Chief of Staff

About The Ivy

The Ivy is launching its first campus in Business Bay, Dubai, poised to redefine early years education. This institution offers nursery, preschool, and after-school enrichment programs, designed with a foundation in research and early childhood development. Its curriculum aligns with the Massachusetts Early Learning Standards and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Supported by expert advisors from Harvard Graduate School of Education, The Ivy aims to foster confident and compassionate learners in thoughtfully crafted environments.

Role Overview

As Chief of Staff, you will collaborate closely with the Founder through this critical phase of launch and beyond, supporting operations, administration, and family engagement. This position is ideal for someone experienced in early years education or nursery settings, eager to step up and contribute significantly to establishing a premium educational institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the school's pre-opening activities by managing classroom setups, coordinating vendors, overseeing deliveries, installations, and procurement processes.
• Support licensing and regulatory compliance by preparing necessary documents and organizing files for authorities such as KHDA and Dubai Municipality.
• Develop and maintain essential administrative systems, including child records, attendance logs, safeguarding documents, and internal tracking tools.
• Organize logistics for staff onboarding, training sessions, and launch events.
• Manage the Founder's schedule by prioritizing meetings, preparing materials, and ensuring effective follow-ups.
• Compose, proofread, and format a wide range of documents, correspondence, and reports maintaining The Ivy's standards.
• Document meeting notes, track decisions, and ensure timely completion of action items across departments.
• Handle sensitive matters like contracts, hiring, and family communications with complete confidentiality.
• Respond warmly and promptly to enrollment queries, maintain the admissions pipeline using CRM systems, and host tours showcasing the school to prospective families.
• Enhance parent engagement through communications, events, and personalized touches that highlight the school’s unique values.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented professional known as the go-to person in their current nursery or early years environment. You display exceptional organizational skills and an ability to anticipate needs, remain composed under pressure, and maintain a polished, warm demeanor with children and parents alike. You are ready to advance your career by engaging closely with leadership and impacting the foundational operations of a new education center.

Qualifications

• Two to four years working in an early years or nursery setting, including roles such as educator, coordinator, or administrator.
• Experience in operational functions like maintaining records, registrations, parent interactions, scheduling, and inspection preparation.
• Excellent written and oral English communication; proficiency in Arabic or French is advantageous.
• Proficiency with digital productivity tools including Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and nursery or CRM software platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational excellence, and reliable follow-through capabilities.
• Demonstrated discretion and ethical judgment in handling confidential information.
• Holding or pursuing a CACHE Level 3 qualification is highly desirable.
• A bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Business, or related fields preferred.
• Applicants should have a valid UAE visa or eligibility to work locally; visa sponsorship is possible following clearance and successful background checks.
• Available for immediate hire.

Why Join The Ivy?

This role offers a unique opportunity to be integral to the launch and growth of a premium early education center. You will gain comprehensive exposure to the operational, administrative, and strategic facets of running a school while receiving mentorship from an accomplished Founder. This position promises significant professional growth beyond typical early years roles.