Beginning July 2026 • Application deadline September 30, 2024
JLearning Community
Are you a passionate educator and leader looking for a unique and enriching environment for your career? Colegio Bolívar in Cali, Colombia, invites you to join our team as the new Director of one of the most beautiful school campuses in the world. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains and on the edge of the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, our campus o ers an inspiring and tranquil setting that fosters creativity and learning.
Imagine a teaching environment of open-air classrooms, surrounded by lush vegetation and with breathtaking mountain views every morning. Our commitment to education is re ected in our facilities, including science labs, libraries, gyms, swimming pools, and spacious sports elds, all harmoniously integrated with nature.
Cali, with its warm climate and vibrant cultural life, is the perfect city for those seeking an authentic Colombian experience. It’s friendly people, the rich tradition of salsa, and the diverse culinary scene will make you feel right at home.. Cali is one of the cities with the most bird species
Community
in the world, it’s surrounding by seven rivers with several opportunities to do nature sightseeing. It's a wonderful place for families, o ering a rich and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
Cali is the city with the best healthcare infrastructure in Colombia, featuring two leading clinics: Fundación Valle del Lili, ranked as the best in Colombia and 4th in Latin America, and Clínica Imbanaco.
Apply to join and lead Colegio Bolívar, a dedicated and dynamic educational community. Here, you will not only nd a beautiful place to work but also the opportunity to grow professionally in an environment that values and cultivates educational excellence. We welcome you with open arms to the heart of Valle del Cauca.
Find out what makes us unique Visit our website
Educational Excellence C ltur
Colegio Bolivar was founded in 1947 in Cali, Colombia, as a private, coeducational, non-confessional and non-pro t foundation. Since then it has provided a bilingual, bicultural, and binational type education serving the children of Colombian nationals seeking this type of academic program, as well as North American families and other foreign residents.
Colegio Bolivar’s high standards of educational quality exemplify our commitment to continuous improvement. Currently, the school o ers a college preparatory education to nearly 1,400 students in English and in Spanish from nursery through Grade 12. The institutional characteristics and rigorous curriculum prepare students to enter the world’s most competitive colleges and universities, developing their potential to become integral citizens who make a di erence and positively impact society.
Colegio Bolivar’s curricular and extracurricular programs come from Colombian and North American traditions and comply with the most demanding standards of both countries. In addition to a group of highly quali ed local
teachers, most of them bilingual, the school has a numerous group of teachers hired abroad. Children are gradually exposed to English as a second language since preschool, however, Spanish language and Colombian culture are an integral part of the educational program.
Academic continuous improvement
Colegio Bolivar is a learning community that strives for continuous improvement through ongoing learning at every level. Our educational framework is rooted in Deeper Learning, which includes a set of student outcomes such as the mastery of core academic content, higher-order thinking skills, and learning dispositions crucial for student success both now and in the future.
We are committed to continually enhancing our curricul a across all subjects, including advisory and social-emotional learning programs, to ensure our students gain the essential academic and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. We also create innovative opportunities for students to lead and serve, preparing them to pursue their passions and become the leaders our world needs.
To achieve our strategic goal of ensuring dynamic and student-centered curricula and pedagogy, we have joined a global educational movement aimed at foster ing deeper learning. We aim to equip all our students with the competencies necessary to thrive in a complex and unpredictable future. These competen cies, known as "21st-century skills," are encapsulated in the so-called six Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Character, Citizenship, Creativity, and Critical think ing. These skills are nurtured through various interactions and activities within the school environment.
Olocation
Colegio Bolivar is in Cali, in the southwestern part of Colombia. The school, located on a lush 35-acre campus in the foothills of the Andes mountains, is one of the most beautiful and appealing school campuses found anywhere in the world. Situated at 3000 feet above sea level, the growth and development of campus facilities re ects a thoughtful and creative commitment to maintaining a harmonious and inspiring learning environment. Since moving to the present site, the school continues to develop facilities based upon program needs, while preserving as much green space as possible. Marked by mature trees, lush vegetation, owing water, expansive green space between buildings, and open-air classrooms, the campus is truly unique. A view of the western range of the Andes provides a beautifully stunning welcome to school each morning.
Cali is a vibrant and dynamic city known for its rich culture, lively atmosphere, and passionate love for
salsa music and dancing. As the capital of the Valle del Cauca department, Cali is the third-largest city in Colombia and serves as a hub for commerce, industry, and tourism in the region.
