Working with Us

Join our team and experience working in one of Switzerland's top ten IB World Schools (2020) in the beautiful surroundings of the Rheintal.

We are a “small and mighty” International Baccalaureate World School and offer a full international education in the medium of English from ages 3 to 19.

We are looking for colleagues who thrive in an international context and know how to get the very best out of the students they support and the community that they work within. 

Background checks

At ISR we are committed to providing a safe and happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender or culture.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/ birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

How to apply

1. ISR Job Portal: Learn more about open positions in our ISR Job Portal linked below.
2. Application Form: Please download and fill in The Job Application Form and address your application to Mr. René Sprecher, Head of HR and Finance. The Job Application Form is not applicable for the Chair of Board position (Resume / CV and Letter of Motivation), more details in the position description.
3. Naming Convention: Please follow the document naming convention:
   last name_firstname.pdf 
4. Submitting your application: Fill in the required information and upload the Application Form and your documents to our ISR Job Portal. ~ CVs will not be accepted as an application.
5. After Application: After the closing date as listed in the job opening, we will carefully review your application. We aim to longlist, shortlist and interview within four weeks of the closing date. If you have not heard from us within these four weeks, we will not be pursuing your application at this time. 

Open positions

Seeking applications for the new Chair of the Governing Board of the International School Rheintal, Buchs (SG)

International School Rheintal Vision

ISR is the school of choice in the Alpen Rheintal region providing a high quality international education in English for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, inspiring international-mindedness, academic and personal excellence and responsible engagement.

International School Rheintal Mission

ISR is a supportive, challenging and student-centred environment. We encourage each student to reach their potential whilst promoting international-mindedness, empathy and life-long learning. Through teamwork and individual endeavours, members of the school community should: 

• Respect and take responsibility for themselves, others and the environment 
• Appreciate and respect diversity 
• Think critically
• Reflect thoughtfully 
• Communicate effectively 
• Celebrate success

Background information about the school

ISR is a community international school with around 200 students, a dedicated staff and many nationalities. In 2024 it was described as ‘ a tight-knit community which radiates joy and care, exemplifying the spirit of education at its best‘(CIS). 

Inspiring international mindedness, academic and personal excellence and responsible engagement are key drivers at the school, which follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is accredited by the Council of International School (CIS). In August 2024, the school moved to a new campus in Buchs, where its modern and environmentally conscious facilities reflect its commitment to continuous development and future-oriented education.

Background information about the Board

The Governing Board of ISR plays a crucial role in overseeing the school’s long-term goals and continued sustainability. The Board provides strategic leadership to uphold and develop the school’s mission, vision and educational standards.

Key responsibilities of the Board include approving budgets and financial plans, setting policies and ensuring compliance with local regulations and international accreditation standards. The Board monitors educational quality, ensures a safe, diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for students and staff as well as focuses on risk management and ethical governance within the school.

The current founding Chair of the Board will be retiring in 2025 after many years of dedicated commitment. The Board is, therefore, seeking a successor with significant leadership skills, and a strong connection to the Alpen-Rheintal region, underpinned by a passion for international mindedness and global education. In line with our values, we encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

Key responsibilities of the Chair of the Board

The chair provides leadership to the board and is responsible for ensuring it functions effectively and remains focused on its core strategic functions.

Chair Responsibilities:

• Act as an ambassador for the school, promoting its mission and values within the broader community and fostering strong relationships with external partners
• Lead and manage the Board inline with the Board Policy and school statues
• Maintain open and effective communication with the CEO and Director, ensuring the Board is informed of the school’s operations, achievements, challenges, and any potential risks.
• Oversee the Board's self-evaluation, the performance of the CEO and Director and the review of the school's systems, policies and student achievement
• Act as a supportive sparring partner and liaison between the Board and the school leadership team

Chair of Board Profile

• Strong interest in international education and belief in the mission and vision of the school
• 10 years+ of leadership experience in a senior role 
• Experience with non-profit organisations, government or NGOs
• Willingness to invest time in preparing for and attending 6 board meetings per year, plus committee meetings, ad hoc meetings with the Director as required, and attendance at school events up to 4 times per year
• Fluent in English and German
• Strong connections to the Alpen-Rheintal region paired with an ability to grow and leverage networks to further the school’s mission
• A teamplayer and consensus builder with the ability to inspire others as well as tactfully and effectively manage potentially conflicting situations and priorities
• Commitment to fulfil the role for at least 5 years to support the continued stability of the Board.  

Application and selection process

The Board invites you to apply by submitting your CV/ Resume along with a letter of motivation addressed to the Chair of the Board,  International School Rheintal by Monday 20th January. Please submit your application through ISR Job Portal.

Role Overview

Position : Chair of the Governing Board International School Rheintal, Buchs (SG)

Salary : Voluntary position with a compensation

Job type : Part time (approx. 4 h per week)

Apply by : 20th January 2025

Start Date : ideally April 2025 (3 month transition period with current Chair of the Board who will retire in June 2025).

PDF Document for Download

At ISR we are committed to providing a safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of ethnicity, sexuality, religion or gender. All post holders are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the nominations committee, established by the Board and School Leadership Team. All applications will be kept strictly confidential. 

Parents of enrolled students, employees and close relatives of employees are ineligible to apply for the Chair of the Board role at ISR. 

To the ISR Job Portal

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