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Rochambeau, The French International School of Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Secondary School Director to lead Grades 6–12, reporting to the Chief Academic Officer. The role oversees curriculum alignment with the French Ministry of Education and the IB program, supervises faculty and student life, and ensures rigorous academic standards.
The Director coordinates exams (Baccalauréat, Brevet), manages scheduling and budgets, and collaborates with families and staff to sustain a
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School Admin-All School 2022 Employee Regular Full-Time Forest Campus, Bethesda, MD, US
3 days ago Requisition ID: 1755
Salary Range: $145,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually
All final candidates will be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions will also be asked.
Rochambeau is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics or any other basis protected by law. Rochambeau is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourages all qualified individuals to apply. For an applicant requesting assistance with the employment application process, please contact Human Resources at (301) 768-4393 or HR@rochambeau.org. For more information about Rochambeau, please visit the Rochambeau website.
Rochambeau, The French International School of Washington, DC (Rochambeau), is seeking an experienced, innovative, and visionary educational leader for the position of Secondary School Director – Full-time .
Location: Bethesda, MD Reports to: Chief Academic Officer Job Type: Full-time; Exempt Salary Information: The starting salary range is $145,000-180,000 annually. Benefits: In addition to base compensation, this position is eligible for: paid time off, paid holidays, incentive pay, and health and retirement benefits enrollment, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 403(b) plan with 5% match
THE SCHOOL Rochambeau, a coeducational day school, offers an exceptional blend of the French curriculum and a robust English program to a diverse student body of about 1,300, from Preschool to 12th grade. Our school thrives on diversity, housing over 80 nationalities. We steadfastly promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
At Rochambeau, we value our school-based and in-person work environment for all faculty and staff. We believe on-site collaboration fuels our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive educational environment. This in-person interaction is integral to our school values, allowing us to engage more fully, communicate effectively, and cultivate a strong community spirit.
POSITION SUMMARY The Secondary School Director serves as the instructional and operational leader for Middle and High School (Grades 6–12), reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer. The Director oversees daily secondary operations, manages faculty and student life teams, directs curriculum implementation (French Ministry of Education and IB pathways), and ensures high standards of academic achievement. Working closely with families and staff, the Director fosters a collaborative, high-performing learning environment in alignment with Rochambeau’s strategic mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Please note that these are intended as representative duties and do not encompass every aspect of the role. You may be required to perform additional or differing duties if they are related, similar, or logically assigned to the position.
Dual-Curriculum Leadership : Develop, recommend, and monitor secondary school curricula, focusing on the design, implementation, and strategic alignment of the French National Education curriculum (programme français de l'Éducation nationale), the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.
Academic Standards & Compliance: Partner with the faculty to make necessary curriculum, instructional, and course enhancements, ensuring seamless compliance with both French Ministry of Education and International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) requirements.
Curriculum Documentation: Direct and support the systematic production, review, and quality control of all secondary school curriculum documents and mapping profiles.
Guidance & Higher Education Advising: Supervise secondary guidance counseling programs and robust student preparation for college tracks and specialized French higher education admissions (such as Parcoursup).
Program Coordination: Oversee and coordinate all secondary school academic, operational, and extracurricular activities to maintain an integrated and cohesive student learning experience.
Oversee the organization, logistics, and integrity of all secondary school examinations, including the systematic scheduling and supervision of all mock exams ( examens blancs ).
French National Exams (Baccalauréat & Brevet): Facilitate the execution of the Baccalauréat and Diplôme National du Brevet under the overarching authority of the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), who serves as the official Exam Center Head, and in daily coordination with the Assistant for Exams.
IB Diploma Programme (IB DP): Direct the rigorous administration of IB DP examinations in close coordination with the IB Coordinator.
I nstructional Supervision & Evaluation: Monitor the rigorous delivery of curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods through regular classroom visitations, constructive observations, and active participation in the faculty evaluation process.
Departmental Coordination: Provide proactive leadership, guidance, and strategic alignment to academic Department Heads, fostering robust cross-functional collaboration.
Professional Growth Frameworks: Coordinate targeted teacher training, ongoing professional development programs, and comprehensive onboarding orientation workshops for newly hired faculty.
