Chief Advancement Officer / Chief Advancement Officeress

The Zurich International School - June 18, 2025

Join Zurich International School as Chief Advancement Officer

Zurich International School (ZIS) is a leading non-profit day school providing a world-class education to students aged 3 to 18 across two state-of-the-art campuses. With over 1,300 students representing more than 50 nationalities, ZIS is proud to nurture a vibrant, inclusive community grounded in excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to service, leadership, and care for others.

Renowned for preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing global society, ZIS is now entering a bold new chapter. Through close collaboration with our Board and wider community, we have developed a forward-looking strategic plan that sets ambitious priorities for the next five years. As we look to the future and with the upcoming retirement of a valued member of our Senior Leadership Team, we are seeking a visionary Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to help turn these aspirations into lasting impact.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Director and working in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders, the CAO will lead the strategic development and execution of ZIS’s advancement efforts, including:

  • Fundraising
  • Enrollment management
  • Alumni and community engagement
  • Communications

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CAO will play a critical role in enhancing the school’s reputation, strengthening relationships across its global community, and securing long-term financial sustainability. The CAO will also inspire and lead our Community Relations team, empowering them to meet the demands of an increasingly ambitious agenda.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a proven advancement leader with a track record of delivering high-impact philanthropic strategies. The ideal candidate will have experience in growing income across multiple streams, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and endowments. You will possess:

  • Exceptional communication skills
  • A sophisticated understanding of stakeholder engagement
  • Experience or strong knowledge of alumni relations, enrollment, or communications—ideally within an educational context

An inspiring storyteller and strategic thinker, you will craft compelling narratives that mobilize support and deepen community connection. Your leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and trusted—qualities that will enable you to quickly become an integral part of the ZIS community.

Opportunity for Impact

In return, you will join a globally minded, purpose-driven community at a pivotal moment in its journey. This is a rare opportunity to lead transformational change at one of Europe’s most respected international schools—located in Zurich, one of the world’s most livable and dynamic cities.

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location : Adliswil
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

Only pdf, Word, or OpenOffice file. Maximum file size: 3 MB.