Overview
The oldest International School in the Greater Zurich Area, ICS Inter-Community School Zurich is renowned for its commitment to the success of every student. It is a school centered on the International Baccalaureate and has, in its over sixty-year history, honored this by remaining the only international school in Zurich that is an IB continuum school.

The uniqueness of ICS lies in the values that underpin it.  ICS prides itself on its dedication to the learning of every individual and articulates this in the School’s approach to a personalized experience for every student, ensuring they reach their full potential.

The School will shortly embark on its next strategic journey and is excited to have worked with the entire community to prepare this. Launching in August 2024, Our Kind of Education is an ambitious, student-centered vision that strives to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing and vulnerable world.

Position
Working closely with the Head of School and the School Executive, the Primary Principal will build the continuum of learning for students, and a culture of collaboration for staff across our renowned PYP Programme.

A pedagogical leader, the Primary School Principal provides visionary educational leadership that aligns the School’s values, with its determination to ensure each child knows success through the experiences and the opportunities they are afforded at the school.

Strategic Leadership

• Vision and Values: Lead and further develop the school’s vision by authentically embodying its values.
• Culture of Excellence: Promote high expectations for oneself and others, ensuring a strong learning culture within the primary school.
• Continuous Improvement: Ensure ongoing improvements across all areas of responsibility.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP: Advance and strengthen the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
• Personalized Learning Environments: Promote and implement individualized learning approaches.
• Pastoral Care: Develop programs that support and nurture students, ensuring their safety and fostering their sense of self.
• Implement Change Management: Proactively lead change processes and continuously challenge and optimize existing structures to foster innovation and school development.
• Staff Development: Implement a professional growth framework for middle leaders and the entire Primary school staff.
• Strategic Collaboration: Support the "One School" approach and the strategic direction in close cooperation with the school executive team.

Student Welfare

• Work closely with the Pastoral Care Team to develop primary school programmes.
• Engage with students across all grade levels and be consistently responsive to their needs.
• Oversight of student admissions and placement processes.
• Maintain student records relating to High Risk within CPOMs.
• Provide exceptional pastoral care, safety, and student welfare.
• Organize regular assemblies and other activities.
• Oversight of a comprehensive programme of activities.
• Interest in/experience with a diverse student population, including support for English language learners and students with divergent learning needs.

Human Resources & Staff Leadership

• Compliance with Swiss Labor Laws:
  Collaborate with HR to ensure all policies and practices comply with Swiss labor laws and align with the Swiss job market.
• Staff Appraisal and Performance Management:
  Lead the appraisal process and performance management discussions, focusing on development, promotion, and identifying potential, aligned with the Professional Growth Framework.
• Recruitment and Onboarding:
  Work closely with HR on recruitment and oversee the design and implementation of induction and orientation programs.
• Culture of Collaboration:
  Promote a collaborative work culture, including annual reviews, conflict management, and reintegration after illness or injury, aligned with the school’s values.
• HR Processes and Policies:
  Ensure adherence to and implementation of all HR processes and policies, including recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Staff Development:
  Support and promote the professional development of Subject Coordinators and Team Leaders.
• Leadership Standards:
  Ensure that leadership and team management are in line with professional leadership standards.
• Delegation:
  Effectively delegate tasks to distribute responsibilities and enhance team efficiency.

The successful candidate will work to gain the respect and confidence of a highly motivated, committed staff, an outstanding student body, and decidedly supportive parent community. It is essential for the Primary Principal to have a thorough understanding of the contemporary challenges relating to the development and growth of early years and primary students which should be balanced with an innate understanding of the International Baccalaureate – leveraging both to drive the success of the primary school.

The Principal is a member of the School Executive and is responsible for the strategic leadership and development of a staff of approximately 60.

Technical Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the IB Programme (PYP and MYP), including experience in schedule design within an IB context.
• Familiarity with ManageBac, SeeSaw, and LAC.
• Data-informed decision-making skills, is used to drive discussions and make evidence-based decisions.
• Proficiency in Google documents and strong IT affinity, with a focus on digitalization and the application of AI in educational settings.

Personal Competencies

• Connected and flexible thinking, able to recognize complex relationships and adapt solutions accordingly.
• Solution-oriented mindset, proactively addressing and resolving challenges.
• Commitment, loyalty, and integrity in leadership and collaboration.
• Visionary thinker, capable of identifying and promoting innovative ways to enhance educational programs and school objectives.

Social Competencies

• Exceptional communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills, capable of motivating others and holding them accountable for achieving strategic goals.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships, even in challenging circumstances, with humility and humor.
• Creating a culture of optimism, well-being, and care within a highly collaborative professional environment.
• Experience working with a high-profile parent body, capable of fostering and maintaining long-term, positive relationships.
• Effective collaboration in promoting the school within a competitive educational landscape.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong leadership abilities, delegating responsibilities and implementing strategic goals with clarity and determination.
• Empowering students through leadership and character education, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Promoting a collaborative work culture, focused on wellbeing, teamwork, and optimism.
• Trustworthy delegation of tasks, ensuring efficiency and encouraging team accountability.
• Demonstrating loyalty, integrity, and commitment in leadership to build trust and foster long-term collaboration.

What we offer

Attractive Working Conditions in Switzerland

• Stable Environment: Switzerland offers a liberal work environment based on equality, solidarity, and co-determination between employees and employers.
• High Standard of Living: Access to one of the highest living standards in the world, with excellent healthcare and infrastructure.
• Safety: A secure environment where children can move freely.
• Work-Life Balance: Strong focus on a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Company Culture

• Empowerment and Co-creation: You’ll have the opportunity to actively shape the school culture and drive change.
• Collaborative Environment: A culture of respect, equality, and inclusion.
• Innovation: Continuous development in digitalization and pedagogy.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Aligned with the high cost of living in Switzerland.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health insurance, pension fund, and unemployment insurance.
• Additional Perks: Opportunities for professional development and health and wellness programs.

Swiss Culture

• Excellence and Precision: High work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Nature and Recreation: Easy access to nature, the Alps, and diverse recreational activities.
• Efficient Mobility: Excellent public transportation system.

Learn More

Click on the links below to learn more about Inter-Community School Zurich.

School Website

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A statement of educational philosophy and leadership practice;
• A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)

Applications should be received by 15 December and short-listed candidates will be invited for interview in early January 2025.

The School reserves the right to extend an offer to the right candidate at any stage after the close of the application deadline.

Should you have any questions please direct, them in the first instance, to the Office of the Head of School, Ms. Maria Russaki mrussaki@icsz.ch.