Interim Director of Secondary School
Lead with Purpose at UWC Maastricht‘s Secondary School
UWC Maastricht is part of the global United World Colleges movement: 18 schools and colleges worldwide united in using education as a force for peace and a sustainable future. Our school serves students aged 4 to 18 from over 100 national identities. From the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme to the IB Middle Years and Diploma/Career-related Programme, learning here extends far beyond the classroom. In total we have almost 1000 students and 185 staff members.
At the heart of our Secondary School is a unique blend of day students and residential students. In addition to 400 international day students from the Maastricht region, around 200 boarders from across the globe live and learn on our campus, adding a vibrant and diverse layer of intercultural exchange to daily school life. Our students represent far more than national diversity alone. They come from a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural and religious backgrounds, with some having experienced displacement or conflict firsthand. Leading our Secondary School therefore requires both educational vision and deep intercultural understanding. UWC Maastricht is a Dutch school, which means we receive both state funding and parental contributions. We operate within the Dutch educational framework, and our secondary school maintains a close affiliation with Stichting LVO (Limburgs Voortgezet Onderwijs).
UWC Maastricht is entering an important new phase in its development and is seeking an experienced, visionary Interim Director of Secondary School. We look for someone with an outstanding leadership record to guide our dynamic and diverse community with stability, clarity, and a future‑focused strategy. This interim role reflects the school’s commitment to taking a thoughtful long-term approach.
About the Role
As a member of the school’s Leadership Team, you will:
- Provide strategic and inspiring leadership across academics, student life, service and wellbeing
- Oversee our educational programmes (IB MYP, DP and CP), student support and daily operations
- Lead and develop a diverse team of staff, fostering high expectations and professional growth
- Ensure a safe, inclusive and values-driven environment for both day and residential students as well as for staff
- Work closely with the Head of College, Deputy Directors Secondary and other departments, including our Participation Council to drive school-wide improvement
- Actively contribute to school development and the IB/CIS accreditation process
What We’re Looking For:
UWC Maastricht staff are united by a shared mission. We’re looking for someone who not only brings strong leadership skills, but also lives the values of peace, diversity, compassion and sustainability.
You bring:
- A positive energy and a well-balanced approach to leading UWCM’s Secondary School
- A strong sense of integrity and a commitment to safeguarding and child protection
- A proven track record of being an approachable community builder
- A relevant master’s degree and leadership training
- At least 5 years of senior leadership experience in a secondary school setting (IB teaching experience is a plus)
- Prefereably experience with residential programs and strong student-parent engagement skills
- Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making abilities within a diverse international context
- A collaborative spirit, and the ability to lead diverse teams and complex projects
- Experience with accreditation processes (IB and CIS)
- Knowledge of the Dutch educational system
- Dutch language skills (B2-level or willingness to achieve)
Terms of Employment
- You will get a temporary contract of employment for 1.0 FTE, on average 40 hours per week.
- A competitive salary depending on experience and benefits within the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Secondary Schools (CAO-VO), pay scale 14 (between € 6230,- and € 8325,- , based on relevant experience).
- Generous vacation leave
- Participation in the ABP pension scheme
- Support with the Dutch 30% tax facility (if applicable)
- Location: UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands.
The initial contract starts on 1 August 2026, or earlier if possible, until the summer of 2027 with the possibility of dissolving the contract earlier in the event that a new permanent Director of Secondary School can be appointed earlier.
To be able to work in the Netherlands, a (foreign) staff member must be able to successfully apply for:
✔ Residence and work permits for the Netherlands.
✔ A Dutch VOG (certificate of good conduct).
UWCM will assist in the application processes for residence and work permits and VOG.
Safeguarding
UWC Maastricht is committed to upholding the highest standards in student safeguarding. You can read more about this topic on our website: https://www.uwcmaastricht.nl/welcome/safeguarding/
Throughout the application process we will be assessing your suitability to work with children and young adults. As per our Recruitment Policy, prior to an offer of employment being made, UWC Maastricht will check directly with current and former employers about safeguarding.
Our procedure
After shortlisting, we determine the suitability of the remaining candidates to work in our school via reference checks and interviews at our school or online.
Ready to make a difference in a global community?
Apply now and join us in empowering young people to become change-makers of the future.
If you would like more information, please contact Carol Spence, management assistant to the Head of College; c.spence@uwcmaastricht.nl
The application deadline is 24 May 2026.