Job vacancy: Head of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

2,100 BA and MA students make Zurich University of the Arts one of Europe’s largest arts and design universities. Our five departments pursue cutting-edge teaching and research in the fields of design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre, transdisciplinary studies, and art and design education.


Head of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), 80–100%
This position is available from the 2021 spring semester or by arrangement.

As Head of the MFA, you will be responsible for continuous program and curriculum development in line with the department’s research activities, as well as with the DFA and ZHdK profiles. You will also be responsible for positioning teaching and learning within the framework of national and international developments. You will ensure the quality of teaching and learning and manage the MFA program in terms of content and organization. You will also assume a teaching load of 20%. We welcome applications from initiative personalities holding a university degree in artistic or curatorial practice. The ideal candidate will also have several years of teaching experience at art universities, as well as leadership experience in the arts and culture or higher education. He or she is expected to be familiar with Swiss arts universities and international higher arts education from practical experience. The postholder must be able to take position and act on educational policy guidelines and have acquired proven leadership skills in a comparable role.

What we offer:
The Department of Fine Arts provides nationally and internationally leading and highly regarded contemporary higher education focusing on the development of independent artistic practice. Its strengths include a unique breadth and diversity of media, as well as an open and flexible program structure that takes extensive account of students’ individual interests. We offer the opportunity to work together with demanding students and a teaching faculty comprising an international network of artists, theorists, researchers, and cultural practitioners.

Requirements:
-University or college degree or equivalent qualifications
-Active artistic or curatorial practice
-Teaching and research experience at a university, academy or similar institution
-Management experience at an art university or in the arts and culture
-International and national network
-Initiative, as well as interpersonal, integrative and teamwork skills
-Language skills: German and English
-Place of work: Zurich

As part of the measures to ensure the balanced representation of women and men at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), applications from women are particularly welcome.

The first round of interviews will take place on October 19, 2020, the second on November 9, 2020.

For subject-specific inquiries, please contact Prof. Swetlana Heger-Davis, Director of the Department of Fine Arts: swetlana.heger-davis [​at​] zhdk.ch

Further details on the Department of Fine Arts and the Master of Fine Arts here.

Applications should be submitted via the apply button here.

Only online applications will be considered.

Application deadline: September 30, 2020