Future Pathways Advisor - August 2026 bei Zurich International School

Future Pathways Advisor - August 2026

ZIS Mission: We surface and inspire each learner's curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations for their learning so that they positively impact their family, community, and the world.

Zurich International School (ZIS) is a learning community of students, faculty, staff , and parents. We provide a caring environment for the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of our students. We value diversity and plurality of voices, and are committed to ensuring our students develop the intellect, skills and character to become caring individuals and adaptable and independent thinkers.
The most signifi cant impact on student learning is the quality of the teaching they experience - great teachers develop great learners. We are looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented, educator who is aligned with our mission and vision, and is eager to contribute to the ongoing development of our programme. Learner-centered candidates with a growth mindset and a commitment to ongoing professional growth, are encouraged to apply. For more information about our school and our philosophy visit: www.zis.ch

The Position
The Future Pathways Advisor empowers students in Grades 9–12 to explore, design, and navigate their individual pathways beyond ZIS — whether that leads to university, vocational study, entrepreneurship, military service, or a gap-year experience.
This role reimagines traditional university and careers counseling into a holistic, purpose-driven model that integrates academic planning, well-being, and life design. The Advisor works collaboratively across divisions to embed future-readiness, self-awareness, and agency into the student experience — ensuring that every learner graduates from ZIS with clarity, confi dence, and a sense of purpose.

Individualized Advising & Mentorship
? Guide a caseload of approximately 140–150 students (Grades 9–12) in all aspects of future pathway planning, from self-discovery to post-secondary decision-making.
? Support students in identifying and articulating their values, strengths, and aspirations — aligning these with appropriate post-secondary options.
? Provide evidence-based advising on global university systems (US, UK, Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia) as well as alternative pathways such as apprenticeships, foundation programs, and gap-year experiences.
? Off er thoughtful and timely support through each stage of the application process (essays, interviews, recommendations, standardized testing, scholarships, etc.).

2. Program & Curriculum Development
? Co-design and deliver a developmentally appropriate Future Pathways curriculum (Grades 9–12) that cultivates self-knowledge, career exploration, and decision-making skills.
? Partner with colleagues in Secondary School and Lower School to ensure vertical alignment of future-readiness skills, starting from Grade 6 advisory and SEL programs.
? Integrate Future Pathways learning into Advisory, SEL, and Wellbeing frameworks in partnership with School Counselors.
? Contribute to whole-school events such as Career Forum, Alumni Panels, and University Fairs.

3. Data-Informed Guidance
? Utilize data tools (e.g., Unifrog, UCAS, Common App, etc) to track student progress, manage applications, and monitor post-secondary outcomes.
? Analyze trends in student pathways and university admissions to inform school strategy and communications with parents, students, and leadership.
? Ensure data integrity for school accreditation and future-readiness benchmarks.

4. Collaboration & Community Engagement
? Partner with the Future Pathways Team, School Counselors and Administrators to strengthen school-wide understanding of post-secondary readiness in alignment with ISCA and CASEL Standards.
? Engage teachers, advisors, and grade-level leaders in supporting students’ pathway exploration and academic planning.
? Communicate proactively with all community members through presentations, workshops, and individual consultations.
? Build and maintain strong relationships with global university representatives, alumni, and professional networks.

5. Strategic Contribution
? Contribute to the long-term vision of ZIS as a hub for exceptional teaching, learning, and leading, by modeling a proactive, student-centered advising practice.
? Support the department’s evolving identity as a Future Pathways Center, aligned with ZIS’s mission, core values (Respect, Humility, Courage, Joy), and Portrait of a ZIS Learner.
? Participate in K–12 alignment initiatives, ensuring consistency of support and shared language across campuses.

Requirements
? Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, or a related fi eld strongly preferred.
? Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in an international school or higher education counseling/advising.
? Deep understanding of global post-secondary systems and contemporary career pathways.
? Demonstrated ability to guide students with diverse aspirations — including university, vocational, and non-traditional routes.
? Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills.
? Commitment to student well-being, inclusion, and belonging.
? Experience using counseling and university application software (Cialfo, MaiaLearning, Unifrog, or similar).
? Profi ciency in German is benefi cial but not essential.
At ZIS, we are building a new model for future readiness — one that blends purpose, possibility, and wellbeing. The Future Pathways team is at the heart of that vision. Join us to shape how young people imagine and prepare for their futures.

Please note that international experience is required for non EU/Swiss applicants.
Applicants must apply directly to ZIS using our online system through the employment page of our school website https://www.zis.ch/employment