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