Diploma Programme Coordinator

Uptown International School

Responsibilities:

Role Overview

The Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator at Uptown International School is both a pedagogical leader and an administrative manager. As a member of the school s leadership team, the DP Coordinator ensures that the IB Diploma Programme is effectively implemented, aligned with IB standards and practices, and continually developed to reflect the school s vision and mission. The role requires strategic leadership, collaborative practice, and a deep commitment to supporting students, staff, and the wider school community in living out the IB philosophy.

The DP Coordinator is the school s primary liaison with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and plays a key role in leading change, sustaining programme quality, and fostering a culture of inquiry, reflection, and international mindedness.

Key Responsibilities

Pedagogical Leadership

• Lead the implementation of the IB Diploma Programme in alignment with IB Standards and Practices.
• Promote collaborative planning, inquiry-based teaching, and consistency across all DP subject groups.
• Supervise and support core DP components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).
• Foster professional growth by ensuring all DP staff receive relevant IB training and engage in ongoing reflective practice.
• Model and promote the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATLs).
• Guide the development, alignment, and review of curriculum documentation, unit plans, and assessment practices.

Administrative & Management

• Act as the key point of contact between the school and the IBO.
• Oversee DP administration including timetabling, assessment calendars, subject offerings, and compliance with IB regulations.
• Manage candidate registration, assessment submissions, examination sessions, results distribution, and Enquiries upon Results (EURs).
• Maintain accurate knowledge of DP assessment procedures and university recognition; oversee the university application and reference process for DP candidates.
• Develop and update DP-related policies (e.g. academic honesty, assessment, language, inclusion) to align with IB expectations.
• Produce and update DP handbooks for students, parents, and teachers.
• Communicate programme updates, changes in IB policy, and expectations clearly to all stakeholders.

Change & School Development

• Lead the school through IB authorization and evaluation processes, including self-study and preparation for verification visits.
• Act as a change agent, ensuring the DP evolves to meet the needs of students and reflects the school s mission.
• Monitor and analyse student performance data at subject, component, and cohort level to inform development priorities.
• Ensure effective support for students with diverse needs, including language support and inclusive assessment arrangements.

Community & Culture

• Serve as the IB spokesperson to students, parents, staff, governors, and the wider community.
• Build shared understanding of the IB philosophy and mission across the school community.
• Provide orientation and information sessions for students, parents, and new staff.
• Make the IB visible in school culture, communications, and celebrations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To ensure impact, the DP Coordinator role is measured against the following performance indicators. These align with IB Standards and Practices (2020), the Coordinator s Resource, and the IB Guide to Programme Evaluation.

1. Programme Development and Implementation

• Coordinates and executes a clear programme development plan aligned with school and IB priorities.
• Leads change initiatives that demonstrably improve teaching and learning.
• Ensures timely, evidence-based progress towards programme goals.

1. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitates inclusive self-study processes, involving staff, students, parents, and governors.
• Provides accurate, timely communication with IB staff and leadership, meeting all deadlines.
• Strengthens collaborative planning across subjects to ensure coherence.
• Builds IB visibility through newsletters, community events, and accessible resources.

1. Curriculum and Pedagogical Leadership

• Ensures all DP curriculum documents are accurate, current, and IB-aligned.
• Guides staff in embedding ATLs, the Learner Profile, and international mindedness in planning.
• Oversees DP assessment administration with fidelity to IB requirements.
• Confirms all staff complete mandated IB professional development.

1. Policy and Compliance

• Ensures all IB policies (language, inclusion, assessment, academic honesty) are current, implemented, and communicated.
• Monitors compliance with IB standards (e.g. teaching hours, curriculum coverage).
• Oversees quality control of documentation for evaluation and IB submissions.
• Implements proactive checks to address potential compliance gaps.

1. Management and Operational Effectiveness

• Manages time, resources, and programme activities efficiently, ensuring evaluation readiness.
• Maintains accurate student records, assessment data, and evaluation evidence.
• Supports smooth transitions into and out of the DP (e.g. MYP DP, DP university).
• Provides structured onboarding for new staff, equipping them to contribute to the DP.

Reporting & Accountability

• Reports to: Head of Secondary (or designate) and is a member of the school s pedagogical leadership team.
• Responsible for: IB Diploma teachers, core component coordinators (TOK, CAS, EE), and all DP students (academic and pastoral oversight in relation to the programme).