Director of the Institute of Safety Science

Your responsibilities

The Institute for Safety (IvV) advances professional practice through cutting-edge safety education and research. In recent years, the institute has taken steps to bridge the gap between education and professional practice and has expanded in size. Within the institute, there is close collaboration with various research groups, and work is underway to develop a master’s program. An important task for the future is to define and create a clear(er) profile for comprehensive security based on the latest insights into how security issues function in professional practice and society at large. In doing so, attention to the broad spectrum of integrated safety is important; from social safety to crisis management and from innovations in professional practice to a vision of information security and the normative function of the field.

The institute aims to improve and strengthen itself through strategic partnerships in professional practice and research. In doing so, the institute must aspire to take a leading role in the ongoing development of the field of integrated safety, both in professional practice and in research. This provides an opportunity to continuously innovate in education and keep it up to date while maintaining high standards of quality.

As director of the institute, you and the management team are responsible for working together to strengthen the connection between education, research, and the professional field. You inspire staff and engage them in your vision regarding organizational challenges and the quality of academic content.

Naturally, 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. You have final responsibility for the institute’s operational management (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 the well-being of students and staff. In addition, as part of the HU’s team of directors, you contribute to the further development of HU as a whole based on your expertise and experience. In doing so, you are visible and accessible to the institute’s staff and students and strive for high student satisfaction.

You will divide your work between the institute and university-wide projects, change initiatives, and meetings.

What we offer you

• You will receive a one-year employment contract (D3) for a full-time position (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a permanent position.
• A gross monthly salary of up to €7,687 (pay grade 14) for full-time employment.
• An 8% vacation bonus.
• A guaranteed year-end bonus of 8.3%.

We offer excellent opportunities for learning and professional development. We also provide great perks, such as our bicycle plan and discounts on insurance, software, and sports facilities, among other things.

What you have

Of course, we want you to succeed in your new role. To determine whether we can offer you a suitable position, we’d like to read more in your cover letter about your strategic and substantive vision for the field, as well as your ability to drive change within the team and tackle the challenges you’ll face.

We would like to see the following in your resume:

• Holds a master’s degree in a field relevant to the institute.
• Have an affinity for and a vision regarding (education in) the field.
• You have successfully charted and maintained a course and completed initiatives to drive innovation and quality improvement, together with your employees.

Who you are

You are the kind of leader who builds connections, thinks in terms of opportunities, identifies pain points, and takes action to address them. You know how to inspire people through your presentation skills, personal conviction, and charisma. We want to see the institute’s mission—both within and in collaboration with the professional field—reflected in the director’s DNA. We are looking for a director who has a vision for the field that aligns with societal developments and the insights gained from (practice-oriented) research. You can lead the institute decisively and with clarity toward the next phase of maturity in educational quality, professional vision, and teamwork, focused on professional growth.

Furthermore, you are able to tackle complex (safety) issues with a certain degree of objectivity; you do not shy away from difficult situations and are willing to speak your mind and take decisive action.

Ideally, you are currently working in a relevant field within the institute’s area of expertise. Candidates who wish to remain active (at least part-time) in the field are also strongly encouraged to apply. A part-time position combined with a role in the relevant field is certainly a possibility. We explicitly prefer a candidate who will help increase the diversity of the HU community.

Work Environment

The Institute for Safety (IvV) offers the Bachelor’s program in Integrated Safety on a full-time and part-time basis and also initiates and participates in the development of various Master’s programs. The institute is responsible for the education of over 1,100 students and course participants, maintains strong ties with the professional field, is actively involved in a wide range of research, and consists of a team of approximately 70 faculty members and researchers.

In this role, you will report to the Executive Board. Your direct supervisor will be one of the members of the Executive Board.

Apply

Are you excited?

HU/IVV is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for recruitment and selection. Sandra Lutchman, Esq., 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.

Important dates:

• The application deadline for this position is November 7 at 5:00 p.m.
• The online preliminary interviews with Sandra Lutchman will take place on November 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The interview with the selection committee is scheduled to take place in Utrecht on December 6 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• The interviews with the Appointments Advisory Committee are scheduled to take place in Utrecht on December 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A selection committee and an appointment advisory committee (BAC) will be established for this vacancy. The BAC will advise the selection committee on the suitability of a candidate for the vacant position.

A background check, a digital verification of diplomas and identification documents, and the application for a Certificate of Good Conduct are part of the procedure.

An assessment may be part of the process.

Are you interested?

You can upload your resume and cover letter via the Colourful People website.

In selecting candidates for this position, HU/IVV is committed to increasing diversity, particularly with regard to cultural background and connections with younger generations. Candidates who believe they can contribute to this effort are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information about working at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, please visit www.werkenbijhu.nl.

The application procedure can be found in the application guidelines on our website, https://werkenbijhu.nl/arbeidsvoorwaarden.Hier, which also includes a link to the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education.