Head of School

Vanderbloemen; Manila; On-site; PHP 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc. (CCF LAFI) seeks a visionary Head of School to launch and lead a new Christ-centered school in Manila. You will shape the academic, operational, and spiritual landscape, reporting to the Executive Director and aligning with LAI’s mission.

You will build a thriving learning community, develop robust academic programs, ensure excellence in operations, and foster spiritual formation among students and staff within a biblical worldview.

Qualifications

• Leader with deep Christian faith aligned to CCF LAFI’s mission and values.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive educational leadership experience; startup exposure preferred.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment systems, and accreditation processes.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the new Manila school with timelines and resources.
• Design and implement a Christ-centered curriculum aligned with standards and biblical worldview.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for faculty and staff.
• Oversee budgeting, compliance, and facilities planning to ensure a safe, inspiring learning environment.
• Engage with parents, communities, and stakeholders to support the school launch and growth.

Skills

Educational leadership

Curriculum development

Strategic planning

Staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership

Terminal degree preferred (PhD/EdD)

Job description

The CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc. (CCF LAFI) is an initiative born from the ministry of Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF). The foundation has a vision to significantly expand its educational footprint across the Philippines. It aims to establish an ecosystem of high-caliber international schools, building upon the successful model currently operating through Life Academy International (LAI). This endeavor is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and driven by the core belief, shared with CCF, that education is a powerful tool for shaping future generations of leaders who are not only academically excellent but also deeply grounded in their faith and committed to living out Christian values.

LAI currently stands as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to nurturing holistically developed, Christ-like individuals. LAI is a Christ-centered K-12 learning institution located in Pasig City, Philippines, operated under Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) and deeply rooted in biblical truths. It aims to seamlessly combine rigorous academic standards with a strong foundation in Christian character and values. LAI’s foundational mission is "To raise Christ-honoring individuals in key spheres of influence through transformative education". Its vision is "To be a learning ecosystem with the highest degree of excellence grounded on a biblical worldview, transforming individuals, families, communities, and nations". LAI offers academic programs including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Cambridge Program. The school is currently working towards international accreditation with ACSI and WASC.

The CCF Life Academy Foundation is actively implementing a strategy to establish an integrated system of Christian schools across the Philippines to achieve its vision. This system encompasses schools designed to serve a variety of contexts and demographics.

A System Services team will oversee all schools and campuses, functioning similarly to a school district model, and reports to the Executive Director of CCF LAFI. CCF LAFI’s core values are Love and Leadership, Integrity and Innovation, Faith in Jesus Christ, and Excellence. These values are integrated into all aspects of school life. CCF LAFI is currently undergoing significant expansion and development across its integrated school system.

About the Head of School

CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc. (CCF LAFI) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Head of School to launch and lead a new school in Manila. This is a unique opportunity for a faith-driven educational leader to shape the academic, operational, and spiritual landscape of a foundational school, aligning with LAI’s mission and vision to glorify God through Christ-centered education.

Reporting to the Executive Director of CCF LAFI, the Head of School will be the driving force behind establishing a thriving learning environment that fosters spiritual growth, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community.

Our Goal: To establish and lead a vibrant Christ-centered learning community at the new CCF LAFI school by developing and implementing robust academic programs, ensuring efficient operations, and nurturing a deep spiritual foundation, all in alignment with the overarching mission and vision of CCF LAFI.

The Head of School’s responsibilities include:

Strategic Vision & Implementation

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and CCF LAFI leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the new school, including critical timelines, effective resource allocation, and robust stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Clearly define, articulate, and passionately champion the school’s distinct mission, vision, and values, ensuring seamless integration with CCF LAFI’s overarching goals and ethos.
• Establish ambitious yet achievable short-term and long-term objectives that will guide the strategic growth, development, and sustainability of the school.
• Provide essential input and oversight in the school design and construction phases, ensuring facilities support the educational and spiritual goals.

