Head of Fashion

[English Below]

The organization

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy (GRA) is a small, independent, internationally oriented college of fine arts and design. The GRA consists of the Rietveld Academy (bachelor’s programs, divided into 13 departments) and the Sandberg Institute (master’s programs, divided into 7 departments), the Art and Public Space Research Group, and 23 studios. The academy has approximately 850 students and 130 course participants. The students come from 55 different countries, and 67% of the students are from outside the Netherlands.

The academy is characterized by an inquiry-based and experimental approach to art education, in which professors, lecturers, workshop staff, students, and administrative staff work together to shape the content and structure of the education and research programs. Diversity and inclusion, ecology, and sustainability are key priorities for the GRA and thus serve as guiding principles for the actions of the members of the academy community. A defining feature of the academy is its decentralized management philosophy and the relatively autonomous working methods of the departments (specializations).

Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Executive Board (CvB), which reports to the Supervisory Board (RvT). The academic programs are supported by a large number of departments and administrative units, such as Financial Administration, Student Affairs, IT, Facilities Management, Public Rietveld, and the Human Resources department. The academy has approximately 280 employees.

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy is an independent college of art and design where the Bachelor’s program in Fine Arts and Design comprises 14 different specializations. In addition, the academy offers five master’s programs and a varying number of temporary master’s programs; these are provided by the Sandberg Institute. The organization is characterized by an international and highly decentralized structure, with responsibilities and authority closely aligned with the educational process itself.

Our department

The department has established a distinctive position within fashion education. At the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, fashion is approached in an open and experimental manner. Students are given every opportunity to critically explore the field and develop strong personal visions and working methods to share new narratives with the public and enrich the concept of fashion. The Rietveld Academy and the Fashion team are committed to the direction the department has taken and look forward with confidence to its continued development in the future. The new head will lead this development with a unifying and shared vision and conviction.

What will you be doing?

The associate professor plays a central role in relation to students, faculty, and the Board of Trustees regarding the implementation of the program. You will lead a small team of approximately seven faculty members and one assistant. All of this takes place within an international context: approximately 60% of the participants are from abroad.

Together with your team, you are responsible for educational planning and programming, taking the social context into account. You will also be asked to contribute to the long-term educational development and support of the academy as a whole. Teaching that incorporates your own expertise and vision, drawn from your professional practice, is an essential component of the role. Through various teaching methods, you will guide students in their development into independent artists and designers.

Key duties and responsibilities

Head of Fashion:

• is responsible for the content development of the program components;
• schedule the various program components in an annual calendar;
• gives students a clear picture of what the specialization entails;
• is responsible for staffing in terms of both quality and quantity;
• is responsible for the department's budget;
• is responsible for internal and external communications, including the annual update of the website, and organizes the open house;
• oversees the distribution of tasks and responsibilities among the instructors and collaborates with workshop managers;
• initiates proposals for projects, exhibitions, and field trips;
• oversees the assessment process and the reporting thereof;
• provides students with feedback and support regarding the progress and direction of their personal development, in collaboration with [the faculty teams] the faculty team;
• represents the department in the media or at external locations;
• conducts admission interviews.

What kind of profile do you have?

• Specialized knowledge of and insight into developments in the fields of visual arts and design, based on personal experience gained through one’s own professional practice;
• sociable, a team player, and a good communicator;
• you can effortlessly connect thinking and creating;
• brings their own network to the table and knows how to leverage it effectively in the field of education;
• knowledge of and insight into developments in higher education;
• skills in developing, promoting, and advocating for educational policies, positions, new ideas, and educational programs;
• skills in planning and organizing educational activities in accordance with policy and curriculum;
• leading a team of enthusiastic professionals and working collaboratively;
• experience with and knowledge of diversity and inclusion as they relate to the target audience;
• teaching skills, so you can inspire, challenge, surprise, build confidence in, and engage your students;
• proficiency in Dutch (reading and comprehension) and English (spoken and written);
• preferably a relevant academic degree;
• represents the department in the media or at external locations.

Terms of Employment

• Under the Higher Vocational Education Collective Bargaining Agreement, the position is classified in pay grade 13, which, as of June 1, 2022, has a maximum gross monthly salary of €6,579.22 based on a full-time appointment (40 hours per week). The starting salary offered is determined based on knowledge and experience;
• Attractive benefits package, including vacation pay (8%), an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a generous number of vacation days, a pension plan (the employer pays 70% of the premium), and professional development opportunities such as pursuing a master’s or teaching degree;
• A one-year contract for 16 hours per week, with the intention of extending it if the candidate proves suitable. This position has a maximum term of 8 years.

