Design and implement a long-term Professional Learning strategy that aligns with ESF’s Vision 2030 priorities and ways of working, securing necessary funding and building compelling cases for investment.
• Strategic Educational Alignment: Analyse school-level enhancement plans to co-design and align ESF-wide professional learning initiatives that drive cohesive system-wide advancement.
• Drive Cultural & Sector Leadership: Partner with the ESF Director of Education and ESF Education Heads to nurture a culture of continuous learning and establish ESF as a global beacon of educational innovation.
• Research & Global Alignment: Monitor international educational developments, academic research, and professional learning trends to ensure ESF interventions reflect modern, evidence-based practices.
• Drive global innovation initiatives and develop proprietary methodologies, in collaboration with strategic thought partners, that advance academic discourse and elevate ESF’s intellectual standing.

Program Design, Delivery & Capacity Building

• Build Organisational Capability: Develop structured learning pathways and leadership development opportunities for both teaching and operational staff to strengthen current performance and future career readiness.
• Optimise Delivery Channels: Evaluate, select, and leverage modern internal and external delivery mechanisms to ensure professional learning activities are engaging, scalable, and cost-effective.
• Data-Driven Continuous Improvement: Establish evaluation frameworks and leverage participant feedback to consistently assess program impact and refine provision.

Operational Excellence & Financial Governance

• Strategic Convening & Thought Leadership: Design and lead high-impact, high-profile convenings that advance organisational strategy and position the organisation as a premier thought leader, while overseeing the underlying event execution and logistics.
• Fiscal & Compliance Management: Prepare, manage, and present departmental budgets and financial reports to the ESF SMT, ensuring full alignment with organisational priorities and safeguarding protocols.
• Team Leadership: Direct, mentor, and inspire the Professional Learning team to maintain high service standards across all employee touchpoints.

Strategic Partnerships & Networking

• Expand Professional Networks: Build and maintain high-impact partnerships with local and international school networks, training organisations, and academic providers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate positive, collaborative relationships across internal ESF schools and external community stakeholders to broaden learning opportunities.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, Organisational Development, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Proven track record leading professional learning, training, or organisational development strategies within an international school system or educational network.
• Leadership & Coaching: Demonstrated knowledge in coaching frameworks, adult learning theory, and leadership capacity building.
• Project & Operational Management: Demonstrated success in managing large-scale educational events, departmental budgets, and cross-functional project teams.
• Interpersonal & Influence: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills with a collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Educational Leadership or Organisational Growth.
• Established networks across international school accreditation bodies and training institutes.
• Practical experience implementing digital learning management systems and modern instructional tech tools.

Why Join ESF
At ESF, we offer a high-performing, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where your strategic vision directly impacts thousands of educators and students. You will join Hong Kong’s largest provider of English-medium international education, working alongside driven professionals dedicated to inspiring every student to be the best that they can be.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is a modern, well-managed educational organisation, committed to offering an international education to students drawn from over 70 countries. We are proud to be at the forefront of the educational hub in Hong Kong. We actively take advantage of the opportunities that Hong Kong offers as Asia’s world city and the principal gate-way to China.

The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate, is adapted to Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. ESF’s 1,100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-schedule activities in Hong Kong and overseas.

ESF has over 18,000 students. Our culture is one of joy in learning and pride in achievement. The great majority of our students study for the IB Diploma and gain entry to universities all over the world. ESF has a long-standing commitment to children with individual needs and is the principal provider for English-speaking children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. For further details about ESF, please visit our website at https://www.esf.edu.hk/.