Vice-Rector for Education (100) – Member of the Executive Board
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Job Location:
Zürich - Switzerland
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
8 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
With around 2100 Bachelors and Masters students ZHdK is one of Europes largest and most diverse universities of the arts. Its study and research areas include Art Education Design Film Fine Arts Music Dance Theatre and Transdisciplinary Studies. Located in the heart of Zurich ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work study teach conduct research and pursue continuing education. The university has numerous exhibition and performance venues where students project work is shown to the public.
ZHdK is strengthening its strategic effectiveness by introducing Vice-Rectorates. The Vice-Rectorate for Education is the central strategic developmental advisory and organisational unit for all matters relating to study teaching learning and continuing education at ZHdK. It shapes and coordinates the university-wide development of the ZHdK educational landscape with a focus on enabling excellent educational experiences advancing ZHdKs specific approach to teaching and learning and fostering individual and collective educational processes in a changing world. To strengthen our Executive Board we are looking for an inspiring individual as:
ZHdK is strengthening its strategic effectiveness by introducing Vice-Rectorates. The Vice-Rectorate for Education is the central strategic developmental advisory and organisational unit for all matters relating to study teaching learning and continuing education at ZHdK. It shapes and coordinates the university-wide development of the ZHdK educational landscape with a focus on enabling excellent educational experiences advancing ZHdKs specific approach to teaching and learning and fostering individual and collective educational processes in a changing world. To strengthen our Executive Board we are looking for an inspiring individual as:
Vice-Rector for Education (100%) Member of the Executive Board
In this management role you will work with an experienced team to shape the strategic direction of ZHdKs educational offerings. You will define manage and develop the universitys cross-disciplinary educational programmes and represent the institutional perspective on artistic education within the university and to external stakeholders.
Your responsibilities
As Vice-Rector for Education you will assume overall strategic responsibility for teaching at ZHdK and play a key role in shaping its further development. You will develop the educational strategy in line with the universitys overall strategy and ensure that national and international developments in education policy are considered at an early stage. As a Member of the Executive Board you will share responsibility for the strategic development and leadership of ZHdK. Together with the relevant departments you will contribute to the universitys development and financial plans and be responsible for defining and monitoring key performance indicators.
You will promote an innovative teaching and learning culture ensure the quality of teaching and further develop the ZHdK study model and portfolio. You will be responsible for normative guidelines and their compliance manage core processes of study and teaching and ensure the professionalisation of student life cycle processes. You will support the departments in programme and curriculum development and promote the development of teaching practice. Your responsibilities include all matters relating to students including the administration of the entire student life cycle responsibility for student counselling and the Mobility Office. You will also oversee cross-disciplinary minors and the Centre for Continuing Education integrate sustainability into educational programmes and coordinate cross-departmental projects that support the further development of the university.
As Vice-Rector for Education you will assume overall strategic responsibility for teaching at ZHdK and play a key role in shaping its further development. You will develop the educational strategy in line with the universitys overall strategy and ensure that national and international developments in education policy are considered at an early stage. As a Member of the Executive Board you will share responsibility for the strategic development and leadership of ZHdK. Together with the relevant departments you will contribute to the universitys development and financial plans and be responsible for defining and monitoring key performance indicators.
You will promote an innovative teaching and learning culture ensure the quality of teaching and further develop the ZHdK study model and portfolio. You will be responsible for normative guidelines and their compliance manage core processes of study and teaching and ensure the professionalisation of student life cycle processes. You will support the departments in programme and curriculum development and promote the development of teaching practice. Your responsibilities include all matters relating to students including the administration of the entire student life cycle responsibility for student counselling and the Mobility Office. You will also oversee cross-disciplinary minors and the Centre for Continuing Education integrate sustainability into educational programmes and coordinate cross-departmental projects that support the further development of the university.
In this role you will advise and support the departments in all matters relating to study programme development curriculum design and university didactics. You will coordinate and moderate relevant specialist committees and ensure smooth and transparent communication. You will work closely with department heads central services the Vice-Rectorate for Research and Innovation and the Rectorate fostering integrative cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Your profile
For this senior position in an art and design-oriented university environment we are looking for a strong leader with a doctorate or equivalent qualification. You have in-depth knowledge and relevant experience in arts and design higher education curriculum development and quality assurance in studies and teaching and are very familiar with the specific teaching and learning cultures in the arts. You have a proven understanding of the Swiss and European higher education system and in-depth knowledge of the relevant higher education policy and structural framework conditions. Experience in process and system management in academic and teaching operations business management expertise and a keen sense of the dynamics of the art design and culture market complement your profile.
You have several years of management experience at a university a strong network in university and education management and your own teaching experience. You have a proven track record in developing study programmes teaching strategies and governance structures as well as experience in interdisciplinary and complex management processes.
For this senior position in an art and design-oriented university environment we are looking for a strong leader with a doctorate or equivalent qualification. You have in-depth knowledge and relevant experience in arts and design higher education curriculum development and quality assurance in studies and teaching and are very familiar with the specific teaching and learning cultures in the arts. You have a proven understanding of the Swiss and European higher education system and in-depth knowledge of the relevant higher education policy and structural framework conditions. Experience in process and system management in academic and teaching operations business management expertise and a keen sense of the dynamics of the art design and culture market complement your profile.
You have several years of management experience at a university a strong network in university and education management and your own teaching experience. You have a proven track record in developing study programmes teaching strategies and governance structures as well as experience in interdisciplinary and complex management processes.
As an integrative communicative leader you act in a structured manner confidently moderate demanding development processes and combine strategic foresight with operational implementation skills. Fluency in English both written and spoken completes your profile.
What we offer
Start date: 1 October 2026 or by agreement.
For further information please contact
Karin Mairitsch () Rector
Interviews will take place on 19 May 2026 (first round of interviews) and 29 May 2026 (second round of interviews).
This is an interesting and challenging role in a vibrant and collegial environment at the Toni-Areal in Zurich. We embrace an inclusive culture and value diversity. Employment conditions are governed by the personnel law of the Canton of Zurich.
Start date: 1 October 2026 or by agreement.
For further information please contact
Karin Mairitsch () Rector
Gerhard Bayard () Head of Human Resources Management
Interviews will take place on 19 May 2026 (first round of interviews) and 29 May 2026 (second round of interviews).
Additional information about Zurich University of the Arts can be found at .
We look forward to receiving your complete application documents by 30 March 2026 via the Apply online now link at the end of this advertisement. Please note that we only accept online applications for this position via the link (no email applications).
Zurich University of the Arts
Key Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Classroom Experience
- Education Administration
- Lesson Planning
- Special Education
- Adult Education
- Teaching
- Curriculum Development
- Administrative Experience
- Leadership Experience
- Program Development
- Supervising Experience
About Company
With around 2100 Bachelor's and Master's students, the ZHdK is one of the largest and most diverse art academies in Europe. The fields of study and research include art education, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinarity. Located in the centre of Zurich, ... View more
