With over 2100 students, Zurich University of the Arts is one of Europe's largest arts and design universities. ZHdK offers degree and research programmes in design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre, transdisciplinary studies and art education.
—
We now invite applications for the following vacancy:Director Department of Performing Arts and FilmThe Department of Performing Arts and Film is home to the fields of dance, theatre and film. Its programmes enjoy broad international acclaim and are taught in a wide variety of produc-tion- and research-oriented formats. Its Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are currently preparing over 300 students for distinguished and challenging careers in the performing arts and film. A research institute affiliated with the department reflects the growing importance of artistic research and the continuous development of the arts. Its good integration into interna-tional networks and cooperations ensures the “state of the art” at the department and pro-vides students with access to global themes and issues.
Together with his or her executive team, the successful candidate will be responsible for defining the strategic orientation of the areas of film, dance and theatre at ZHdK and for raising their profile within and beyond the University. A strong international outlook is essen-tial. The future director will expand the department’s teaching and research resources through promoting cooperations within and outside the University. He or she will represent the inter-ests of the department within ZHdK as well as in national and international networks and organisations. He or she will cultivate constructive partnerships with leading figures in the arts, politics, society and business. The successful candidate will have a genuine interest in interdisciplinary issues and in broadening the associated horizons. As a member of the University Board, he or she will make a significant contribution to further developing the University.
The ideal candidate will have a professional background in film, dance or theatre, a university degree, international experience and an excellent track record in leading complex organisa-tions, ideally in higher education. His or her past achievements will include the successful management of change processes. He or she will fully understand the current and future requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate training in the disciplines represented at the department and will be able to implement this knowledge in its teaching and research. His or her broad and relevant network will enable the future director to achieve this objective. The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of the Swiss education system or will be prepared to familiarise him- or herself with it quickly. He or she will take a keen interest in digital transformation and in shaping its future at ZHdK.
The future director will be an inspiring and integrative leader with good implementation skills. He or she will be able to productively integrate the various interests and perspectives of the department. He or she will be open to unconventional solutions without losing sight of feasi-bility. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and will be able to apply these in keeping with his or her role. He or she will be willing to acquire a good knowledge of German within a useful period of time.
The start date for this position is subject to agreement. The University is committed to providing conditions that enable executive staff to balance their professional and family life.
Interviews will be held on 16 November 2018 (1st round) and on 19 December 2018 (2nd round).
Enquires may be directed to Prof. Dr. Thomas D. Meier, rektorat@zhdk.ch, Tel. +41434462004. To submit your application and supporting documents, please click the “Apply online” button below.
