Chair of the IB Board of Governors

Appointment of the next Chair of the IB Board of Governors 

The International Baccalaureate is seeking a visionary leader to serve as our next Chair of the Board of Governors, starting November 2026. This non-executive, compensated position offers a unique opportunity to help steer our globally respected organization and champion our mission. The Chair will lead strategic governance and advance the IB’s mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  

Candidates will bring experience as board members of international organizations; strong and relevant personal networks; familiarity with, and commitment to, international education; alignment with the IB’s philosophy, mission and values; the strategic, board leadership and mentorship skills needed to be an excellent chair; and the willingness to commit the time required for the role.  

To express an interest in this unique role, please email a CV and covering statement to ibochair@egonzehnder.com. Please do not apply to this appointment via our Careers page.

Role Description

Purpose

1. The Chair of the Board (‘the Chair’) ensures that governance of the IB is effectively executed, as detailed in the Act of Foundation (the ‘Act’) and the Board Charter (‘the Charter’). 
2. The Chair is appointed by the IB Board of Governors to chair all meetings of the Board of Governors and other meetings as required. 
3. The Chair ensures the Board remains focused on the IB mission and governs the execution of the strategy. 

Principles Of Conduct

Apply the principles of conduct as enumerated in the role description for Board members. 

Key Responsibilities

1. In addition to the responsibilities and tasks of a Board member, the Chair also has the following specific responsibilities: 
2. Chair the Board, balancing the input and expectations of a diverse range of Board members and provide leadership that advances the mission of the organization and its educational purpose, ensuring that business is conducted efficiently and in a collegial manner 
3. Champion the distinctiveness of the IB educational approach and services by ensuring that the organization’s values and objectives are respected 
4. In collaboration with the Vice-Chair, Director General and the chairs of the Board committees, determine an annual programme of Board meetings with appropriate agendas 
5. Perform a periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of Board committees 
6. Act as a spokesperson for the organization from a governance perspective 
7. Promote and support fundraising 
8. In accordance with good governance principles, the Chair takes all necessary actions aimed at furthering the IB’s objectives, in accordance with the Act and the Charter 
9. Oversee searches for a new Director General 
10. Work closely with, support and oversee the Director General, in ensuring the current and future IB strategy is planned and executed 
11. Coordinate the Director General’s annual performance evaluation process 
12. All decisions of the Chair shall be ratified by the Board, which has ultimate responsibility for the decisions it takes. 

Qualifications

1. Prior or current experience in a multi-national/multi-cultural organization – educational, public service or commercial 
2. Experience with the type of broad financial, technology and operational support systems necessary to ensure a multinational organization’s health and sustainability 
3. Commitment to international education and to the mission of the IB Organization 
4. Knowledge and influence in the community. Well-recognized success in building relationships, alliances or partnerships necessary to an organization’s success 
5. Understanding of the responsibilities and relationships of paid and volunteer staff 
6. Ability to see the big picture, understand educational and organizational concepts and to articulate ideas 

Membership of Board committees 

The Chair of the Board is automatically an ex officio non-voting member of all Board committees and may be designated as a voting member of any of the committees. 

Length Of Term

The Chair shall be appointed to serve for three-year terms and shall be eligible for re-election for a maximum period of six consecutive years, unless an exception is granted for an additional one year in accordance with the Charter. 

Time commitment: May require about 25% of the individual’s time 

Reports to the Board of Governors 

Support

• Director General 
• Secretariat department 

Budget Support

• Travel and accommodation 
• A fixed rate compensation is paid to the Chair of the Board as per the compensation policy for governance members 

The International Baccalaureate provides world-class educational services to over 5500 schools across 159 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader of education services and contribute to our 50-year mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. Apply now to join our global organization where we empower our employees to thrive and make a difference.