Lower School Deputy Principal: Student Experience (EC–Grade 5)

Mission and Vision

At Zurich International School (ZIS), we are committed to surfacing and inspiring each learner’s curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations for their learning. Our aim is to empower students to make positive impacts on their families, communities, and the world.

ZIS embraces a nurturing environment that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of students. We value diversity and a plurality of voices, ensuring that our learners develop the intellect, skills, and character necessary to become caring individuals and adaptable thinkers.

Role Overview

This position is integral to providing strategic and relational leadership for the overall student experience from Early Childhood to Grade 5. The role focuses on fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging, staying true to the ZIS mission and values. Collaboration with Team Leaders, counselors, and the Director of Inclusion & Challenge is key to ensuring that every student feels known, supported, and empowered in our community.

With a foundation in cultural fluency and empathy, this role models the navigation of diverse perspectives with sensitivity and respect, championing a holistic approach to learning that combines academic challenges with personal passions and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Culture and Climate Leadership: Enhance the culture of respect and dignity through restorative practices and proactive relationship-building.
• Student Life and Belonging: Oversee programs to shape students' daily experiences, ensuring alignment and meaningful engagement.
• Behavior and Restorative Systems: Establish and maintain a consistent, restorative approach to behavior and discipline, supporting faculty in fair and developmental responses.
• Service and Positive Impact: Collaborate with curriculum leaders to create opportunities for service-oriented learning that integrates with the student life culture.
• Beyond-the-Classroom Alignment: Work with co-curricular program managers to ensure alignment with student-life objectives, providing strategic guidance rather than administrative oversight.
• Professional Growth and Evaluation: Support and evaluate a defined group of teachers, fostering a culture of reflection, growth, and high expectations.
• Visibility and Presence: Demonstrate relational leadership through daily engagement in common spaces, assemblies, and student activities.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in fostering well-being and belonging in Lower School environments, designing systems that promote respect and inclusion.
• Deep understanding of research-based strategies supporting child development and social-emotional learning.
• Experience in leading restorative practices and behavior systems that balance accountability and empathy.
• Adaptive, resourceful problem solver who navigates complexity with creativity.
• Strong relational leadership and systems thinking skills, aligning programs across Lower School for coherence.
• High level of cultural competency, demonstrating curiosity and empathy in diverse contexts.
• A relevant advanced degree (or in progress) is preferred.

Additional Information

We welcome candidates who possess at least five years of relevant experience and can fulfill citizenship, residency, or work visa requirements.

For further insights into our school culture and educational philosophy, please visit www.zis.ch.