Head of the Knowledge Center at the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries (FDMCI)

Here's how you can make a difference 

For this knowledge center, the AUAS is seeking a passionate individual with a solid background in and vision for the role of practice-oriented research in society. The candidate will be able to translate this vision into concrete impact strategies, quality standards, and innovative collaboration practices, and will keep the knowledge center on track to further develop as a leading (inter)national organization at the intersection of design, media, technology, and society.

The Head of the Knowledge Center plays a key role in setting the agenda, coordinating, and fostering connections in the development and positioning of research within the faculty and beyond. Together with the professors and the dean, you will set the course for the Knowledge Center and play a leading role in organizing the research quality cycle. This means you will be responsible for establishing research quality standards and developing strategies to ensure their implementation and impact.  

In addition, you will serve as the ambassador and representative of the knowledge center in various forums within the university, such as the faculty’s executive committee and the staff council. You will also strengthen the connection between research and education, and collaborate with the AUAS Centers of Expertise to create the conditions under which the faculty’s research can make a meaningful contribution to society and professional practice.  

You will serve as the functional manager for the FDMCI professors and the program managers of the Centers of Expertise in Creative Innovation and Applied Artificial Intelligence. Together with them, you will help foster an organizational structure and culture in which everyone feels connected and valued. Working with the professors, you will keep the research program up to date and ensure coherence across the various activities.  

 Duties and Responsibilities 

• You will play a key role in developing and monitoring the knowledge center’s strategic direction, annual plan, and quality policy, and ensure that the recommendations from internal and external evaluations are implemented
• You will provide functional leadership to the FDMCI research professors. Together with them, you will determine the direction of the research groups and chart the future of the knowledge center
• Together with the dean, you will conduct annual reviews and performance evaluations with the lecturers and program managers of the two Centers of Expertise
• You regularly consult with the head of operations at the knowledge center regarding operational management, financial frameworks, and other matters that extend beyond the scope of the research groups
• Together with the Head of Operations at the Knowledge Center, you will be responsible for human resources policy, including strategic workforce development and promotion policy
• You are the chair of the faculty research committee for lecturers and staff
• You will represent the research community on the faculty's Executive Committee
• You will work with the lecturers to prepare for the regular management meetings with the administration
• You will represent the knowledge center in various forums, including the faculty council 

What else you get  

• A gross monthly salary between €6,030 and €7,687 (scale 14 of the higher professional education collective bargaining agreement)
• An end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and vacation pay equal to 8% of your gross annual salary
• 428 vacation hours per year based on a 40-hour workweek
• A workplace in a dynamic environment where you collaborate with colleagues in a pleasant atmosphere. You can also meet them outside of work, for example through communities, such as HvA Pride, HvA Alumni, HvA United, Young AUAS and FEM IT
• We care about your job satisfaction and work-life balance—and your well-being. For example, you can participate in sports activities at a discounted rate, either through programs specifically for AUAS employees or via the USC sports center. You can also access career coaches and online tools designed to support your mental health.
• Entitlement to various types of leave, such as paid and unpaid parental leave, family care leave, adoption and foster care leave, and age-related provisions
• Plenty of opportunities for professional development, including through the AUAS Academy and Good Habitz’s online training courses
• Depending on your situation: a mileage allowance for your commute, an NS Business Card, your own AUAS bicycle, or a tax benefit when purchasing another bicycle. If you’re unable to get to work by car or public transportation—for example, due to a disability—we’ll work with you to explore your options
• Discounts on various services, such as books, cultural courses, software and hardware, and certain types of insurance
• A good pension plan through ABP

View here all our employment terms and customized options here. 

Here's how you enrich our lives 

• FDMCI’s research areas are close to your heart, and thanks to your knowledge and experience, you have a clear vision of digital media, the creative industry, and the research conducted in these fields
• Ideally, you have a Ph.D. (or equivalent qualification) in a field related to FDMCI. 
• You have knowledge of and a substantive perspective on practice-oriented research and its role in society 
• You have a proven track record of successfully establishing and maintaining effective and productive partnerships, both within and outside the organization 
• You are familiar with strategic research agendas and themes, such as those of SIA, Clicknl, and NWA in the creative industries
• You have experience at the strategic level in developing evaluations, standards, and strategic goals, as well as in implementing them 
• As an experienced manager, you demonstrate empathy and a collaborative approach
• You have extensive experience leading and mentoring professionals in an educational and/or research setting 
• You have administrative insight and experience in building support for new initiatives 
• You enjoy communicating clearly and effectively, and you have a strong command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written

Become our new Knowledge Center Director 

• Please upload your cover letter and resume via the application button by April 11. And keep an eye on your inbox: you will receive a response by April 19.
• The first round of talks is scheduled for April 25. 
• The second round of talks is scheduled for May 17.
• Would you like to learn more about the position? Frank Kresin, dean of the faculty, can be reached at f.j.kresin@hva.nl 
• An assessment may be part of the selection process for this position. 
• For more information about the application process, please email vacatures@hva.nl  

Creating Tomorrow at the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries 

From the Amstel Campus in the heart of Amsterdam, the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries (FDMCI) prepares students for a broad, international professional field. At FDMCI, both staff and students have a wide range of opportunities. We are active in the fields of media, communication, digital design, ICT, and fashion. In doing so, we work—through seminars and Centers of Expertise —closely with the digital media and creative industries as well as a large network of partner institutions around the world.   

Talent as a foundation, diversity as a strength

Of our more than 45,000 students and 4,500 staff members, no two are alike! Can you imagine how dynamic that is—that enormous variety of personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives? It’s important, too, because we believe that it is precisely thanks to that diversity that we perform better as an employer and as a university of applied sciences of and for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. We strive to see the diversity that Amsterdam has to offer reflected in our workforce. And to be an organization where every employee and student feels welcome, valued, and at home. So whoever you are: you are most welcome!