Director of Technology and Innovation (Operational and Academic)

Join ISZL as our next Director of Technology and Innovation (Operational and Academic) At the International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL), we’re not just another international school.

We’re a vibrant, curious, and courageous learning community where over 1'200 students from over 65 nationalities come together to explore, create, and grow.

The Director of Technology and Innovation (Operational and Academic) is a transformative leader responsible for advancing ISZL’s vision for innovation, technology, and digital transformation.

They push the boundaries of applying highly innovative and strategic approaches for teaching and learning while bridging corresponding requirements with the development of operational excellence that will support these ambitions.

This position reports jointly to the Director of Operations (for all operational IT, infrastructure, systems, and cybersecurity matters) and the Deputy Director (for academic technology, innovation, and data strategy).

The Director directly manages the IT Operations Team, the Academic Technology, Data & Innovation Lead and - in close collaboration with the Director of Operations - actively manages any outsourced IT services ensuring close collaboration across both operational and academic domains.

This is a full-time position and will begin in August of 2026.

The Role The Director of Innovation and Technology (Operational and Academic) is expected to : Strategic Leadership  Develop a clear vision on the future of highly innovative teaching and learning at ISZL , delivering a unified technology strategy aligning with ISZL’s Mission, Vision, and Learning Framework.

Balance innovation with operational stability, ensuring systems are secure, sustainable, and future-focused.

Serve as a bridge between Operations, Academic Leadership, and community stakeholders to foster cohesion and innovation.

Champion a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and safe experimentation with emerging technologies.

IT Infrastructure and Systems Oversee all IT infrastructure, networking, server, and cloud environments across ISZL.

Ensure reliability, scalability, and security of all systems supporting academic and operational needs.

Manage lifecycle planning for hardware, software, and systems procurement, implementation, and replacement.

Lead vendor selection, licensing, and contract management in partnership with Operations.

Maintain robust monitoring, documentation, and reporting systems for infrastructure performance.  Manage existing SLA’s for technology related services and support ISZL may have consistently outsourced or contracts we may have with partner companies for short term collaborations to bring in their expertise where required.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection Lead ISZL’s cybersecurity strategy, including risk management, vulnerability testing, and incident response.

Ensure compliance with GDPR and internal data privacy protocols.

Develop and maintain business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery plans.

Deliver regular cybersecurity and digital safety training for staff and students.

Academic Technology and Innovation Partner with the Deputy Director and Academic Leadership Team to integrate innovative educational technologies.

Support curriculum innovation in coding, robotics, AI literacy, and maker-based learning.

Guide the Academic Technology, Data & Innovation Lead in developing digital learning ecosystems, analytics, and professional learning programmes.

Oversee the effective use of ISZL’s digital learning platforms (e.g., LMS, Google Workspace, etc.) to enhance teaching, learning, and collaboration.

Operational IT Management Lead and develop the IT Operations Team to deliver exceptional user support and system management.

Implement service-level standards and metrics for responsiveness, reliability, and satisfaction.

Collaborate with Operations leadership on IT budget planning, capital investment, and resource allocation.

Drive continual improvement through data analysis, feedback loops, and innovation in service delivery.

Data and Systems Integration Oversee the design, integration, and maintenance of core academic and operational systems (SIS, LMS, HR, Finance, etc.).

Champion automation, use of AI and interoperability to streamline workflows and data flow.

Support data-driven decision-making by developing dashboards and analytic tools for leaders and teachers.

Ensure ethical data governance and secure storage and sharing practices.

Professional Development and Innovation Culture Lead professional learning on digital fluency, innovation, and emerging technologies in close collaboration with the Data and Learning Analytics Lead.

Develop mentorship and PD pathways to build technology confidence and creativity across the faculty and staff.

Promote innovation through initiatives like Seed to Pilot, supporting experimentation and scaling of effective ideas.

Partnerships and Outreach Engage with global education networks, vendors, and peer institutions to benchmark and share best practices.

Partner with universities, edtech organizations, and makerspaces to advance ISZL’s innovation ecosystem.

Represent ISZL at conferences, forums, and professional associations related to technology and innovation in education.

What we are looking for Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.

Senior leadership experience overseeing IT and / or academic technology teams.

Proven expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems integration, and digital transformation.

Strong understanding of the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and technology’s role in inquiry-based learning.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams through collaboration and influence.

Expertise in educational data systems, analytics, and reporting.

Excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience in vendor management, budget planning, and service delivery.

Commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and continuous learning.

Why ISZL?

Because ISZL is more than a school.

It’s a community where : Students inspire you daily.

With 65 nationalities, curiosity and cultural diversity are part of every lesson.

Innovation matters.

We champion bold ideas in teaching and learning.

Collaboration is real.

You’ll be part of a team that supports and challenges each other, in a school that believes learning is a shared journey.

Switzerland is your campus.

Lakes, mountains, and world-class cities are all at your doorstep—balance professional impact with an incredible lifestyle.

This position currently includes school holidays.  At ISZL, you don’t just join a school.

You join a mission to grow courageous, compassionate learners—and you get to have a lot of fun doing it.  Come join us!

How to apply Submit one PDF with a letter of interest and CV via the application link found in the Employment section of ISZL’s website .

Key ISZL Reference Documents Guiding Statements Professional Standards Teaching Standards Learning Principles Inclusion Policy Visit the Employment section of ISZL’s website for more information ISZL is an equal-opportunity employer As such, ISZL agrees to support, respect, and seek inclusion with regard to the safety and care of all community members, including potential members looking to join our school.

This includes but is not limited to : age; disabilities; ethnicity; gender; gender expression; gender identity; health needs; languages spoken; marital status; mental health; national origin; political affiliation; race; religion; sex; sexual orientation, and any additional characteristic protected under Swiss law.

ISZL endeavours to understand and protect the civil and human rights of all individuals, striving to maintain a high level of multicultural awareness and knowledge about all applicable laws and statutes related to non-discrimination and inclusion.

Child Protection ISZL is committed to the use of the International Task Force on Child Protection screening and assessment practices for schools for all hiring processes.

ISZL takes very seriously its responsibility for safeguarding our students against abuse and neglect.

All staff and other adults associated with ISZL are expected to share this commitment and to immediately report any concerns regarding a student’s safety or well-being.

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