Director of the Institute for International Business Studies

What will you be doing at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences?

The Institute for International Business Studies (IIBS) is still in its early stages and will offer three degree programs: the Bachelor’s in International Business, the Bachelor’s in Creative Business, and the Master’s in Sustainable Business Transition. The new director’s primary responsibility will be to further shape and finalize the establishment of this newly formed institute, followed by leading a process of cultural change centered on collaboration and knowledge sharing among the various programs.

In this international learning environment, mission-driven issues, research, and international assignments from social organizations and businesses play a role in the learning process. Students from diverse international backgrounds work together, while international faculty members serve as experts, mentors, and researchers in international organizations. The next step is to further develop IIBS’s vision for this rich international learning environment.

An important aspect of this role is strengthening relationships with other HU institutes in the area of internationalization, particularly with partners in higher economic education (HEO). The strategic steps toward the HEO agenda will shape the direction of the curriculum and educational architecture. Student well-being, creating rich learning environments, and focusing on mission-driven initiatives related to inclusion, sustainability, and digitization are some of the themes that will require attention in the coming years.

Together with your management team, you are responsible for working collaboratively to strengthen the connection between education, research, and the professional field. You inspire employees and engage them in your vision for developments related to organizational tasks and quality.

You are responsible for acting in accordance with HU’s core values and for developing and implementing the institute’s plans within the context of HU-wide frameworks. Ultimately, you are responsible for the institute’s day-to-day operations (including financial and educational logistics) and for the Human Capital agenda within the institute. You have an eye for the human dimension and ensure a safe and professional work environment, with attention to the workload and well-being of students and staff. In addition, as a member of HU’s director team, you contribute to the further development of HU as a whole based on your expertise and experience. You are visible and accessible to the institute’s staff and students and strive for high student satisfaction. You combine your work within the institute with HU-wide projects, change initiatives, and consultations.

What we offer you

In addition to being a stable employer with exciting ambitions, we offer excellent benefits for those who choose to work at HU:

• We are offering a one-year employment contract (D3) for a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
• Your responsibilities and duties will be determined based on your knowledge and skills. Based on this, you will be placed in pay grade 15, with a maximum gross monthly salary of €8,445.29 for a full-time position.
• A subsidy toward the health insurance deductible of €300.00 gross per year for full-time employees.
• There is scope for developing and expanding practice-oriented research, naturally in alignment with the objectives of our substantive strategic knowledge agenda.
• In addition, you will receive an 8% vacation bonus and a guaranteed year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• We offer you excellent opportunities for learning and professional development.
• For full-time employees, up to 428 hours of leave per year are available.

Of course, we’ll also provide you with a laptop and a smartphone on loan so you can work from anywhere, and we offer you the option to enroll in our group health insurance and disability insurance plans, as well as great perks like our bike purchase plan, discounts on insurance, software, and gym memberships. Together with our social partners, we strive for agreements that truly work and are based on good employment practices and good employee conduct.

Your profile

Of course, we want you to succeed in your new role with us. We’d love to receive your application in whatever format works best for you—whether that’s a video, a presentation, a portfolio, a cover letter, or any other way that suits you and helps convince us.

We would like to see in your resume that you:

• Hold a master’s degree, preferably in a field relevant to the institute.
• Have an affinity for and a vision regarding (education in) the field of international sustainable development.
• Have experience in a leadership role within international companies, education, and/or applied research

You think in terms of possibilities, recognize complexities, and adapt when necessary. As a connector in every sense of the word, you know how to inspire people through your presentation skills, personal conviction, and charisma. Your leadership style is people-oriented, with a focus on the development of the institute, the staff, and the students. You collaborate constructively with others, are an innovator, and a driving force behind HU’s international agenda. With determination and vision, you will lead the institute to the next stage of maturity in terms of curriculum, quality, and professionalism. It goes without saying that you have a passion for international and multicultural education. We explicitly prefer a candidate who enhances diversity within the HU community.

Development Outlook

At Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, there are plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We support your development, whether it involves expanding your knowledge, receiving coaching, or taking the next step in your career. With us, you can continue to grow in a challenging and socially oriented environment where enjoyment is key. Opportunities are always available. It’s up to you to seize them.

Who will you be working for?

Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. More than 35,000 students. Over 4,000 staff members across institutes, knowledge centers, and support services. Continuously evolving. Not just the students. But the entire organization. With leading-edge education. Research that devises solutions to societal challenges. And named the most sustainable university of applied sciences in the Netherlands four times. Together Sustainable, Together Digital, Together Healthy, and Together Learning.

Work Environment

The institute has approximately 150 staff members, and together we provide instruction to about 2,400 students. In this position, you will report to the Executive Board. Your direct supervisor is one of the members of the Executive Board.

You’ll become part of a community where we connect with one another both inside and outside of work, in all sorts of different places and ways. For example, through the HU Alumni community or the HU Green Office, the Diversity & Inclusion Network, the Equal Internship Opportunities Program, or at a festival like the “Voel je Thuis” Festival.

Apply

Are you interested? HU is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for this recruitment and selection process. Sandra Lutchman, a senior partner at Colourful People, would be happy to provide you with more information about the organization, the position, and/or the application process. You can contact her via WhatsApp at 06 407 44 074. You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume (PDF) via the “Apply” button on this page. The application deadline is January 14, 2024.

An Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) will be formed for this vacancy to advise the Executive Board on a candidate’s suitability for the open position. The selection interview will take place on Monday, February 5. The interviews with the Appointments Advisory Committee are scheduled for Thursday, February 8.

A reference, a digital verification of your diploma and ID, and the application for a Certificate of Good Conduct are part of the application process.