Deputy Principal, Student Experience (Grades 6–12)

Mission and Vision

The institution aims to ignite each learner's curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations, empowering them to positively influence their family, community, and the world. This dynamic learning community encompasses students, faculty, staff, and parents, striving to provide a supportive environment for students' social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Valuing diversity and a plurality of voices, it is committed to nurturing individuals who develop intellect, skills, and character to become caring, adaptable, and independent thinkers.

Role Objectives

The position involves providing strategic and relational leadership to enhance the student experience for Grades 6–12, fostering a culture rooted in dignity, respect, and inclusivity aligned with the institution’s values. The role includes close collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure every student feels known, supported, and empowered within a cohesive community, while championing a holistic educational approach that balances academic challenge with well-being, personal interests, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture and Climate Leadership: Enhance a culture of respect and dignity through restorative practices and proactive relationship-building.
• Student Life and Belonging: Oversee and align programs that shape students’ daily experiences to ensure coherence and engagement.
• Behavior and Restorative Systems: Implement a consistent approach to behavior and discipline, ensuring transparency and consistency across all levels.
• Service and Positive Impact: Create opportunities for students to engage in service-oriented and experiential learning that contributes positively to the community.
• Collaboration with Grade-Band Deputies: Ensure effective communication, shared expectations, and coordinated support across developmental stages.
• Beyond-the-Classroom Alignment: Collaborate on co-curricular and experiential programs to align with overall student-life objectives.
• Visibility and Presence: Model leadership through daily interactions in common spaces, reinforcing community standards and shared values.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Expertise in promoting well-being and belonging in middle and high school settings.
• Strong understanding of strategies for adolescent development and social-emotional learning.
• Experience with restorative practices that balance accountability and empathy.
• Adaptive and resourceful, capable of navigating complexity with creativity and composure.
• Strong relational leadership and systems thinking skills to align programs and policies across secondary education.
• High cultural competency, demonstrating curiosity and empathy in diverse contexts.
• A relevant advanced degree (or in progress) is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Preferred minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa is required.

For additional details regarding the institution and its philosophy, please visit www.zis.ch.