Data-Driven Instructional Adjustments: Analyze student performance and achievement data systematically alongside teaching staff to identify learning gaps, support instructional pivots, and drive targeted school improvement efforts.
Master Scheduling & Timetables ( Emplois du Temps ): Lead the engineering, development, management, and comprehensive maintenance of the Secondary School master schedule and individual student/teacher timetables ( les emplois du temps ) in close conjunction with administrative departments, IT, and the Primary school.
Strategic School Improvement: Formulate and execute comprehensive secondary school improvement plans in close collaboration with faculty, ensuring complete alignment with the school's Projet d'Établissement .
Fiscal Discretion: Exercise strategic oversight, discretion, and sound financial judgment when reviewing, authorizing, and recommending departmental budgetary expenditures.
Procurement & Asset Management: Supervise all secondary school purchasing, including the acquisition and distribution of school textbooks and educational materials, collaborating closely with the Assistants d'éducation (AED) and the maintenance team for logistics and inventory management.
Student Life Oversight: Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Middle School and High School Deans of Students / CPE ( Conseiller Principal d'Éducation ) to cultivate a safe, structured, and positive school climate.
Community & Parent Engagement: Facilitate clear, proactive, and structured communication channels with parents, and actively cultivate strategic partnerships with external community organizations.
Student Health & Well-being: Oversee the School Nurse to coordinate student health protocols, medical updates, and wellness initiatives across the secondary school.
Socio-Emotional Support: Supervise the two School Counselors, directing comprehensive psychological and socio-emotional support frameworks, including Vie de Classe Programme , dedicated entirely to student well‑being and mental health.
Student Learning Support (SLS) Coordination: Coordinate closely with the Student Learning Support (SLS) Director to manage accommodations and tailored learning interventions for students with diverse educational needs and learning difficulties. This includes following the formal implementation and monitoring of individualized student support plans, specifically PAPs ( Plans d'Accompagnement Personnalisé ).
Executive Leadership Team Integration: Serve as an active, collaborative member of the school's Direction team, contributing to institutional policy-making and overarching operational strategies.
Educational Advisory to Chief Academic Officer (CAO): Serve as a key educational advisor to the CAO on matters concerning secondary curriculum tracks, regulatory changes, and institutional goals.
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Interview instructional candidates and deliver clear employment recommendations for faculty and local staff positions in close coordination with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
Master’s degree (M.Ed. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in Educational Leadership, Academic Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience within a secondary school accredited by the French Ministry of Education ( Éducation Nationale ), preferably in an international setting.
In-depth knowledge of the French Educational System, curriculum, schedules, and examination frameworks ( DNB , Baccalaureate).
Full native‑like bilingual fluency in French and English with exceptional oral and written communication skills in both languages.
Demonstrated track record of leveraging data-driven instruction to improve student outcomes and faculty performance.
Excellent human relations, conflict resolution, and organizational management skills.
Regular, predictable, and reliable in‑person attendance at work, including the willingness to attend evening meetings, weekend events, and campus activities as required.
Three Professional References (name, position, contact number, and email) listed on your CV/resume.
Preferred Qualifications:
Active certification or credential from the French Ministry of Education ( Agrégation , CAPES, CAFEP, CAER-PA , or Personnel de Direction status).
Direct experience with International Baccalaureate (IB) program management and curriculum integration.
This position operates in a school campus environment. The role requires the physical mobility to navigate multi‑level campus facilities, lead campus tours, attend events, sit or stand for extended periods, utilize computers and mobile devices, and occasionally lift or move equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
SPECIAL NOTES
In accordance with Maryland House Bill 486, Rochambeau is required to contact all former employers to request information relating to child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving the applicant. If you would like additional information, please visit House Bill 486.
All final candidates will be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions will also be asked.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Rochambeau is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics or any other basis protected by law. Rochambeau is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourages all qualified individuals to apply. For an applicant requesting assistance with the employment application process, please contact Human Resources at (301) 798-4802 or HR@rochambeau.org . For more information about Rochambeau, please visit the Rochambeau website .