Short course staff members

Positions: 2 General staff positions + 1 media staff position.

Location: UWC ISAK Japan, Karuizawa, Japan

Applications end: 16 January 2026
Duration of contract: 14 July – 2 August, 2026

Enquiries: [email protected]

View other vacancies at UWC ISAK Japan

Founded in 1962, UWC (United World Colleges) is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. UWC is comprised of schools and colleges in 18 countries, with national committees and selection contacts in more than 155 countries. UWC fosters a lifelong commitment to social responsibility, and to date has inspired a network of 85,000+ alumni who believe it is possible to work for positive change.

UWC ISAK Japan is a full-boarding international high school and a member of the United World Colleges movement. Following the Japanese school system, UWC ISAK is a three-year high school, with all students in grades 11 and 12 following the IB Diploma Programme curriculum. The school is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT), and all graduates receive a Japanese high school diploma. Currently, 200 students from 73 countries attend UWC ISAK Japan, with 70% of students receiving full or partial need-based scholarship support. 30% of enrolled students are Japanese, with the remaining 70% coming from homes outside of Japan.

UWC ISAK Japan is looking for experienced and committed staff members to take part in the ISAK Summer School short course.

Our short course (ISAK Summer School) focuses on three core components: Leadership, Design and Diversity. Summer School brings in middle school students with diverse backgrounds and is seeking energetic and caring staff members who can support and organise the programme, team and students during our 13-day summer programme held at our beautiful campus in Karuizawa, Japan.

As a staff member, you will have the opportunity to contribute to programme design and preparation, serve as a go-to for programme-related questions and resources, support logistics and operations, coach and mentor other team members, and incorporate real-time feedback
into participants’ experience in a hands-on immersive environment.

Please note that specific tasks will vary based on potentially unforeseen programme needs. Staff members are relied upon to pay attention to needs that arise and respond proactively based on their best judgment. Expectations are likely to include, but may not be limited to the items below.

Responsibilities

Preparation:

• Work with other staff to finalise the design of the programme structure and prepare related documentation for participants, gather and organise supplies, and coordinate participant arrivals.

Operations:

• Support other staff in addressing participant needs throughout the programme; answer programme-related questions, organise and facilitate execution of event logistics, and prepare and communicate important information to other participants.

Student life:

• Serve as a go-to for residential support beyond counsellors’ capabilities, be available to coach and mentor students and team members alike, monitor community atmosphere and student energy, and help plan activities.

Team coordination:

• Work with other staff to design and execute team orientation, organise and facilitate team meetings/discussions, perpetuate a positive team culture and serve as an example of UWC ISAK values and practices, facilitate exchange of ideas and create opportunities for team development.

A successful applicant will be highly organised and able to adapt to planning and programme changes. The ability to work collaboratively is essential. In addition, the ideal candidate has experience as an administrative assistant, project coordinator, or school admissions officer.

Ultimately, a successful staff member will be able to ensure effective communication between Summer School faculty, staff, admissions, parents, and students.

How to apply

Respond to the staff application here and submit your CV through the form. Send any requests for additional information to our Summer School Office at [email protected].

Safeguarding and inclusivity

All employees must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties, a teacher becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, they must report those concerns to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) immediately.