Director of Inclusion and Challenge 100%

About Us

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

Role Overview

The role focuses on shaping personalized, inclusive, and appropriately challenging learning experiences for all students. This strategic position oversees established learning support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Allied services while spearheading key initiatives that enhance educational practices throughout the institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development:
  • Lead and align Student Support Services across campuses to ensure equitable access and high-quality delivery.
  • Oversee admissions for students with identified learning variations.
  • Maintain coherence across divisions through campus visits and program reviews.
  • Ensure student support programming reflects the institution's mission and contributes to whole-child learning.
  • Research and promote best practices in inclusion and student wellness.
  • Design school-wide systems for identifying and responding to learner needs.
  • Chair crisis management and counseling teams to respond to student needs holistically.
  • Stay informed about educational trends to drive innovation and instruction.
• Challenge & Differentiation Leadership:
  • Develop a mission-aligned approach to academic challenge for high-ability students.
  • Embed differentiated teaching practices through coaching and program design.
  • Collaborate with divisional leaders to integrate challenge into curriculum planning.
• Educational Data & Evidence-Informed Practice:
  • Build systems for gathering and analyzing learning data to inform teaching and strategic planning.
  • Partner with leaders to ensure data systems support instructional decision-making.
  • Approach data in alignment with institutional values, prioritizing student growth.
• Leadership of Personnel & Operations:
  • Supervise and appraise faculty and program leaders, managing hiring and performance evaluations.
  • Coordinate professional development focused on inclusive education and social-emotional wellbeing.
  • Manage departmental budget and resource allocation across programs.
  • Oversee and update handbooks and policies related to student support.
• Communication, Collaboration, and Community Engagement:
  • Serve as a visible leader, engaging regularly with staff, faculty, and families.
  • Ensure clarity in communication regarding strategic plans and program updates.
  • Represent Student Support Services within the Senior Leadership Team and in external forums.
  • Maintain the Student Support section of the school website with current programs and guidance.
  • Cultivate a network of external specialists to enhance internal services.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Expertise in differentiated instruction, inclusion, and curriculum leadership across PreSchool to Grade 12.
• Proven leadership experience in international school contexts.
• Understanding of Universal Design for Learning and multi-tiered systems of support.
• Experience designing and implementing educational data systems.
• Ability to supervise staff and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Master’s degree in Special Education (or equivalent certification); a minimum of five years of leadership experience preferred.