Nova Pioneer, a pioneering pan-African independent network of schools, is searching for a visionary, passionate, and dynamic educational leader to join the Athi River campus team as a Deputy School Leader. This is a rewarding opportunity for an individual who is committed to shaping Africa’s next generation of innovators and leaders through high-impact, skills-driven education.
About Nova Pioneer
Imagine a continent where every child has access to a world-class, innovative education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. Nova Pioneer is turning this vision into reality. We provide holistic, skills-based learning from Pre-Primary to Secondary level, using a globally recognized and enquiry-driven approach. With 16 campuses across Kenya and South Africa and plans to launch 100 schools in the coming decade, Nova Pioneer is redefining education for Africa’s future.
At Nova Pioneer, we cultivate curiosity over compliance. Our students learn to explore, question, and discover through collaboration and investigation, guided by a team of passionate educators and leaders. If you are excited about education, innovation, and transformative leadership, we invite you to consider this role.
About the Role: Deputy School Leader – Athi River Campus
As the Deputy School Leader, you will work closely with the School Principal to provide dynamic leadership and operational oversight for the Athi River campus. This campus serves learners from Pre-Primary to Senior Secondary across both the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the Cambridge curriculum, which requires versatility, vision, and a deep understanding of multiple educational systems.
You will be responsible for managing day-to-day school operations, academic excellence, student affairs, safety, administration, culture-building, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in instructional leadership, proven team management experience, and the ability to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students and staff alike.
Key Responsibilities
Vision and Leadership
- Manage daily school operations aligned with Nova Pioneer’s mission and instructional model.
- Design and implement short- and long-term strategies for school growth and academic excellence.
- Lead a cohesive team to build and sustain a strong school culture.
- Oversee school events and activities that reflect Nova Pioneer’s high expectations and cultural values.
- Establish systems to ensure strong student retention and enrollment growth.
- Collaborate with central teams including Talent, Operations, Admissions, and Finance to support school functions.
- Take an active role in hiring, onboarding, and developing high-performing teammates.
- Promote a data-driven, feedback-rich culture throughout the school.
Organisation and Administration
- Coordinate school schedules, timetables, and activity calendars.
- Maintain comprehensive data systems tracking student performance, attendance, behavior, and teacher records.
- Lead planning and execution of intervention programs for diverse student needs.
- Manage report card processes, academic progress updates, and parent communication on student performance.
- Ensure budget alignment and efficient resource procurement within set financial parameters.
- Oversee facility management, safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure maintenance in partnership with operations teams.
Teammate Development
- Mentor and coach Deans, Grade Leads, and teaching staff to deliver exemplary instruction and student support.
- Oversee staff professional development in instruction, student behavior systems, and character education.
- Monitor class attendance and ensure continuity during staff absences through effective rostering and substitution planning.
- Promote collaboration across departments and facilitate communities of learning.
- Drive instructional innovation, assessment strategies, and academic improvement through coaching and feedback cycles.
Parent Engagement
- Foster a collaborative partnership with parents to support student learning and development.
- Lead regular feedback cycles, parent-teacher forums, open days, and community events.
- Serve as the first point of contact for parent queries, concerns, and feedback.
- Oversee new family orientation and transitions, and coordinate fee-related communications and actions.
- Work with admissions to manage enrollments, track new students, and enhance parent satisfaction.
Student Affairs, Behavior, and Culture
- Implement and refine school-wide positive behavior systems (PBIS) and disciplinary policies.
- Analyze behavior trend data to inform intervention plans and student support structures.
- Chair the school-based discipline committee and ensure fairness in disciplinary proceedings.
- Build a robust house and mentorship system that supports student well-being and school culture.
- Ensure consistent and effective use of behavior management tools and communication systems.
Communication
- Manage all communication systems with staff, students, and parents, including newsletters and digital platforms.
- Develop and execute a vision for transparent, timely, and effective communication across all stakeholder groups.
- Liaise with external relations teams to support the school’s brand and community presence.
Operations, Health, and Safety
- Lead emergency preparedness and safety protocol implementation.
- Conduct regular operational walkthroughs to uphold standards of health, hygiene, and functionality.
- Chair the campus Health and Safety Committee and coordinate monthly safety drills.
- Liaise with security teams to maintain a safe and secure learning environment.
Clubs, Sports, and After-School Programming
- Design and oversee vibrant, student-centered extracurricular programs, including sports and clubs.
- Promote student participation and talent development in national and international events.
- Conduct routine monitoring of co-curricular programs and ensure adherence to school standards.
- Support development and training of student leaders within extracurricular activities.
Events and Trips
- Plan and manage school-wide events, including academic showcases, social activities, and learning trips.
- Ensure alignment of all school events with Nova Pioneer’s cultural and educational values.
- Collaborate with teachers, operations staff, and parents to coordinate logistics and safety protocols.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Nova Pioneer is seeking a highly driven and adaptable education leader who demonstrates:
- A Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (a Master’s in Education Management/Administration is desirable).
- A valid TSC number and certificate.
- A minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in a high-performing school environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching with a strong ability to coach others in inquiry-based pedagogy.
- A track record of leading others to excellence through feedback, coaching, and collaborative planning.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build lasting relationships with stakeholders.
- Exceptional organizational, strategic, and analytical thinking capabilities.
- High levels of integrity, energy, adaptability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multifaceted environment.
- An entrepreneurial mindset that thrives on challenges and drives innovation.
Working at Nova Pioneer
At Nova Pioneer, growth is not optional—it’s expected. Team members are provided with regular professional development, career growth opportunities, and ongoing mentorship. Employees benefit from:
- A highly energetic, mission-driven work environment.
- Opportunities to innovate and bring your vision to life.
- A collaborative, supportive leadership team.
- Structured performance management and career progression frameworks.
- A commitment to feedback, learning, and continuous improvement.
- An inclusive, caring school culture rooted in community and character-building.
Nova Pioneer celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Importantly, Nova Pioneer does not charge application fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
If you are contacted and asked to pay a fee for any recruitment service on behalf of Nova Pioneer, please report this immediately to:
- Kenya: [email protected]
- South Africa: [email protected]
Application Process
To apply for the Deputy School Leader position at Nova Pioneer Athi River campus, please complete the online application form via the careers page.
Please do not send email applications. Only applications submitted through the designated form will be processed.
Shortlisted candidates will go through the following recruitment stages:
- Phone Interview – A brief call to assess your background and suitability.
- Practical Demonstration – Includes a written task or teaching demonstration depending on the role.
- Final Interview – A conclusive discussion with the hiring manager.
Nova Pioneer encourages candidates to upload their resumes in PDF format to maintain formatting integrity.
