Secondary

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…