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) were not just another international school. Were a vibrant curious and courageous learning community where over 1200 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 ISZLs 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.

Application closing date: 3rd December 2025.

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 ISZLs 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 SLAs 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 ISZLs 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 ISZLs 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 ISZLs innovation ecosystem.
• Represent ISZL at conferences forums and professional associations related to technology and innovation in education.

• Masters 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 technologys 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. Its 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. Youll 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 doorstepbalance professional impact with an incredible lifestyle.

At ISZL you dont just join a school. You join a mission to grow courageous compassionate learnersand 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 ISZLs website.

Key ISZL Reference Documents

• Guiding Statements
• Professional Standards
• Teaching Standards
• Learning Principles
• Inclusion Policy
• Visit the Employment section of ISZLs 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 students safety or well-being.