Global Service Program Director at The American School in Switzerland

As the Director of the Opsahl Global Service Program, you would have a critical role in overseeing and managing this unique program at TASIS, a private (K-12) school (www.tasis.ch) located in Collina D'Oro, Switzerland. You would be responsible for organizing and running the program for all students in grades 9–11 to ensure its success and impact.

Specific responsibilities:

• Program Development: defining the program goals, objectives, and strategies to align with the school’s mission and values.
• Recruitment: reaching out to teachers/chaperones needed for the entire program (Grades 9–11) (Orientation Week)
• Curriculum Design: Organizing and creating a curriculum for the 9th grade program and sharing weekly lessons with the teachers
• Staff Supervision: leading and supervising the program staff and faculty members involved in the global service program, providing guidance and support as needed
• Partner Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with international and local service organizations to facilitate meaningful and impactful service projects
• Budget and Resource Management: Overseeing the yearly budget and working with the business office to allocate resources efficiently
• Logistics and Travel Coordination: Organizing travel arrangements, accommodations, and logistics for students and staff participating in service trips abroad
• Risk Management: Assessing and mitigating potential risks associated with international travel using the guidance of our travel security firm, HEALIX as well as travel advisories and our school Director of Operations
• Local Service Organization: Setting up local service or school initiative opportunities for the 10th graders
• Fundraising: Working with the 10th and 11th grade groups to raise funds for our partners (example: free dress days, Christmas market)
• Student Placement: organizing student fairs, and informational sessions and placing all students, grades 9–11, in a service group via Veracross

Additional responsibilities:

• Oversee the visas/passports for each global trip
• Work with school nurses and local doctors to assess the necessary vaccinations for trip
• Following up with parents on vaccinations, arranging doctor appointments
• Updating consent forms and ensuring that all paperwork and documentation is sent out to parents and returned
• Working with teachers/chaperones on risk assessment training and preparation for trips
• Parent communication (brochures, parent coffees, zoom meetings, emails)
• Check-in meetings with teachers/chaperones (working lunches, meetings throughout the school year)
• Following up with teachers about student grades during the grading period
• Organizing assemblies and advisory lessons highlighting the Global Service Program
• Writing reports for the board of directors
• Meeting twice yearly with the GSP Board Committee Members
• Recruitment of 12th grade GSP Student Board members and working with them throughout the year to help support the Global Service Program
• Meeting bi-weekly, and as needed, with the Headmaster to discuss the program
• Working with the Director of Operations and our travel security firm to ensure the program trips are assessed for safety
• Participate in one GSP trip per year and occasionally scout trips as needed
• Be available during the Spring Holiday and first 2 weeks of summer vacation to field calls, emails from trip leaders and administration

Summary of educational background and professional experience required to take over the position:

• Staff managerial experience
• Knowledge of Global Issues, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Experience living, working, and volunteering overseas
• Prior experience with running service opportunities for students
• Knowledge of Google Sheets and budget experience

Professional and personal skills needed to take over the position:

• Empathy and Compassion: Having a genuine passion for service and helping others
• Time Management Skills: The ability to multi-task and handle interruptions and emergencies
• Marketing and Outreach: Creative marketing skills to promote the program and attract potential participants and supporters
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships with diverse groups, such as students, teachers, service partners, parents, and the administrative team
• Positive and cheerful attitude

Additional comments:

It is not required, but the ability to speak/communicate in Italian is a plus.