VACANCIES: Heads of primary school and wellness at DGC

In recent years, CN&CO has developed a strong reputation in the field of recruitment in the insurance and education sectors. The latest positions on our books are for head positions at Durban Girls’ College, where we placed the current executive head a few years back. The positions are head of the primary school and head of wellness – a new type of role in a school environment that offers very exciting opportunities.

“Executive recruitment is all about relationships,” says CN&CO founder Carel Nolte. “Over the years we have amassed a huge network of friends and associates in both the education and insurance spaces.

“We have a few positions lined up for 2025, including these two opportunities at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.”

Durban Girls’ College is an independent IEB school for girls, offering education from Grade 00 to Grade 12. Rooted in Christian values, the school empowers its pupils to reach their full potential through a rich educational journey that combines tradition, innovation, diversity and a commitment to excellence.

Please read through the job specs below and contact carel@cnandco.com if you are interested in either of the positions. Feel free to share with people in your own networks who you feel may be suitable candidates.

“And let us know if you are looking to fill any senior roles in your organisation,” says Carel. “We are bound to know of someone looking.”

HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL

With the current incumbent retiring, the Board of Governors seeks to appoint a Head of Primary School – a joint leadership role of the junior and senior primary schools. This is a challenging and exciting position and we are looking for a person who is dynamic, caring and passionate about the education of young women. You will be an excellent ambassador for the school and foster links and relationships within the school community.

The ideal candidate should:

• have a suitable education qualification with relevant leadership experience
• have a sound knowledge of primary school education
• have a high level of computer literacy in MS package and Google suites with an interest in AI
• have high energy levels and the ability to work to deadlines
• have good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders
• have strong administrative and organisational skills
• have integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality

• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• be highly motivated and respected within the teaching profession with a passion for educational excellence
• have the cultural intelligence and communicative style to allow for the fostering of an inclusive school environment in which relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (girls, parents, staff, old girls and peer schools) are nurtured
• have a proven track record in leading, developing and mentoring staff

• have Thinking School experience or be excited about learning more
• be SACE registered

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a values alignment to the core values and guiding principles of Durban Girls’ College.

HEAD OF WELLNESS

As educational needs continue to evolve and DGC wanting to remain at the forefront of innovation and relevance, the board has decided to create a new position, effective 1 January 2025, of the Head of Wellness. This role will work across all our schools and within the broader community, reporting to the executive head.

The Head of Wellness will create, implement, and lead a comprehensive wellness strategy that promotes the physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional well-being of students, staff and parents. This role will ensure that wellness initiatives are embedded into the school culture, fostering a supportive, healthy, high-performing, inclusive environment for all.

The ideal candidate should have:

• a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health Promotion, Education or a related field (a Master’s degree is advantageous)
• at least 3 years of experience in a wellness, health promotion, or mental health role, preferably in an educational or youth-focused environment
• South African Council for Educators (SACE) accreditation
• a strong knowledge of child and adolescent mental health and employee wellness frameworks
• an ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• project management and data tracking platform skills
• a positive, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset
• deep empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by students and educators
• a passion for promoting holistic well-being.

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a values alignment to the core values and guiding principles of Durban Girls’ College.