Director of Modern Languages
Learning at UNIS is guided by the UNIS Mission and Guiding Principles, and is defined in the UNIS Teaching and Learning Policy. All academic job descriptions at UNIS are interpreted in the context of these standards. Under the auspices of the United Nations and guided by its ideals, the United Nations International School (UNIS) provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment in which rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, innovation, creativity, and cross-cultural communication to educate and inspire its students to become an active force in shaping a better world: peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable.
Our 1,430 students represent over 100 nations and come from United Nations families and other families seeking an international education for their children. UNIS is located in New York City, with a campus sitting on the East River.
Position Purpose
The purpose of the Director of the Modern Languages Department (MLD) is to spearhead the department, offering visionary leadership and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in language teaching practices. This role involves driving professional development initiatives grounded in the latest pedagogical research to elevate instructional quality. The Director will remain at the forefront of evolving trends and challenges within the field of language education, introducing innovative strategies to invigorate the teaching team.
A key aspect of this position is to facilitate collaboration among language teachers throughout the three divisions of the school, ensuring alignment in teaching methodologies and assessment practices to foster a cohesive and comprehensive learning environment. The Director will play a pivotal role in creating a unified understanding of the curriculum's goals and content among faculty members. Additionally, the Director is responsible for ensuring the seamless integration and progression of the language curriculum across different grade levels and subjects, promoting both horizontal and vertical coherence in the students' learning journey.
The Director of Modern Languages will also be instrumental in integrating cutting-edge assessment practices, aligning them with the latest educational standards to accurately measure and enhance student learning outcomes. They will champion the adoption of innovative and equitable assessment methodologies, ensuring that they reflect contemporary approaches to language acquisition and proficiency, thereby supporting diverse learner needs and promoting inclusivity within the curriculum.
The Director of the MLD is a member of the School’s Leadership Team and will be actively involved as a change agent while implementing the major recommendations and goals of the strategic plan. This role will be supported by Team Leaders and Coordinators throughout UNIS and will report to the Executive Director.
Position Responsibilities

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
The initial contract will be for a period of two years, with an option to extend. The contract is renewable at the discretion of the Executive Director. Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. If you are a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of driving positive change in educational settings, we encourage you to apply.
Annual Salary Range: $190,000-$200,000
Application: Deadline for applications is March 22, 2024.
All candidates must submit an electronic application via the school website:
https://www.unis.org/about-unis/employment. Supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, résumé, and three letters of recommendation, must be uploaded to the electronic application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will be ongoing.
The United Nations International School is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. The school will make all employment decisions for employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, age, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity and expression, creed, genetic predisposition, victim of domestic violence or any other basis protected by law. EEOC/AD.