Departementsleiterin Design

With approximately 2100 bachelors and masters 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 Switzerlands leading design institutions and combines teaching research and continuing education within a forward-looking approach to design. Across seven disciplinesCast/Audiovisual Media Game Design Industrial Design Interaction Design Knowledge Visualization Visual Communication and Trends & Identitystudents 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 departments 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 universitys executive leadership you will represent the departments 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 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 departments potential and proactively address its opportunities with a holistic approach consistency and in alignment with the universitys 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 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.;


Zurich University of the Arts

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Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1