Cali boasts a warm climate and a diverse population, re ecting the country's multicultural heritage. Its streets are alive with colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, and a plethora of restaurants o ering traditional Colombian cuisine and international avors.
Surrounded by lush green mountains and nestled in the Cauca Valley, Cali also o ers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure, including hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nearby national parks.
Overall, Cali's energetic spirit, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Colombian experience.
Colegio Bolivar is a bilingual community of creative learn ers which inspires its members to live our school values as catalysts of change who incorporate multiple perspec tives and commit to the highest aspirations for the
OVision Statement
Where do we want to go?
Colegio Bolivar will be an exemplary learning community with individuals highly prepared to positively impact Earth and society.
We
unite in our
commitment to our educational mission outlined in our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
Every member of our community, whether a student, parent, faculty or administrative sta , joins in a common commitment to achieve our vision and be living examples of our Bolívar values.
Together, as the Bolívar Community, we pursue a fundamental purpose, a common thread that binds us as catalysts of change, promoting the welfare of the individual, society, and Earth: #BeBolivar.
Strategic Plan
Colegio Bolivar is a bilingual community of creative learners which inspires who incorporate multiple perspectives and commit to the highest
Respect
Integrity
Personal Best
Colegio Bolivar will be an exemplary learning community with individuals highly prepared to positively impact Earth and society.
Well-being
Ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational aspects of our community as we foster a school culture of socio-emotional well-being for everyone.
Personal Best
Assure that all students have the opportunity to ful ll their potential and meet the expectations of the Colegio Bolivar Graduate Pro le.
Plan 2022-2025
inspires its members to live our school values as catalysts of change highest aspirations for the welfare of the individual, society, and Earth.
and Responsibility
Commitment
Deeper Learning is the process of transferring knowledge and skills from the classroom setting to real-world situations.
Innovation
Provide a challenging environment where learners innovate and create to navigate a complex and changing world.
Sustainability
Lead our community to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all through knowledge building and problem solving.
S p for students
The educational approach of Colegio Bolívar is student centered, respecting learning di erences. The institution is committed to an education that includes all facets of growth, from academic performance to socioemotional development.
In conjunction with classroom/special area teachers, professionals from the Learning Support Services team identify students' strengths and areas of growth and then design an intervention plan that o ers strategies for the student to acquire the learning skills necessary to achieve curricular goals and objectives.
G aduat Pro le
To further de ne and focus the K – 12 overall program, we have developed a Graduate Student pro le with speci c personal, cognitive, and social capabilties to become agents of their own learning. Constructed with the input of all stakeholding groups, the pro le provides a guide for the school program and serves as a shared purpose that uni es the Colegio Bolivar community. The pro le aligns with the school’s mission, vision, value statements, and Deeper Learning principles and serves as a compelling purpose.
As Bolivar Graduates, our students will:
Exemplify Good Character
Live our Bolivar values of Respect, Integrity, Personal Best, Curiosity, Autonomy & Responsibility, Sense of Bolivar Community, and Social Commitment.
Embody a Growth Mindset
Pursue continuous learning and meet challenges with resilience and hopefulness.
Transfer Knowledge and Fundamental Skills
Apply the competencies of Bilingualism, Communication, Collaboration, Character, Citizenship, Creativity, and Critical Thinking in contexts beyond the school setting.
Be Catalysts of Change
Take action to positively impact the welfare of the individual, society, and the Earth while incorporating multiple perspectives.
will go abroad Applications for Universities outside of Colombia acceptances were in HIGHLY and MOST competitive universities
The countries of Spain, Austria, Canada, Portugal, Argentina, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom will receive our students for their undergraduate degrees 3% of seniors took a or cultural exchange to Brazil, Germany and Italy
sum of $705,000 annually students received scholarships for universities outside of Colombia
8 recipients of the AP Scholars award and 2 of them got AP Scholars with Honors 92 AP Exams taken by 41 seniors and 76% of the class took AP classes
Accreditations and A liations
Colegio Bolivar Is fully accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education since its foundation and has been accredited since 1961 by Cognia, former AdvancED/SACS, the world’s largest educational institutions accrediting body in 70 countries with the highest standards of educational quality. We are proud to be recognized for our e orts to remain at the forefront of educational and organizational excellence. In October 2023, Colegio Bolivar was visited by the COGNIA Engagement Review team for our ve-year reaccreditation. Our institution was highly recognized for signi cant developments in our pedagogy and our clear alignment with the implementation of our Strategic Plan.
