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Whole School: Head of Boarding (m/f/d)

Leipzig
Full-time
Temporary

General

Job Start: The start date is flexible and can be agreed within the coming months. A start date in August 2027 can also be accommodated if preferred.
Contract: full-time (40 hours / week), initially fixed-term for 2 years followed by the option of a subsequent employment contract with an infinite duration
Location: Könneritzstraße 47, 04229 Leipzig, Germany


The Head of Boarding provides strategic and operational leadership for the Leipzig International School Boarding House, creating a home away from home where every boarder feels safe, known, supported, and able to thrive.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the school, the Head of Boarding ensures that boarding is an integral part of the learner experience at LIS. The role fosters a culture of belonging, wellbeing, independence, and personal responsibility while ensuring the Boarding House operates safely, effectively, and in accordance with all relevant legal, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements.

Leipzig International School is a learning community where people feel known and there is a genuine sense of belonging. Learning, and the experience our learners have each day, sit at the heart of everything we do.

The Boarding House extends this commitment beyond the school day, providing a supportive residential community where learners develop independence, build meaningful relationships, and experience a true home away from home.

Your tasks and responsibilities

Leadership and Culture
  • Lead the strategic development and day-to-day operation of the Boarding House.
  • Foster a residential culture built on belonging, wellbeing, inclusion, respect, and personal responsibility.
  • Ensure boarding reflects the mission, vision, values, and educational philosophy of Leipzig International School.
  • Promote continuous improvement through collaboration, reflection, and evidence-informed practice.

Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding
  • Provide overall leadership for the residential experience, creating a home away from home where every boarder feels safe, known, supported, and able to thrive. The Head of Boarding assumes overall responsibility for the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all learners while they are living in the Boarding House, acting at all times in their best interests.
  • Lead the school's residential safeguarding and wellbeing practices in collaboration with counselors, nurses, safeguarding leads, and school leadership.
  • Promote positive behaviour through restorative, relationship-based practices that encourage responsibility, accountability, and respect.
  • Ensure all boarding operations comply with safeguarding requirements, German legislation, and school policies.

Boarding Life and Student Experience
  • Develop a balanced boarding life programme that supports wellbeing, community, cultural engagement, and personal growth while respecting students' independence and the diverse ways they choose to spend their free time.
  • Create appropriate evening and weekend opportunities that encourage recreation, social connection, exploration of Leipzig, and intercultural understanding without over-programming students' time.
  • Encourage student voice and leadership, enabling boarders to contribute meaningfully to the life of the Boarding House.
  • Support learners in developing the independence, resilience, and practical life skills needed to flourish away from home and prepare for university and adult life.

Operations and Compliance
  • Ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operation of the Boarding House.
  • Develop, implement, and regularly review boarding policies, procedures, and residential practices.
  • Oversee staffing, student records, travel arrangements, residential systems, facilities, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance.
  • Work collaboratively with operational teams to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-resourced residential environment.

People Leadership
  • Recruit, develop, lead, and support the Boarding House team.
  • Foster a collaborative, caring, and accountable team culture.
  • Promote professional learning, coaching, and continuous development while ensuring appropriate staffing and supervision.

Family and Community Partnerships
  • Build strong partnerships with parents and guardians through open, timely, and transparent communication.
  • Work collaboratively with teachers, principals, counselors, and support staff to ensure a coherent learner experience.
  • Strengthen connections between the Boarding House and the wider LIS community.

Financial Stewardship
  • Manage the Boarding House budget responsibly and ensure resources are used effectively to support learners and the ongoing development of boarding.

Professional Expectations
The Head of Boarding will:
  • Model the mission, vision, and values of Leipzig International School.
  • Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, sound judgement, and discretion.
  • Build positive relationships with learners, colleagues, families, and the wider community.
  • Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
  • Engage in ongoing professional learning and contribute positively to the life of the school.
  • Undertake other duties reasonably assigned by the Head of School or Commercial Director that support the effective operation of the Boarding House and the wider school.

Your profile

Essential
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Care, Social Work, Social Pedagogy or a comparable qualification, such as State Approved Educator.
  • Experience leading a boarding, residential, pastoral, wellbeing, or comparable educational environment.
  • Experience leading and developing teams.
  • Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to build an inclusive, caring, and culturally responsive residential community.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable
  • Experience in an international school.
  • Knowledge of German boarding regulations and safeguarding requirements.
  • Experience using boarding management systems.
  • First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain one.
  • B2 level German would be of advantage.

What we offer

  • A vibrant, diverse, and supportive school community.
  • Opportunities for professional growth in a globally connected environment.
  • A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our learners as they grow into confident, internationally-minded individuals.
  • A dynamic and diverse workplace that continues to develop best teaching and learning practice
  • The chance to engage in the life of the International School in the beautiful city of Leipzig; a historic, green, vibrant university city that is safe, well-connected, and in the cultural heart of Europe
  • Company benefits such as company pension scheme, supplementary health insurance, moving allowance, JobRad leasing, financial support for a German language course etc. (Awarded the designation of a Socially Responsible Employer)

About us

Leipzig International School GmbH (LIS) is a warm and vibrant non-profit educational community dedicated to fostering learning, growth, and global citizenship. Serving nearly 1,100 students from local and international families, our school offers an enriching experience from kindergarten through secondary school, including integrated before- and after-school care. Guided by our motto, "Learning to be a citizen of the world," we celebrate diversity, internationality, and inclusivity, providing a nurturing environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Supported by a dedicated team of 250 staff members from 37 nations, LIS ensures a stimulating and supportive learning journey for every child, from their first steps into education to achieving university entrance qualifications. Our symbol, the lion, reflects the courage, strength, and resilience we nurture in our students, qualities that empower them to embrace challenges and transform their lives. At LIS, we are proud to inspire a brighter future through education and to foster a community where every individual belongs and grows.

LIS is an inclusive learning community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, skin colour, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.