Director of Inclusion and Challenge 100%

About Our Institution

Zurich International School is an inclusive, non-profit day school located in the Greater Zurich area, providing comprehensive bilingual and international educational programs tailored for local and foreign national students aged 3 to 18.

Role Overview

The individual will take on a pivotal role in shaping personalized, inclusive, and appropriately challenging learning experiences for all students. As a strategic leader, this person will oversee established learning support systems, English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs, and Allied services, while spearheading key initiatives aimed at enhancing both student challenge and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development:
  • Lead and align Student Support Services across campuses, ensuring equitable access and high-quality delivery.
  • Oversee the admissions process for students with identified learning variations.
  • Focus on coherence across divisions through regular engagements and program evaluations.
  • Research and advocate for best practices in inclusion, student wellness, and differentiated instruction.
  • Design school-wide systems for tracking and responding to individual learner needs.
• Challenge & Differentiation Leadership:
  • Develop a unified approach to engage and support high-ability students within an inclusive framework.
  • Embed differentiated teaching practices across grade levels through coaching and faculty development.
• Educational Data & Evidence-Informed Practice:
  • Establish systems for gathering and analyzing educational data to support instructional decision-making.
  • Partner across divisions to ensure data aligns with long-term improvement goals focused on student growth.
• Leadership of Personnel & Operations:
  • Supervise and appraise student support faculty and program leaders, managing professional growth opportunities.
  • Coordinate professional development focused on inclusive practices and student wellbeing.
  • Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively across programs.
• Communication, Collaboration, and Community Engagement:
  • Serve as a collaborative leader, regularly engaging with faculty, families, and support staff.
  • Ensure clear communication regarding strategic plans and program updates.
  • Maintain and update resources relevant to Student Support Services, and cultivate professional networks for enhanced service delivery.

Qualifications & Skills

• Expertise in differentiated instruction and inclusion across preschool to Grade 12.
• Leadership experience, preferably in international school contexts, with a focus on system-level coordination.
• In-depth understanding of Universal Design for Learning and multi-tiered support systems.
• Experience in designing and implementing educational data systems.
• Strong facilitation and coaching abilities, along with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A Master’s degree in Special Education (or equivalent), with a minimum of five years of leadership experience preferred.