The school belongs to organizations locally, such as Asobilca (Association of Bilingual Schools in Cali), regionally, such as ACCAS (Association of American Schools in Colombia and the Caribbean), and internationally such as the Tri-Association (Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia-Caribbean, and Mexico) and AMISA (American International Schools in the Americas).
CB Governance
Colegio Bolivar was formed by several individuals and corporations who donated funds for its founding. Bonds were purchased in 1965 and these individuals and corporations form the Bondholders of the school. During its annual Assembly, the Bondholders elect the ten members of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors exercises legislative authority over the school in accordance with applicable laws. It provides direction on strategic planning, nance, and policy for our non-pro t organization. The CB Board of Directors has a long history of stability, cooperation and high degree of professionalism allowing School Directors autonomy to successfully lead and implement a shared broad vision of the school.
The CB School Director collaborates with the Administrative Team and Coordinators to e ectively support and advance the school's mission and strategic improvement plan.
Faculty and Sta
The number of direct employees for this school year currently stands at 403. The teaching faculty is made up of 8 members of the administration, 29 foreign-hire teachers and 203 local-hire teachers. Our faculty receive on-going training in di erentiation to bene t all students across the entire learning process.
The services and facilities sta make up the remaining 163 school employees including personnel in transportation, maintenance, activities instructors, SENA personnel and operations.
C ndidat Pro l Director of Colegio Bolivar
Taking on the leadership of an American school like Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Colombia, presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. With a rich academic history and an established reputation, the new Director will need to build on this solid foundation while steering the institution toward the future. This section outlines a series of essential priorities for the rst 3 years of management, based on feedback from parents, teachers, administrators, students, the board of directors, and other members of the educational community. These priorities are categorized into key areas to facilitate implementation and tracking.
Priorities for the New Director
1.Strengthening the Team and Organizational Culture
• Connect with all stakeholders: It is vital that the new director takes time to thoroughly understand the school community, establishing strong relationships and earning the trust of various groups.
• Consolidate the leadership and administrative team: Coordination and cohesion within the leadership team are crucial. Parents and the community value strong and uni ed leadership.
• Maintain the school's culture: Continue fostering a work culture characterized by care, collaboration, autonomy, and respect, which is fundamental to the Colegio Bolivar community.
2. Integration and Sense of Community
• Dedicate time and e ort to integrate into the community: The new director should spend time getting to know the school community deeply, actively participating in events and activities to strengthen relationships and the sense of belonging.
• Maintain the existing sense of belonging and community: Foster an environment of cohesion and pride among students, parents, employees, and alumni.
• Continue wellness initiatives: Support programs that promote the physical and mental well-being of students, ensuring holistic development beyond the academic sphere.
3. Communication and Relationships with Parents and the Community
• Develop strong relationships with parents: Establish a warm relationship with parents, listening to their concerns while making decisions that bene t the school and the students.
• Unify the school's overall communication: Ensure clarity and consistency in
communications with the school community to meet the demand for uniform and e ective communication.
• Establish relationships with relevant organizations in Cali: Maintain and strengthen existing positive relationships with educational, military, and police authorities.
4. Academic Innovation and Updates
• Vertical curriculum alignment: Prioritize the development and implementation of a cohesive curriculum from Preprimary to High School, ensuring consistency and academic rigor.
• Strengthen the AP program and develop the AP Capstone: Increase the value of the AP program and establish policies that enhance student preparation, while also allowing each child to develop their diverse potential, not just academically.
• Update educational technology: Modernize the school's technological facilities to keep the school at the forefront of technological advancements.
5. Human Resources Management and Development
• Maintain the school's reputation as an employer: Continue attracting and retaining high-quality employees by designing strategies that make positions more attractive, including for expatriate educators, possibly revising the salary scale and bene ts.
• Support and develop employees: Provide training and professional development opportunities while maintaining a policy of respect and appreciation for all sta , including those in supporting roles.
6. Infrastructure and Sustainability
• Manage infrastructure projects: Collaborate with school personnel, experts in the school community, and the Construction Committee of the Board to ensure compliance with local construction policies and regulations. Leverage their expertise to obtain necessary permits and advance structural improvements for the school in accordance with the master plan.
