Head of Basic Education 50%

About the job

The School of Design Aargau is the centre of expertise for creative-artistic as well as creative-technical education in the heart of Northwestern Switzerland. Since its foundation in 1921, we have united as a versatile campus in Aarau the preparatory design education, vocational basic education, inter-company courses, further education, and the studio for clothing design under one roof, passionately and expertly supporting young people and adults on their individual educational paths. For the school management team, we are looking for an experienced and proactive leader as of 1 August 2027

Head of Basic Education 50%

Your tasks

As Head of Basic Education, you are responsible for the organisation, quality, and further development of vocational basic education (EFZ/EBA) and combine strategic educational development with operational management, pedagogical leadership, and professional stakeholder management. In close collaboration with the rectorate and members of the school management, you ensure a high-quality, efficient, and future-oriented educational operation.

• You lead, support, and assess the teachers and coordinators of basic education and assist them in challenging teaching and class situations.
• You ensure smooth school operations – especially in scheduling, teacher deployment, and room planning – and organise the subject area meetings.
• You are responsible for quality assurance and development of the entire school, evaluate teaching quality, and initiate pedagogical innovation processes.
• You participate in staff recruitment, coordinate internal qualification procedures, and ensure correct processes (certificates, grading, absences) in cooperation with the administration management.
• You maintain sustainable relationships with training companies, industry associations, and organisers of inter-company courses and represent the school in cantonal and sector-specific committees.
• You monitor educational and association-political developments, contribute to school and subject area development, and are responsible for budget planning in the training area.
• In addition to the 50% Head of Basic Education role, you teach apprentices in your subject area. The teaching workload will be agreed upon with you.

Your profile

• You have sound knowledge of vocational basic education, especially the EFZ/EBA system and the legal foundations at federal and cantonal levels.
• You hold a teaching qualification for vocational school or an equivalent pedagogical qualification.
• You have proven leadership experience and excel in communication and negotiation skills.
• You have experience in teaching development, pedagogical-didactic innovation, and quality management.
• You combine industry knowledge and strategic thinking with a structured, solution-oriented working style.
• You are characterised by a strong service, team, and learner orientation.

Our offer

We offer you a varied leadership role with responsibility and scope for design, collaboration with a committed, interdisciplinary team in modern premises in Aarau, as well as an environment that promotes creativity, personal responsibility, and personal development.

The employment is subject to the regulations of the Canton of Aargau.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your digital application documents by 31 December 2026 to Luigi Garavelli.

If you have any questions, please contact Luigi Garavelli, School Management, telephone 062 834 40 55.