Head of School

Location: Shanghai, China

Website: www.saschina.org

History

Founded in 1912, Shanghai American School (SAS) stands as one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Asia. This vibrant, mission-driven institution has shaped generations of globally minded students. For over a century, SAS has served as a beacon of American-style education in China, blending academic rigor with cultural fluency, creativity, and innovation to prepare students for leadership in a complex and interconnected world.

Present

Today, SAS is a non-profit, independent, co-educational day school serving approximately 3,000 students from more than 50 nations across two PreK–12 campuses. Its dual-campus model—one in Pudong and one in Puxi—reflects both Shanghai’s dynamic geography and SAS’s commitment to meeting families where they are while sustaining a unified mission and standard of excellence.

Future

As SAS enters its next chapter, the school seeks an experienced, visionary Head of School—a strategic, globally minded leader who can guide a complex, high-performing international community with clarity, compassion, and courage. The role has been described as a blend of Chief Executive, Educator, and Community Ambassador, requiring an uncommon combination of educational insight, cultural fluency, organizational acumen, and integrity.

Educational and Organizational Leadership

The next Head of School at Shanghai American School will be a sophisticated and globally attuned leader who brings strategic insight, cultural fluency, and emotional intelligence to one of the most dynamic educational roles in the world. This individual will embrace the complexity and opportunity of leading a large, dual-campus institution, guiding it with vision, authenticity, and care. In partnership with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and families, the Head of School will steward the school’s people, programs, and resources with integrity—aligning SAS’s mission, operations, and aspirations to ensure the school remains globally respected, locally relevant, and educationally innovative. A skilled change leader, the next Head will balance thoughtful evolution with stability, inspiring confidence through clarity, collaboration, and courage in times of transition and growth.

Education Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• Substantial education in the United States (whether at the undergraduate or graduate level) is strongly preferred.

Desired Experience and Leadership Attributes

Strategic and Institutional Leadership

• Proven Institutional Leader: Demonstrated success leading a large, complex international or U.S. independent school, or district, uniting academic excellence, operational strength, and cultural coherence under one strategic vision.
• Strategic and Financial Steward: Brings the strategic insight, financial discipline, and organizational skill to steward significant resources, align mission and priorities, and ensure long-term institutional sustainability.
• A Leader with Executive Stamina: Experienced in leading organizational renewal, strengthening systems, elevating performance, and maintaining composure and resilience through times of complexity and change.
• Governmental and Regulatory Navigator: Skilled in engaging constructively with government and regulatory entities, ensuring compliance while advancing the school's mission and global reputation.

Educational and Organizational Leadership

• Educational Vision and American Program Expertise: Deep understanding of U.S. educational philosophy, curriculum frameworks, and university preparation, and the ability to deliver and adapt these effectively in an international context.
• Talent Builder and Organizational Aligner: Skilled in developing high-performing teams, building effective leadership structures, and fostering collaboration and accountability across divisions and campuses.
• Leader in High-Expectation Environments: Brings discernment and diplomacy to lead in settings where parent aspirations are exceptionally high—balancing ambition with empathy and reinforcing a culture grounded in respect, integrity, and well-being.

Community and Cultural Leadership Collaborative

• Partner with Board and Community: A politically and culturally savvy leader who builds trust and alignment with trustees, faculty, parents, alumni, and local officials through transparency, clarity, and respect.
• Culturally Fluent and Globally Inclusive: Navigates cross-cultural contexts with humility, curiosity, and respect; fosters belonging, unity, and shared purpose across a diverse, international community.

Compensation

Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The comprehensive benefits program includes housing, medical insurance, annual travel, tuition benefits, professional development, and retirement contributions consistent with leading international schools.

Beyond financial compensation, SAS provides an environment of professional respect, personal growth, and global impact—an opportunity to lead one of the world's great international schools at a defining moment in history.

Application Requirements and Complete Job Description: https://www.educatorscollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SAS_Head-of-School-Search_Final-IFC-1.pdf