Erhalte eine Antwort von diesem Arbeitgeber — ein Lebenslauf und ein Anschreiben, die genau auf die Eigenschaften eingehen, die gesucht werden.
Zurich International School (ZIS) in Switzerland invites applications for the role of Secondary Principal. The start date is August 1, 2026, with a closing date in mid-August for applications.
The search is conducted by Pauline O’Brien, Director of Global Recruitment, Strategy & Leadership, leading the ISS Leadership Search team to identify an outstanding school leader for ZIS. The school offers an English-language international education with a growing bilingual pathway and a history of
ISS Leadership Search - ZIS - Secondary Principal
Starting From: Aug 1, 2026
Apply by: Aug 14, 2025
Pauline O’Brien, Director of Global Recruitment, Strategy & Leadership, will serve as the lead consultant for the Zurich International School | Secondary Principal search. She will be assisted by members of the ISS Leadership Search Team.
Zurich International School is a leading international school in Switzerland, offering an international education in English for children aged 3 to 18 years as well as a English/German Bilingual Pathway for children in Kindergarten to Grade 5, expanding up to Grade 9 in the coming years.
Founded in 1963, Zurich International School (ZIS) has grown from a small, pioneering community school to Switzerland’s largest international school, serving about 1,300 students across two campuses. Originally established to meet the needs of the international business community in Zurich, ZIS has evolved into a world-class learning institution known for its academic excellence, global outlook, and inclusive culture. In 2001, ZIS was officially formed through the merger of the American International School of Zurich and the International Primary School of Zurich, unifying the school community and broadening its educational offering from Early Childhood through Grade 12. Today, ZIS is recognized as a leader in international education, offering the IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement courses, a bilingual pathway, and a rich, student-centered learning experience that prepares students to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.
At Zurich International School, we seek educators who are not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations for all learners. We look for teachers who believe in the potential of every student and who actively foster a sense of belonging in their classrooms. Our teachers must demonstrate flexibility, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to grow alongside their students. They bring strong content knowledge, international-mindedness, and the ability to create engaging, inclusive learning environments. Equally important, ZIS teachers value professional growth, embrace diverse perspectives, and actively contribute to our mission of preparing students to make a positive impact on their families, their communities, and the world.
Teacher Annual Salary Range in USD: $91000 — $120900
Administrators Annual Salary Range in USD: $130000 — $200000
Salary Paid In: Swiss Franc
Percentage of Salary Paid in USD: —
Local Taxes on Salary: Yes
Local Sales Tax Percentage: 20%
Single Contract Savings Potential Per Year (USD): 30000
Team Contract Savings Potential Per Year (USD): 60000
Contract Duration: July - June
Teaching Days: 175
Teacher Initial Contract Length: 2 Years
Administrator Initial Contract Length: 3 Years
School Hiring Preference: Single Teachers and Teaching Teams
Certification Needed: Yes
Interns: No
School Provides Visa Assistance: Yes
Visa Restrictions: No
Minimum Years of Experience: —
Minimum Qualifications: —
Certifications: No
Legal Hiring Restriction Notes: —
Retirement Plan: Yes (6.5% for teachers and higher for administrators)
Tuition for Dependents: Yes (One child per full-time employee for a maximum of 8 years)
Flights/Transportation: Yes (at the beginning and end of contract)
Moving Allowance: Yes (range of 3,000 to 11,000 depending on status (single to family))
Not Offered: Savings Potential, Taxes, Setting in Allowance, Accommodation, Accommodation Shared for Singles, Utilities, Reoccurring Flights/Transportation, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Opportunities for Dependents
Teacher Nationalities Represented: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Laos, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
ZIS is committed to fostering a school environment that is free from all forms of discrimination. We deeply value the dignity of every individual, consistent with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that all people are entitled to rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, including based on race, religion, national or social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of personal identity.
Age Ranges: Early Childhood (0-5) - Secondary (12-18)
Student Nationalities Represented: —
Child Protection Policies/Practices Adherence Details: Zurich International School is fully committed to the safeguarding and protection of all students. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of child protection and adhere to rigorous safeguarding policies and practices, aligned with international best practices and Swiss legal requirements. All employees and volunteers undergo thorough background checks and regular safeguarding training. At ZIS, creating a safe, supportive environment is a shared responsibility, and all members of our community are expected to uphold the school’s safeguarding expectations. We believe that student well-being is foundational to learning — and protecting the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of every child is at the heart of our work.
Student Enrollment by Grade:
Year: 2026
Lower Fee Amount (USD): $26700
Upper Fee Amount (USD): $39000
The ZIS culture had a significant positive impact on me personally and professionally. When I came to the High School (March 24), the school very much focused on relationships, community, kindness, empathy, compassion, and these are very important values of mine. I felt it in everyday interactions with staff and students. I felt valued, respected and part of the community. As a result, I WANTED to be the best professional I could be, and I loved being there for students in a meaningful way to support them. I was “on fire” each day that I came and felt privileged to be in a position to support students, families, staff and the teams I worked with. And ultimately this has led to a lot of personal growth.
We had a very warm welcome at the school. The teachers, parents and students at ZIS welcomed us with open arms! They understood how it was to be new. The support we got from everyone is amazing, which makes us so happy!