School Director
- Andrew Millar
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Smiling Gecko Cambodia
Job Description
Sector: Education, EdTech, Assessment, Examinations, Training, Professional Development & Research
Overview
Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia
The School Director will lead the Smiling Gecko Education Campus, a comprehensive K–12 learning community.
Smiling Gecko Cambodia is a Cambodian non-profit that delivers high-quality, bilingual education integrated with nutrition, health and social support.
The role oversees academic excellence, staff leadership and strong engagement with community development initiatives.
Department/Function: Executive Leadership & Strategy (CEO, Board of Directors, Strategic Planning)
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Provide strategic and pedagogical leadership across all education levels, ensuring excellence in teaching and learning.
Oversee curriculum development, teacher training and student well-being in line with international best practice.
Lead and inspire a multicultural team of Cambodian and international educators.
Strengthen community engagement and collaboration with Smiling Gecko’s holistic programmes.
Oversee school operations, budgeting, HR planning and organisational development.
Represent the school to partners, donors and the broader community.
Foster a safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environment for students and staff. Liaise with external consultants and tax authorities to resolve issues and support audits.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
A university degree in education or a related field; a postgraduate qualification in school leadership is an advantage.
Minimum of 10 years' experience in senior educational leadership or school management.
Proven expertise in curriculum design and implementation within bilingual or international education settings.
Strong understanding of equity, inclusion and child development principles.
Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills; Khmer language ability is an advantage.
Demonstrated intercultural competence and ability to manage diverse teams effectively.
About Smiling Gecko Cambodia
Founded in 2014, Smiling Gecko Cambodia is a non-profit organisation operating the Smiling Gecko Education Campus in Kampong Chhnang, linking quality education with nutrition, health and social support.
Staff benefit from a mission-driven culture, on-campus housing, health insurance and a supportive advisory network.
The campus sits within a vibrant 150-hectare development that integrates education, vocational training, agriculture, hospitality, and arts and culture.
Salary Benchmark
(compensation projections based on local market criteria)
USD $3,000 to $4,500 per month, depending on experience*
*For guidance only. Contact the hiring organisation directly for detailed salary information.
Regional Comparison
Cambodia: $3,000 – $4,500
Comparable to senior leadership in mission-driven or bilingual schools, with housing and insurance frequently included in lieu of higher cash.
Laos: $2,200 – $3,200
Packages are more modest and often include accommodation; demand for experienced bilingual school leaders is growing, but budgets remain tighter.
Myanmar: $2,500 – $3,800
International and NGO schools pay to attract overseas talent amid a smaller leadership pipeline, though volatility keeps packages conservative.
Thailand: $3,800 – $6,000
Bangkok and established internationals pull the upper end upward; regional and rural posts are lower but still outpace neighbours.
Vietnam: $3,300 – $5,200
Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City internationals benchmark higher, with rising competition for experienced principals and curriculum leaders.
Post Expiry: 30th October 2025