Coordinator: Strategic Projects (80%)

ZHdK is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe, with around 2100 Bachelor’s and Master’s students. The fields of study and research include Art Education, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Transdisciplinarity. Located in the heart of Zurich, ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research, and continue their education. The university includes numerous exhibition and performance venues where students’ project work is publicly presented.

The University Development team in the Rectorate is looking for a committed and assertive individual as of 1 September 2026 or by arrangement for the position of

In this role, you will support the implementation of key strategic initiatives at ZHdK. You will work closely with the departments, vice-rectorates, and services to ensure that strategic projects are implemented effectively, reliably, and with a clear focus on objectives.

Your Responsibilities 
Your main tasks include leading university-wide development projects in a cross-sectional role with significant institutional reach, based on persuasion and process design. You will plan and manage the projects, be responsible for schedules, progress, and quality of results, and confidently navigate a demanding environment with divergent interests and complex institutional contexts. You will moderate complex coordination and decision-making processes, resolve conflicts of objectives, coordinate contributions from various perspectives and disciplines, and drive the projects forward purposefully.

Additionally, you will integrate the projects into the university’s strategic development portfolio, participate in internal coordination, prepare decision-making materials, and support leadership committees with analyses and recommendations. You will create transparency regarding progress, risks, and necessary actions, and ensure recipient-appropriate project reporting.

Your Profile
For this demanding role, you bring several years of experience in managing comprehensive, cross-organisational projects. You can structure complex issues, set priorities, and engage diverse stakeholders with a clear focus on objectives. You have a strong understanding of university organisations or comparable institutions and can translate strategic goals into concrete and actionable programmes. You communicate clearly and confidently, collaborate on equal terms with diverse stakeholders, and possess assertiveness and decisiveness. You have excellent command of German and good English skills. Furthermore, you have solid knowledge of project management as well as experience in transformation and change processes.

If you would like to actively shape the strategic development of a dynamic and future-oriented European art university, we look forward to receiving your application.

What You Can Expect from Us
We offer you an interesting and challenging role in a lively and collegial environment at the Zurich Toni Areal. We foster an inclusive culture and value diversity. Our benefits are varied, and working from home is naturally possible.

Your Contacts for Further Information
Michèle Graf Morgenthaler (michele.grafmorgenthaler@zhdk.ch), Deputy Head of University Development
Svenja Moore (svenja.moore@zhdk.ch), HR Business Partner Additional information about the Zurich University of the Arts can be found at www.zhdk.ch.