Global Leader in International Education Hires Outstanding HR Director

Shanghai American School (SAS) is an English-language day school offering an American curriculum, prekindergarten to grade 12, for expatriate families living in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China (PRC). SAS is one of the few independent, non-profit, coeducational day schools in Shanghai. SAS is an entity duly registered, licensed and regulated by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and the Shanghai Education Commission. SAS is governed, however, by the Shanghai American School Association of Parents. Every parent, by virtue of their child’s SAS enrollment, is a member of the Association. SAS has two campuses, one in Pudong (East), one in Puxi (West), each offering a full PK-12 program. Each high school offers a wide range of AP courses, as well as the full IB diploma. SAS is the largest international school in China with over 2,700 students and over 650 faculty and staff members.

SAS sought a director of human resources to start on July 1, 2024. Reporting directly to the head of school, the HR director would lead a mission-critical department that manages the annual recruitment and retention cycle of nearly 450 overseas educators and administrators coming from dozens of countries around the world. The HR director also would lead the school’s equity and inclusion initiatives for faculty and staff, which included over 200 dedicated PRC employees. Supporting the HR director were nine HR professionals working across both campuses. This position includes a competitive salary range, plus a generous benefits package that allows for a very comfortable lifestyle and incredible savings potential. SAS values its employees and compensates accordingly.

By signing with Shanghai American School, the new HR director would not only join one of the oldest and most reputable international schools in Asia but also become a member of a dynamic and innovative learning community. Anchored in its mission and core values, SAS balanced a focus on the distinctive needs of every student with a commitment to world-class learning outcomes. SAS valued its diversity and has been actively committed to ensuring its behaviors promoting equity and inclusion to create a sense of belonging for all members of the SAS community. The strong financial standing of SAS afforded a highly competitive compensation and benefits package and allowed for a resource-rich learning environment. To lead at SAS is to collaborate, looking to set the standard for an international education that was caring, impactful, and forward-driven.

Shanghai American School was thrilled to welcome Renate Hegre to the position in the summer of 2024.