Chief Executive Officer

Location: Grace International School, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contract Type: Full-time

Reports to: DexServe Board of Directors

Role Description:

The DexServe Board of Directors appoints the CEO to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for both DexServe and Grace. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the efficient management of all areas, including human resources, finance, operations, and stakeholder engagement, in alignment with Board-approved policies and strategic objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally in education, non-profit management, or business administration.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex operations, and implement strategic plans effectively.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, and fundraising.
• Human Resources Expertise: Experience in recruitment, performance management, and fostering a positive organisational culture.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including international organisations.
• Cultural Competence: Experience working in multicultural environments; ability to adapt to Bangladesh’s cultural context and engage with expatriate and local staff.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with legal requirements for employment, taxation, and education policies, particularly for international schools.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage crises efficiently.
• Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using modern business tools and technology to enhance operations and communication.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Educational Standards

• Vision & Strategy: Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the objectives of both DexServe and Grace, ensuring alignment with the Board’s mission.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Principal, COO, CFO, and National Staff Managers to ensure smooth coordination across departments.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support Board engagement with key partners, participating organisations, and international stakeholders to strengthen relationships and secure strategic opportunities.
• Institutional Reputation: Promote a positive, professional image of DexServe and Grace locally and internationally.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor and maintain high educational standards through continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with the school’s leadership team.

Human Resources Management

• Staffing: Oversee the hiring process, including interviews, reference checks, and onboarding for instructional, non-instructional, operational, and support staff.
• Performance Management: Support, supervise, and manage the performance appraisals for non-teaching staff, ensuring professional development plans align with individual and organisational goals.
• Work Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative work environment with shared purpose and unity across all departments.
• Staff Retention: Develop strategies to retain high-quality staff, promoting loyalty and long-term commitment.
• Performance Reviews: Support and oversee the annual evaluations for all national and expatriate operational staff to ensure high efficiency and service levels.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure personnel management adheres to Grace policies and legal frameworks.
• Board Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Board on staffing, including potential challenges and recommended actions.

Financial & Legal Management

• Budgeting: Collaborate with the Principal and CFO to develop, present, and manage the school’s annual budget.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor financial performance to ensure operations remain within approved budgets and goals.
• Fee Management: Recommend educational fees to the Board based on the Grace Constitution and Bylaws.
• Discounts & Collections: Approve fee discounts and resolve payment issues to maintain financial stability.
• Audit & Transparency: Work with the CFO, treasurer and external auditors to ensure transparency and accuracy in financial reports.
• Fundraising: Assist in grant applications and fundraising activities to secure additional funding as directed by the Board.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure all financial and operational activities meet legal requirements, including work permits, visas, tax filings, and banking regulations.
• Regulatory Engagement: Work with government bodies to meet zoning laws and housing requirements for expatriate staff.

Facilities Management

• Campus Safety: Ensure all facilities provide students and staff a safe, secure, and conducive environment.
• Maintenance: Oversee the Facilities team to ensure timely repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Development Planning: Lead efforts to improve and expand school infrastructure in line with strategic goals.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure all facilities meet local and international health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Vendor Management: Coordinate with external contractors and suppliers to ensure cost-effective services.

Operations Management

• Operational Oversight: Work closely with the COO to manage daily operations, including transportation, facilities, and maintenance.
• Budget Management: Ensure operational activities align with the approved budget and strategic priorities.
• Risk Management: Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Technology Integration: Oversee technology integration in operations to enhance efficiency and communication.

Administrative and Miscellaneous Duties

• Administrative Systems: Maintain effective administrative processes and policies to support school operations.
• Property Management: Ensure the proper care, security, and legality of all school property, including buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
• Compliance & Security: Work with the Principal to meet all legal, regulatory, and security requirements related to school resources.
• Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency response protocols for staff and student safety.
• Principal Role: Assume the role of the principal if required to ensure leadership continuity.

Other Responsibilities: Perform additional duties assigned by the Board to meet organisational needs.

Visa and Benefits:

We are pleased to offer visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates to facilitate their employment at Grace International School. Our benefits include a monthly stipend, housing, domestic help, airfare, transportation, medical, and more.

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