Head of Design Department

With approximately 2,100 bachelor’s and master’s students, the ZHdK is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe. Its academic and research fields include Art Education, Cultural Critique, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theater, and Transdisciplinarity. Located in the centre 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 includes numerous exhibition and performance venues where students’ projects are showcased to the public.

We are seeking, effective immediately or by agreement as part of a succession plan, a: Head of Design Department The Department of Design at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of Switzerland’s leading design institutions and combines teaching, research, and continuing education within a forward-looking approach to design. Across seven disciplines—Cast/Audiovisual Media, Game Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Knowledge Visualization, Visual Communication, and Trends & Identity—students address central questions of contemporary design and translate them into innovative projects. The focus is on a reflective engagement with design that goes beyond purely aesthetic and functional aspects.

Together with your leadership team, you will be responsible for the department’s strategic direction, public profile, and quality assurance. You will ensure that the department offers a contemporary program of study geared toward the professional field and future challenges. You will encourage sustainable collaborations both within and outside the university, thereby expanding the substantive resources available for teaching and research. Adopting both local and global perspectives and representing the department within the university as well as in national and international networks, is part of your role. You maintain collaborative and constructive relationships with key figures in design, art, politics, society, and business. You actively promote interdisciplinary issues and innovations. As a member of the university’s executive leadership, you will represent the department’s interests while also sharing responsibility for the development of the entire university and serving on various internal and external committees.

We are seeking a candidate with a background in design or related disciplines, as well as proven experience in leading complex, large-scale organizational units, preferably in the higher education sector. In addition, you hold a university degree in a field represented by the department or in a related discipline. We value a Ph.D., but do not require one. With a strategic and analytical perspective, you recognize the department’s potential and proactively address its opportunities with a holistic approach, consistency, and in alignment with the university’s strategy. You will promote the systemic and conceptual development of the department as well as its integration within ZHdK in a goal-oriented manner and through transparent dialogue with your governing bodies.

A sense of responsibility, strong negotiation skills, and decisiveness characterize your cooperative and modern approach to leadership. You have clear conceptual ideas regarding the development of the Department of Design in light of future challenges. You understand the needs of a university of the arts and effectively apply your communication and facilitation skills, as well as your expertise in higher education policy, strategy, and organization, for the benefit of the university and to foster collaboration within it. In addition, we are looking for someone with a strong network within the higher education landscape and in the national and international design and cultural communities. You possess excellent German and English language skills.

We look forward to receiving your complete application materials by August 28, 2026, via the “Apply Online Now” link at the end of this posting. Please note that we only accept online applications for this position.

Interviews will take place on October 30, 2026 (first round) and November 27, 2026 (second round).

For further information, please contact the Principal, Professor Karin Mairitsch, via Human Resources Management contact: Gerhard Bayard, Head of Human Resources Management; Tel. +41 43 446 46 20;

www.zhdk.ch
www.zhdk.ch/design —
Zurich University of the Arts
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