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Head of College (Rettore)

ApplyUWC Adriatic (Italy)

Job title: Head of College (Rettore)

Location: UWC Adriatic, Duino Aurisina, Italy

Working pattern: Full-time

Enquiries: ChrisEdwards@RSAcademics.com

Application deadline: 2 April 2026

Start date: 1 August 2026

View other vacancies at UWC Adriatic

UWC Adriatic is a unique proposition: it is part of the UWC international movement but, by virtue of its funding and history, it has a role within the public sphere in Italy; it is a fully residential college, but is fully integrated into its host community; its location puts it at a crossroads of Latin, Germanic and Slav cultures and languages – only 5km from the Italian-Slovenian border which, for the first part of the College’s existence, represented the southernmost part of the ‘Iron Curtain’ between Eastern and Western Europe. The 70% of students on full scholarships is the highest proportion in the UWC movement.

Only 20% of students have English as their first language, and yet the IB Diploma Programme is taught in English and the College maintains an outstanding IB average. The college sees itself as a multinational rather than international school, and takes very seriously its commitment to giving students a full immersion into the life and culture of north-eastern Italy.

At the heart of all UWC Adriatic does is the UWC mission and its commitment to a more peaceful and sustainable world. That mission looks beyond education as an end in itself, and views a UWC education as a means to equip and inspire students to make their own positive difference in the world.

UWC Adriatic is recruiting for a Head of College (Rettore)

The Rettore is the school’s chief executive, accountable to the President, Management Board and Steering Committee, with responsibility for all aspects of the school’s day-to-day running within the strategic and financial policy framework established by the Management Board and Steering Committee.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that UWC Adriatic meets its mission of making education a force that unites peoples, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future through the provision of an outstanding and transformative international education for 16-19 year olds from different countries and a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Admit students with diverse national, cultural, social and economic backgrounds working in partnership with UWC national and selection committees operating in more than 150 countries.
• Lead and develop a highly committed and diverse group of teaching and non-teaching staff; supervise all the services and offices of the College.
• Have ultimate responsibility for the pastoral care of the approximately 200 students living at the College 24 hours a day for 7 days a week during the weeks of College term time.
• Manage a small but diverse organisation which includes a variety of stakeholders (teachers, non-teaching staff, students, parents, alumni, local community representatives, national committees, public and private donors, President, members of the Management Board and Steering Committee), giving it strategic leadership and ensuring sound fiscal management.
• Ensure safeguarding and student and staff wellbeing is embedded in College culture, policies and processes.
• Implement a clear educational vision that embodies the values of the United World Colleges movement and builds on the strengths of UWC Adriatic, including academic excellence, a service ethos and intercultural understanding.
• Play an important role in external relations, communication and advocacy, in alumni relations and in promoting public and private funding in order to support the scholarship policy of the College.
• Maintain positive relationships with the UWC Italia National Committee and contribute to the success of the Italian UWC selection process.
• Build a strong productive relationship with the College President, the Management Board and Steering Committee and its representative institutions.
• Maintain positive relationships with UWC Italia Foundation (Fondazione per i Collegi del Mondo Unito Stock Weinberg Edward Sutcliffe ) and provide support as necessary.
• Devote some of their working time to activities related to the UWC Movement, including the UWC Heads’ group, National Committees and other UWC International initiatives.
• Lead the implementation of UWC guidelines and policies within the College community and play a full part in the affairs of the UWC international organisation (including travel to meetings as appropriate), support the integration of the College into the wider UWC organisation, and act as a channel of communication in relation to UWC International developments and initiatives.

Skills and preferred experience

• Candidates will be strategic thinkers with the self-confidence to craft and articulate a clear vision for the College, and the leadership and management skills to deliver it. A sense of humour coupled with a deep understanding of young people and their motivations, hopes and aspirations are also key qualities.
• Candidates will be expected to demonstrate that they meet many, if not all, of the following criteria encompassing experience, qualifications, skills and personal characteristics. This list is representative and not indicative of the attributes we might hope to find in an ideal candidate.
• Proven senior leadership experience in an international or high‑performing national school setting, most likely as a Principal/Head of School.
• Demonstrated track record of improving and sustaining strong student outcomes
• Experience leading curriculum development, assessment frameworks, and evidence‑based instructional improvement.
• Familiarity with the IBDP and global best practices in teaching and learning.
• Experience managing diverse, multicultural teams in an education environment.
• A recognised teaching qualification and a relevant postgraduate degree.
• Strong experience working with parent communities and external accreditation bodies.

Benefits

The significant role of Rettore will be compensated with a salary and remuneration package that reflects the College’s profile and reputation but also its location and its public funding component. Accommodation is provided in a four-bedroom apartment. The search committee will take into account the particular circumstances and experience of each candidate when agreeing a remuneration package. There is the possibility for a non-Italian appointee to take advantage of tax reductions for an initial period of service.

How to apply

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. Please apply at www.rsacademics.com via the Apply Now link accompanying the announcement of the position. You will be taken to our online portal where you will be able to download an application form. Please follow the instructions provided to complete and submit your application.

As an inherent part of our United World College values, UWC Adriatic is actively committed to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our living, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek individuals who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of privilege and power.

We encourage applications from individuals belonging to minority groups, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and those with diverse backgrounds or experiences. Your unique perspective is valued and contributes to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.