Academic and Curriculum Leadership

• Design, develop, and implement a rigorous and distinctly Christ-centered curriculum that not only meets or exceeds recognized educational standards but also deeply resonates with and caters to the diverse needs of the student population.
• Work in close partnership with the Director of Curriculum and Learning to ensure exceptional vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas.
• Establish and oversee comprehensive assessment and evaluation systems to effectively monitor student progress, inform instructional practices, and ensure continuous academic improvement.
• Champion a philosophy of progressive learning grounded in a biblical worldview, encouraging innovative pedagogical approaches.
• Demonstrate experience and provide leadership in implementing higher-level academics.

Faculty and Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead the comprehensive process of recruiting, selecting, and successfully onboarding highly qualified, mission-aligned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to embodying CCF LAFI’s mission and values.
• Design and implement impactful mentorship programs and ongoing professional development opportunities that foster staff growth, encourage retention, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Cultivate and nurture a collaborative, supportive, and inspiring work environment that empowers educators and staff to thrive and innovate.
• Understand and effectively implement the objectives of the Teacher’s Academy leadership model.

Operational and Financial Stewardship

• Oversee the meticulous development and responsible management of the school budget in close collaboration with the Director of Finance, ensuring fiscal health and sustainability.
• Guarantee full compliance with all relevant local regulations, accreditation standards, and Life Academy International policies and procedures.
• Coordinate comprehensive facility planning, development, and ongoing maintenance to provide a safe, secure, aesthetically pleasing, and highly conducive learning environment.
• Leverage prior experience in design and construction processes to inform facility decisions.

Community Engagement & Advancement

• Forge strong, positive, and lasting relationships with prospective and current parents, actively engage with community members, and build strategic partnerships with local organizations to support the school’s successful launch, growth, and integration into the wider community.
• Develop and execute effective communication strategies to keep all stakeholders well-informed, actively engaged, and deeply connected to the school community.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the school, representing CCF LAFI at various events, meetings, and public engagements to effectively promote the organization’s mission, vision, and programs.
• Model authentic Christian leadership and actively promote a vibrant, Christ-centered culture that intentionally encourages spiritual growth, discipleship, and faith formation among all students and staff.
• Ensure the meaningful integration of faith-based principles and a biblical worldview into all facets of school life, including curriculum content, school policies, and daily interactions within the community.
• Provide compassionate spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to the school community.
• Lead through exemplary personal conduct, dedicated prayer, and intentional initiatives to foster deep spiritual growth and unwavering commitment among students and staff.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Head of School:

Qualifications

• A deeply personal and evident commitment to the Christian faith, with a profound understanding of and enthusiastic alignment with CCF LAFI’s mission to glorify God through Christ-centered education.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Education, or a related field is required; a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in an educational setting, with a strong preference for experience in Christian and/or international school environments.
• Demonstrated, proven experience in school startup, including successfully launching new programs or institutions, is essential.
• Significant experience in curriculum development, implementation, and oversight.
• Proven success in recruiting, developing, and leading high-performing faculty and staff teams.
• Exceptional organizational, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build, nurture, and maintain strong, positive relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Comprehensive knowledge of educational regulations, accreditation processes, and best practices in school administration.
• A proven ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, and effectively lead teams toward the achievement of shared strategic goals.
• Experience in management, including financial oversight and operational leadership.
• Experience involved in building projects, from design through construction, is highly desirable.
• Experience living and working abroad is preferred, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and a global perspective.
• Prior experience in curriculum and teaching is valuable, providing a deeper understanding of the classroom experience and the needs of educators.
• Relevant administrative licensure or certification is a plus.
• Must possess an open-minded approach to progressive learning methodologies while firmly rooted in a spiritual and biblical worldview.

What it’s like to live in Manila (Philippines)

Living in the Philippines offers a vibrant and unique experience, characterized by warm hospitality from locals, a rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes ranging from pristine beaches to lush mountains. As a prospective employee, you’ll find a generally lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, which can make your salary go further. While major cities like Manila offer modern conveniences and a bustling atmosphere, expect traffic congestion to be a daily reality. The official languages are Filipino and English, with English widely spoken in business settings. You’ll also discover a strong sense of community and close family ties, which are integral to Filipino culture. Be prepared for a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and embrace the opportunity to explore the archipelago’s diverse islands and participate in local traditions and festivities.