Head of Boarding Operations

H-FARM International School – Head of Boarding Operations

H-FARM International School, located just outside Venice, Italy, on the largest non‑agricultural farmland in Europe, is seeking a Head of Boarding Operations.

This role has been temporarily supported by a consultant through December 21st as our boarding program has grown significantly over the past academic year and now serves approximately 180 students.

We are looking for a dedicated professional to focus solely on the operational management of our boarding program.

The Head of Boarding Operations will work alongside our Head of Boarding Pastoral Care, who manages the pastoral program and liaises with the Wellbeing department.

Both positions report directly to the Chief of Pastoral Care and Boarding.

This role is responsible for the vision, strategy, and long‑term growth of the boarding program, ensuring seamless operations, staff leadership, and cross‑departmental coordination to support an exceptional residential experience for our students.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day boarding operations, ensuring smooth functioning across all houses.
• Create and maintain the monthly staff rota, ensuring adequate and equitable coverage across boarding houses.
• Manage emergency response procedures and coordinate with security, medical, and facilities teams as needed.
• Ensure boarding facilities meet safety, compliance, and operational standards.
• Maintain and update boarding policies, procedures, and operational manuals.

Staff Leadership & Administration

• Supervise administrative staff, House Coordinators, and Boarding Parents, providing guidance, support, and performance appraisals.
• Conduct staff training and professional development focused on operational efficiency and compliance.
• Facilitate regular team meetings and ensure consistent communication across all boarding staff.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new operational staff.

Departmental Liaison

• Serve as the primary point of contact between boarding operations and other departments: facilities, catering, medical, security, and marketing.

Data, Reporting & Administration

• Oversee operational data, incident reporting, and documentation for compliance and management review.
• Track and report key operational metrics (staff coverage, facility usage, incidents, etc.).
• Manage the operational boarding budget and approve day‑to‑day expenditures.

Student Life & Programming

• Support planning and logistics for boarding activities and events in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Ensure smooth execution of weekend programs, trips, and in‑house activities from an operational perspective.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all boarding operations comply with relevant regulations, accreditation standards, and internal policies.
• Conduct operational risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepare for internal and external operational inspections.

Ideal Candidate Profile – Head of Boarding Operations Experience & Education

Minimum 5 years of experience in a boarding school environment, preferably with international exposure.

At least 8 years in managerial or supervisory roles, ideally in education or residential operations.

Master’s degree preferred, Bachelor’s degree mandatory.

Technical Skills

Expert in scheduling and rota management, able to balance staffing needs efficiently across multiple houses.

Strong administrative skills: budgeting, reporting, compliance documentation.

Proficient in REACH.

Knowledge of boarding school operations, facilities management, health & safety standards, and emergency procedures.

Language Skills

Multilingual, with professional proficiency in English and, ideally, Italian.

Schedule

Monday to Friday schedule, 8:00–17:00, and requires the candidate to live on campus in boarding, remaining available as needed to support school or boarding initiatives outside of standard hours.