• Implement sustainability policies: Incorporate sustainable practices into the curriculum and school operations, in line with Ministry of Education mandates.
7. School Identity and Projection
• Understand the school's identity: Value, reinforce, clarify, and e ectively communicate the school's identity, adapting to changing times and ensuring it accurately re ects the institution's mission and vision. Clearly communicate the added value the school o ers to its students and the community.
• Project the school into the future: Innovate while maintaining a balance between modernization and tradition, ensuring the school remains an educational leader in the city.
Job Characteristics
The ideal candidate will possess a blend of experience, leadership, and innovative thinking. They should be capable of navigating the unique challenges of an international educational environment while fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture. The following characteristics highly desirable for this role:
1.Experience and Educational Background
•Degree in Education or Educational Leadership, preferably with an advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate)
•US Citizenship is required by Colegio Bolivar’s Statues.
•Combination of experience and background as an educator with openness to the latest innovations, particularly in technology
•Experience with the Advanced Placement program
•International experience, preferably in Latin America and/or Colombia
•Bilingual – English and Spanish
•Previous experience as a director (preferred)
2. Leadership and Management
•Ability to create a circle of trust and leverage the expertise of existing teams
•Maintain a supervisory style that balances autonomy, support, and feedback to foster growth
•Capable of making di cult and decisive decisions
•Able to work under pressure and change strategy quickly in changing times
•Able to set budget priorities and control the budget to maintain the school’s economic health
•Experience in nancial matters and operational areas
•Maintain excellent work with the board of directors, facilitating the school's operations
3. Innovation and Technology
•Pro cient in the use of educational technologies and social media as part of student education
• Able to keep the school at the forefront of educational and administrative practices
•Promote the use of modern pedagogical methods and electives that value all the academic and extracurricular areas
4. Communication and Relationships
•Maintain an open-door policy
•Ensure that people use the correct communication channels
•Strong communicator, explaining the reasons behind decisions
5. Community Development
•Work with love and passion
•Capable of establishing strong connections with the entire community, including personnel at every level
•Maintain the individuality of each section of the school while fostering a sense of unity
•Interested in engaging in community-relevant social activities
Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate will embody a strong character, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the entire school community. The following personal attributes, identi ed by the community, are key to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment:
1.Character and Personality
•A warm, friendly, and approachable personality
•High level of emotional intelligence
•Resilient and resourceful, able to face challenges with calmness, exibility, and optimism
•Diplomatic and able to inspire respect and trust
2. Compassion and Empathy
•Genuine warmth
•Compassionate yet rm disposition
•Able to listen and empathize without retaliating against those who express disagreement
•Ability to create calm in environments charged with uncertainty
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
•Able to adapt to a changing world and stay up to date with developments in education
•Ability to use mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth
•Open-minded, willing to embrace new ideas and perspectives
•Presence in the day-to-day life of the school
•Visible and accessible to the school community and students
Compensation & bene ts
The salary and bene ts are highly competitive and will be dependent upon the qualications and experience of the successful candidate. The initial contract is for three years, but we hope to build a longer-term future together. The new Director will officially commence their duties in July of 2026 but will have the opportunity to make transition visits to Colegio Bolívar during the 2024-25 school year as schedules permit.
Application process
Application Closing Date: Monday, September 30, 2024. Start Date: July 2026.
Colegio Bolivar has partnered with Search Associates to assist in the search for the next Director with Diana Martelly and Paul Poore serving as the Search consultants.
Candidates should submit an application, as a single pdf le attachment, to dmartelly@searchassociates.com, including the following components:
• Explain your strengths and why you are interested in the Director position at Colegio Bolivar (1-2 pages).
•Share with us your experience by submitting a current resume/CV.
• Help us get to know you by outlining your educational beliefs and leadership style (1-2 pages).
• Introduce us to people who know your strengths by sharing a minimum of four professional references’ phone numbers and email addresses, at least one of which should be your current direct supervisor. (Note: We do not accept character references or non-con dential letters of reference from colleagues, friends, students, or parents).
While the application deadline is September 30, 2024, interested applicants should submit all required materials as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and Colegio Bolivar reserves the right to close the selection process at any time. Please note that Search Associates will not forward-on candidates for further consideration by Colegio Bolivar if a candidate is under contract or otherwise encumbered in such a way that would preclude them from freely entering into a new employment contract, if o ered, or is not available for the start date stipulated by the hiring school.