Dean
Opportunity Overview The University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich (HWZ) is seeking a Dean to lead one of its faculties, combining academic leadership with operational management. This role sits at the intersection of education strategy and institutional administration, making it a senior position for someone with substantial experience in higher education management. The Dean will oversee the strategic direction of the faculty, ensuring educational quality while strengthening the faculty's ties to the broader socio-economic environment. This means working closely with businesses, public institutions, and other stakeholders to keep programs relevant and responsive to labor market needs. The role carries both academic responsibilities and administrative duties, requiring someone comfortable moving between lecture halls and boardrooms. HWZ is one of Switzerland's leading universities of applied sciences, known for its practical, business-oriented approach to education. The institution operates across multiple campuses in Zurich and surrounding areas, offering bachelor's and master's programs primarily in business administration, banking, finance, and related fields. HWZ has built a reputation for close collaboration with the Swiss corporate sector, which means the Dean's role involves maintaining and expanding these industry partnerships. Zurich offers a high standard of living, though it comes with a correspondingly high cost of living. The city consistently ranks among the most expensive in Europe, with housing and dining costs significantly above the European average. Salaries in Swiss higher education reflect this, and the working culture emphasizes punctuality, direct communication, and a strong work-life balance. Switzerland's four national languages mean that German proficiency is often essential for senior academic roles, though English is widely used in academic settings. Responsibilities - Lead the strategic and operational management of the faculty, setting long-term academic goals and ensuring their implementation - Oversee the quality of education across all programs, maintaining accreditation standards and continuous improvement processes - Build and strengthen the faculty's position within the socio-economic environment, developing partnerships with businesses, government bodies, and community organizations - Combine academic responsibilities with administrative and managerial functions, including budget oversight and resource allocation - Represent the faculty internally within the university's governance structures and externally to stakeholders - Support and develop academic staff, including hiring decisions, performance reviews, and professional development planning - Drive curriculum development to ensure programs remain current and aligned with industry needs - Manage relationships with accreditation bodies and regulatory authorities Requirements & Qualifications - Advanced academic degree, typically a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in a relevant field - Substantial experience in higher education leadership, including faculty or department management - Proven track record in strategic planning and operational management within an academic setting - Strong understanding of the Swiss education system and its regulatory framework - Experience building partnerships with business and public sector organizations - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the faculty publicly - Fluency in German and English; additional languages are an advantage - Demonstrated commitment to educational quality and innovation in teaching methods - Financial management experience, including budget planning and resource allocation How to Apply 1. Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic leadership experience and relevant achievements. 2. Write a cover letter explaining your vision for the faculty and how your background aligns with the role. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.