International education is changing. ISS is evolving too. Go Forward with ISS.
Read the Announcement
ISS EDU Platform

Find a School Leader Job

Lead where your experience can make a difference.
ISS helps current and aspiring international school leaders explore leadership opportunities, understand school context, and move through the search process with more clarity, connection, and support.

Whether you are seeking a Head of School, Director, Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, academic leadership, advancement, or another senior school role, ISS connects leaders with schools looking for the right fit for their next chapter.

Learn More

Prepare a Strong
Leadership Portfolio

When applying for a school leadership position, candidates may be asked to provide materials that help search committees understand their experience, leadership approach, professional readiness, and fit for the school community.

Materials may include:

  • Current resume or CV
  • Professional references, including at least one current supervisor when required
  • Educational leadership philosophy or statement of leadership approach
  • Letters of reference or recommendations
  • Specialized achievements, publications, presentations, or professional contributions
  • A writing sample, newsletter, strategic communication, or other relevant published work
  • Credentials, certifications, transcripts, or other role-specific documentation

Confidential references are an important part of many leadership searches. Candidates should prepare referees in advance and make sure materials are current before applying.

Get Started

What Search Committees
Often Consider

Today’s international school leaders are asked to balance educational excellence with organizational leadership, financial stewardship, governance relationships, community confidence, talent development, safeguarding, and strategic vision.

Leadership considerations often include:

  • Strategic leadership and change management
  • Governance and Board relations
  • Enrollment and financial sustainability
  • Community engagement and communication
  • Talent development and organizational culture
  • Student wellbeing and safeguarding
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Innovation and future readiness
Learn More

Leadership
Postings

Find the leadership role that fits your career goals in a setting that maximizes your potential. View open positions and position announcements to identify opportunities that could be your next big step.
View Current Positions

Continue Growing as a
School Leader

Leadership growth does not pause during a job search. ISS EDUlearn® courses give current and aspiring leaders access to professional learning connected to leadership development, school culture, governance, communication, community engagement, wellbeing, operations, AI, and future readiness.
View Courses

Resources

Dig a Little Deeper

Explore leadership stories, practical guidance, and field insights that help current and aspiring school leaders understand international school leadership, prepare for search processes, and keep growing in their careers.

Leadership Spotlights

Read stories from leaders stepping into new roles and the schools preparing for their next chapter

Read More

Preparing for a Leadership Search

Explore guidance on portfolio materials, references, interviews, and how to evaluate role fit.

Read More

International School Leadership Insights

Learn more about governance, enrollment, culture, wellbeing, innovation, and the issues shaping leadership today.

Read More

Hear from real people working with iss

Making a World of Difference

ISS works with international schools, leaders, educators, and communities across the globe to help schools operate with purpose and prepare for what comes next. Hear from the people and schools ISS has impacted over the years.

Quotes

The ISS reps who initatiated my interview questions made it clear that they were representing me as much as they represented the schools. They helped my confidence, gave constructive feedback, and left me feeling supported.

David Butler [Kaohsiung American School]

Quotes

What stood out most to me about ISS was the balance between a rigorous, professional search process and the genuine support provided along the way. The expectations were high, which I appreciated, but the process never felt impersonal. I valued the thoughtful guidance, responsiveness, and the willingness of members of the ISS team to take the time to connect, listen, and offer support when needed. Throughout the experience, I felt respected as both an educator and a person. That combination of professionalism, high standards, and relationship-centered support made ISS stand out from other organizations.

Sandra Lopez [KAS]

Quotes

The process reflected a deep care for candidates - the communication was timely, the timeline for the process was clear, and the interview was genuinely enjoyable. I appreciated the rigor and thoughtfulness of the questions as well as the attentiveness and opportunity to ask questions myself.

Maggie Wollner [Zurich International School]

FAQ

Questions Answered

Have questions about school leadership jobs, current postings, ISS EDUrecruit®, leadership applications, references, or preparing your leadership profile? Start here for quick answers to help you take the next step in your international school leadership career.

CommonlyAskedQuestions

What types of school leadership jobs can I find through ISS?
ISS supports leadership searches and postings for roles such as Head of School, Director, Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, division leadership, academic leadership, advancement, and other senior school roles.
How do I view current school leadership openings?
Select View Leadership Job Postings to explore active international school leadership opportunities and review each position announcement for application details, deadlines, and start dates.
Do I need an ISS EDUrecruit® profile?
Creating or updating your ISS EDUrecruit® profile can help schools and recruiters understand your experience, credentials, references, leadership background, and career goals. Some leadership opportunities may also include specific application instructions in the position announcement.
What materials should I prepare for a leadership application?
Leadership candidates may need a resume or CV, references, a leadership philosophy, credentials, optional letters of reference, writing samples, or other materials requested by the school or search committee
Can ISS help me understand whether a leadership role is a good fit?
ISS leadership search processes are designed to provide candidates with clear communication, school context, and guidance throughout the search. Candidates should consider mission, culture, governance, community needs, role expectations, and strategic priorities when evaluating fit.
Is this page for candidates or schools?

This page is for current and aspiring school leaders exploring leadership opportunities. Schools looking to hire a leader should visit the Hire School Leaders page.

Can I also search for teaching or school staff roles?
Yes. Candidates can use ISS EDUrecruit® and the Find a Job pathway to explore teaching, school staff, and leadership opportunities.

Next Steps

Ready to Explore Your Next School Leadership Role?

Browse current leadership openings, build your ISS EDUrecruit® profile, and take the next step toward a leadership role that fits your experience, goals, and vision for what schools need next.
Keep Growing
Explore PD for leaders