Head of Education

We are seeking an education head to lead teaching services in a child-friendly city. As the head of education, you will be responsible for developing basic education and upper secondary education, supervising principal and teaching services experts, and ensuring that actions required by the city’s strategy are implemented in your area. You will oversee the operations, finances and overall design of the education services, including quality and impact, and appropriate use of resources. The successful candidate does not need to be a specific prior title (e.g. Apollo or Athene), but must be able to lead the area. You will not settle for routine approaches but actively seek new, creative solutions. As a supervisor you inspire and engage your staff through change, listen to and meet people, and have the courage to address issues firmly and promptly. Your tasks require good collaboration and communication skills and fluency in Finnish (spoken and written). Your working approach emphasizes independence, planning and the ability to work autonomously. You will naturally cooperate closely with early childhood education and other areas of responsibility. Everyday choices support your own and your staff’s well-being, even in challenging periods. And you have a big heart for children and young people! We require a higher university degree and the appropriate principal qualification under the 986/1998 regulation, as well as experience in leadership and administration in educational or educational-support roles. Success requires solid knowledge of basic education and upper secondary education, management of student welfare and learning support, experience in leadership and administrative tasks, and broad knowledge of collective agreements. Experience with pedagogical development is considered an asset: flexible or work-life oriented basic education, community impact and familiarity with ProKoulu. We value skills in space management and understanding of strategic development of information and communication technology in pedagogical environments. Familiarity with other parts of the education sector is beneficial. The salary for the position is 6237.19 euros per month. In addition you may possibly receive experience-based supplements (3% or 8% of the job-specific salary) and a personal supplement based on performance after 6 months. Apply at www.kuntarekry.fi by Monday 24.8.2026 at 12:00. First-phase interviews will be conducted via video interviews 25–28.8. Subsequent interviews will be on-site 3–4.9. Top candidates may be invited to a personal assessment. The job starts 1.11.2026 or as agreed. Permanent tenure begins 1.1.2027, but vacation cover may start earlier. Working time is 36.25 hours per week and the first six months are a probation period. The selected candidate must present an acceptable health statement before taking up the post. Salary and terms of service follow the municipal general collective agreement. The job can be applied for electronically at www.kuntarekry.fi.