Job description

GEMS American International School, Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq | Opening September 2027

A rare opportunity to shape the future of education in Iraq

GEMS School Management (GSM) is seeking an exceptional educational leader to become the founding principal of GEMS American International School, Baghdad, a landmark new K-12 American curriculum school scheduled to open in September 2027.

Established in partnership with the American University of Iraq - Baghdad (AUIB), the school will be situated within one of Baghdad's most significant educational developments and forms part of a broader vision to establish a network of world-class international schools across Iraq. The campus is being developed within a highly secure environment along Baghdad Airport Road and is designed to serve a growing community seeking premium international education.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished principal to lead a school from inception, shaping every aspect of its educational vision, culture, systems, staffing, community engagement, and operational readiness.

The opportunity

As founding principal, you will work closely with GEMS School Management and project stakeholders throughout the pre-opening phase before leading the successful launch and growth of the school.

You will be responsible for:

• Establishing a clear educational vision aligned to GEMS' commitment to excellence.
• Leading all aspects of pre-opening readiness, including recruitment, enrolment growth, and operational planning.
• Building an outstanding team of educators and leaders.
• Developing a culture grounded in academic excellence, student wellbeing, and safeguarding.
• Creating a thriving and inclusive school community for students, families, and staff.
• Driving enrolment growth and establishing the school's reputation within Baghdad and beyond.
• Ensuring the successful implementation of a rigorous American curriculum programme from KG1 to Grade 12.
• Working in partnership with GSM and local stakeholders to deliver a world-class educational experience.

Skills description

We are seeking a highly credible and inspirational school leader with a proven track record of delivering excellence within leading international schools.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Current or recent experience as a principal, executive principal, head of school, or exceptionally strong vice principal/deputy principal preparing for principalship.
• Significant leadership experience within a high-performing American or international curriculum school.
• Demonstrable experience of school improvement, growth, and organisational development.
• Strong commercial awareness and an ability to contribute to enrolment and market positioning.
• Experience leading substantial teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Deep understanding of safeguarding, pastoral care, and student wellbeing.
• Strong cultural intelligence and the ability to lead within an international environment.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Previous experience in a founding, startup, or major school expansion environment would be highly advantageous.

Why this role is different

Few opportunities offer the chance to create a school's legacy from day one.

This appointment combines the challenge and excitement of founding a new premium international school with the support, expertise, and reputation of one of the world's most successful education groups. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in establishing what is intended to become a flagship school within an ambitious long-term education platform in Iraq.

For an educational leader seeking a defining career opportunity, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on generations of students, families, and educators while helping shape the future of international education in one of the region's most important emerging markets.

About GEMS School Management

GEMS School Management partners with school owners, investors, and education providers to develop and operate world-class schools internationally. Through its expertise in school design, pre-opening services, educational leadership, and operational excellence, GSM supports the creation of exceptional learning environments that deliver outstanding outcomes for students and communities.

GEMS safeguarding

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.