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Deputy Head of school

Deputy Head of School – Operations & Administration

Location: Good Dharma School, Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Type: Full-Time

Role Summary

The Deputy Head of School at Good Dharma plays a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and high-quality day-to-day operations of the school. Working closely with the Head of School, this position is primarily responsible for administrative oversight, operational excellence, and the effective implementation of systems and processes that support the school’s growth and functioning.

While the Head of School leads curriculum development, educational quality, and the overall pedagogical vision, the Deputy Head ensures that the operational foundation of the school enables this vision to thrive. This includes managing enrolment, staff coordination, facilities, parent communication, and overall school organisation.

The role requires a proactive, solution-oriented leader who can take ownership of systems, drive efficiency, and support the continued growth and development of Good Dharma as a leading nature-based school.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning across all departments.

  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems, policies, and procedures.

  • Manage school scheduling, calendars, staffing coordination, and daily logistics.

  • Ensure compliance with local regulations, health and safety standards, and internal policies.

  • Maintain and oversee the school environment, including facilities, resources, and operational readiness of both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Enrolment & Parent Communication

  • Lead the enrolment process from inquiry to onboarding, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for families.

  • Manage communication with prospective and current parents, including inquiries, updates, and key school information.

  • Support the organisation of interviews, school visits, and onboarding processes in coordination with the Head of School.

  • Ensure all enrolment documentation, agreements, and payments are properly managed and recorded.

Team Coordination & Staff Support

  • Support staff scheduling, attendance tracking, and day-to-day team coordination.

  • Act as a point of contact for operational staff matters, ensuring clear communication and accountability.

  • Step in to support classroom operations when required, ensuring continuity of care and supervision.

  • Foster a positive, organised, and collaborative working environment across all teams.

Systems, Finance & Reporting

  • Oversee administrative systems including student records, billing, and reporting platforms (e.g. Illumine).

  • Support invoicing, payment tracking, and coordination with the finance team.

  • Maintain accurate records of enrolment, attendance, and operational data.

  • Prepare regular reports for leadership on enrolment, operations, and performance metrics.

Marketing & School Development

  • Support and manage the school’s day-to-day marketing efforts, including social media, content creation, and communications.

  • Coordinate with external partners and internal stakeholders on marketing and growth initiatives.

  • Contribute to the development and refinement of school systems, processes, and overall organisational structure.

  • Support the school’s growth strategy, including enrolment targets and expansion planning.

Parent & Community Engagement

  • Build strong, professional relationships with families, ensuring a welcoming and responsive school environment.

  • Support the organisation of events, community initiatives, and parent engagement activities.

  • Ensure consistent and clear communication aligned with the school’s values and ethos.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Act as second-in-command, stepping in for the Head of School when required.

  • Work closely with the Head of School to align operations with the school’s educational vision.

  • Take ownership of operational decision-making and problem-solving.

  • Drive a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in operations, administration, or school management.

  • Strong organisational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience with systems, processes, and operational management.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work independently and take full ownership of responsibilities.

  • Experience in education or hospitality operations is an advantage.

What We Offer

  • A dynamic and growing school environment with strong purpose and vision.

  • Opportunity to take a key leadership role in shaping the school’s operations and growth.

  • A collaborative and values-driven team culture.

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

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