Director of the University of Teacher Education

About the job

Director of the University of Teacher Education

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

Your tasks:

With the operational management and future-oriented further development of the University of Teacher Education at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, you will face an extremely interesting role with great scope for design. The University of Teacher Education FHNW, with around 3,900 students, is one of the largest teacher education universities in Switzerland; our continuing education programmes are used annually by more than 23,000 participants. As the second largest University of Teacher Education in the country, we have a strong national presence and a pronounced international network. Together with the university management team

• you lead around 700 employees at the locations Windisch, Muttenz and Olten, implement the university's strategy in the four service areas of education, continuing education, application-oriented research & development and services, and are responsible for their further development
• you specifically lead the change project "Perspective PH"
• you shape and influence a practice-relevant and scientifically based teacher education
• you succeed in taking up the heterogeneous requirements of the various stakeholders such as the practical field, students or politics and implementing them in the offerings
• you position the PH FHNW in the educational region of Northwestern Switzerland as well as at the national level and network it with the relevant stakeholders
• as a member of the FHNW Directorate, you take co-responsibility for the development of the entire University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland with ten excellently positioned universities

Your profile:

You are a caring, integrative, resilient and inspiring personality with great potential to grow further in this position. In addition to a doctorate in educational or social sciences, you have

• a proven track record and management experience in a leading role (also with indirect leadership) of a larger organisation, ideally in the higher education sector
• demonstrated experience in change management of larger organisations
• in-depth experience in the school sector and in teacher education
• profound knowledge of the Swiss education system as well as the political system in Switzerland
• willingness and ability to build and maintain a network in the environment of compulsory schools (school management, teaching staff associations, etc.) as well as in the environment of universities of teacher education
• high leadership, social and self-competence, especially in collaboration with experts and political bodies
• a confident appearance and skilled handling of internal and external stakeholders
• high linguistic fluency in German and good foreign language skills in English and French

Your prospects:

The uniqueness of the FHNW is reflected in the combination of teaching and application-oriented research as well as in cooperation with practice. The complementary perspectives enable a differentiated understanding and action in a rapidly changing world. Exchange and collaboration are paramount.
Important information about the selection process:Application deadline until 7 August 20261st interviews: 20.8. & 24.8. from 1 pm to 7 pmAssessment centre: early September 20262nd interviews: 24.9. & 25.9. from 7.30 am to 12 noonElection by the University Council: 19.10.2026

Your benefits:

 

Wide range of university sports

Cultural programme with lectures, concerts, theatre and films

Practised pay equality between women and men

Annual working time (42 hours/week) with option for part-time and home office

Diverse internal and external continuing education opportunities

Start date: Position start from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement. Apply online Your workplace: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Bahnhofstrasse 6
5210 Brugg-Windisch Any questions? About the position:

Prof. Dr Crispino Bergamaschi, President of the FHNW Directorate, Contact: +41 56 202 71 29

About the application process:

Lars Bühler, Head of Human Resources, Contact: +41 56 202 75 63

Will you soon be part of our team? We look forward to your application.

www.fhnw.ch/de/ph