Head of School

Introduction

The Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) is a non-profit international school providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where students thrive. For 65 years, our intentionally small, single-campus community has fostered strong connections and a deep sense of belonging.

Located in a beautiful residential area of Zurich, ICS is deeply rooted in the local community while serving around 800 multilingual learners aged 24 months to 18 years, representing over 50 nationalities. We blend global perspectives with local engagement, including German language instruction from Preschool to Grade 10.

Our mission is to empower each student to reach their full potential, pursue their passions, and fulfil their responsibilities. We achieve this through exceptional teachers from more than 25 nationalities, a strong focus on holistic development, and the full IB continuum. ICS is Zurich’s only school offering all three IB programmes and membership in the global Round Square network.

Beyond academics, ICS promotes bold, balanced, and creative learning through 55+ activities in sports, arts, and leadership. Our Saathi Project™ a strategic partnership with Shree Mangal Dvip School and Kathmandu University, exemplifies our commitment to global citizenship and intercultural exchange.

As we grow and enhance our campus, ICS remains a purpose-driven, connected learning community rooted in Zurich and engaged with the world.

Specific Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board, the next Head of School will:

● Champion and advance the ICS mission and core values, ensuring every decision aligns with our commitment to academic excellence, holistic student development, and community.

● Lead the strategic development of programmes, upholding rigorous standards while fostering intellectual curiosity, emotional wellbeing, and an inclusive learning environment for all students.

● Bring together, empower, and unify the School’s exceptional faculty, staff, and experienced leadership team, fostering collaboration, shared accountability, and continuous professional growth.

● Strengthen and sustain the School’s warm climate and strong sense of community, balancing openness, inclusiveness, and cultural sensitivity with clear, decisive leadership.

● Promote ICS confidently and strategically, articulating its unique value in a competitive market and positioning the School to attract and retain families, especially in the early years.

● Drive the execution of our strategic campus development project, ensuring smooth transitions and expanded learning opportunities on our single, connected campus.

● Drive our engagement strategy and build a strong culture of giving, leading fundraising efforts that secure the School’s long-term growth and sustainability.

The successful candidate will have:

The next Head of School will embody:

● A clear commitment to academic excellence within the IB framework, balanced with a holistic approach to student development and wellbeing.

● Cultural sensitivity and deep respect for diversity, including varied learning styles, family backgrounds, and global perspectives.

● An unwavering belief that every student can thrive with the right support, regardless of starting point.

● A visible, approachable, and unifying leadership style, combining strategic thinking and collaboration with the decisiveness needed to execute effectively.

● Outstanding communication and active listening skills, with the ability to inspire and engage all members of the community with clarity, vision, and warmth.

● Strong financial acumen and analytical capability, ensuring the School’s continued stability and sustainable growth.

● The presence and skill to champion the ICS brand, strengthening local ties, promoting our distinct identity, and positioning ICS as Zurich’s premier small international school.

● The highest ethical, moral, and professional standards, modelling integrity in every aspect of leadership

Terms and Conditions

If you’re inspired to lead a purpose-driven, connected international school rooted in Zurich, discover the full opportunity here:

Link: Full Job description

Applications should be addressed to:

An Invitation to Apply:

ICS is proud of its past and ambitious for its future. We invite applications from candidates who share our passion for nurturing every individual child within a vibrant, connected community and who are eager to shape our strategy and build for the next century of bold, balanced, and creative education.

This international search will conclude with an appointment expected by 1 August 2026. The compensation and benefits package will be competitive with schools of similar size and reputation.

All enquiries and applications will be treated confidentially.

Enquiries are strictly confidential and should be directed to:

John C. Littleford

Senior Partner

Littleford & Associates

P.O. Box 14806

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

1-800-69-TEACH

E-Mail schreiben

Please provide the following: Letter of Application, CV, Statement of Educational Philosophy and three references. Electronic submission is preferred.

Planned start date:

01/08/2025

Job ID:

Head of School