Comment

This is a salaried position. If you are a non-EU national, it is important that you hold a residence permit. This job opening has been posted both internally and externally. In the event of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates. For more information, please contact Mirna Kramer, HR Advisor, at mirna.kramer@rietveldacademie.nl.

Please send your application, including a cover letter of no more than two pages and a resume, to Ben Zegers, Director of Bachelor’s Programs, at personeelszaken@rietveldacademie.nl. The application deadline is Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Diversity

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy aims to achieve broader representation among its staff, students, partners, and programs that reflects the diversity of the city. Anyone who believes they can contribute to this effort is strongly encouraged to respond.

We do not welcome unsolicited sales calls regarding this advertisement.

[English]

The organization

The Gerrit Rietveld Academy (GRA) is a small, independent, internationally oriented college of fine art and design. The GRA consists of the Rietveld Academy (bachelor’s programs, divided into 13 departments) and the Sandberg Institute (master’s programs, divided into 7 departments), the Lectureship Art and Public Space, and 23 workshops. The academy has approximately 850 students and 130 course participants. The students come from 55 different countries, and 67% of them are from outside the Netherlands.

The academy is characterized by research-based and experimental art education, where (head) teachers, workshop staff, students, and staff work together to shape and define the content of education and research. Diversity and inclusion, ecology, and sustainability are key priorities for the GRA and thus guide the actions of members of the academy community. A defining feature of the academy is its decentralized management philosophy and the relatively autonomous working methods of the departments and workshops (specializations).

Day-to-day management is handled by the Executive Board (CvB), supported by the Management Team. The CvB is accountable to the Supervisory Board (BoS). The academy’s educational programs are supported by a wide range of workshops (digital and hands-on) and administrative departments, such as Financial Administration, Student Affairs, IT, Facilities, Public Rietveld, and Human Resources. The academy has approximately 300 employees.

The Fashion Department

The department has established a distinctive position within fashion education. At the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, fashion is approached in an open and experimental manner. Students are given every opportunity to critically explore the field and develop strong personal visions and working methods to share new narratives with the public and enrich the concept of fashion. The Rietveld Academy and the Fashion team are committed to the direction the department has taken and are confidently focused on further developing it in the future. The new head will lead this development with a unifying vision and conviction.

Job description

The Head of Fashion plays a central role in coordinating the program’s implementation with students, faculty, and the Executive Board. You will lead a small team of about seven lecturers and an assistant. All of this takes place in an international context: approximately 60% of the participants are from abroad.

Together with your team, you are responsible for educational planning and programming, taking into account the social environment and maintaining a keen sense of the “Zeitgeist.” You will also be required to contribute to the long-term development of the academy’s teaching and support systems. Providing educational input based on expertise and vision—gained through your own professional design practice—is an essential component of the role. Through various forms of work, you will guide students in their development into independent artists and designers.

Main tasks and responsibilities.

The Head of Fashion:

• Is responsible for developing the content of the program components;
• Plans the various program components into an annual schedule;
• gives students a clear picture of what the graduate program entails;
• handles staffing in terms of both quality and quantity;
• is responsible for the department's budget;
• provides internal and external information, including the annual update of the website and the organization of the open house;
• provides guidance to the assistant and teachers regarding the division of tasks and responsibilities and collaborates with workshop managers;
• initiates proposals for projects, exhibitions, and field trips;
• oversees the assessment process and its reporting;
• provides feedback and support to students regarding their progress and the direction of their personal development, in collaboration with the teaching team;
• represents the department in the media or at external events;
• introduces graduating students to the public in a grand final presentation and connects them with diverse professional networks;
• handles admissions.

Your profile

• Specialized knowledge and understanding of developments in the field of visual arts and design, based on your own professional experience;
• social, outgoing, and communicative;
• you can easily combine thinking and doing;
• bring your own network and know how to use it effectively in an educational setting;
• knowledge and understanding of developments in higher education;
• skills in developing, communicating, and advocating for educational policies, positions, new ideas, and educational programming;
• skills in designing and organizing educational programs in accordance with policy and curriculum;
• leading enthusiastic professionals and working as part of a team;
• experience with and knowledge of diversity and inclusivity as they relate to the target group;
• teaching skills: you can challenge, surprise, and engage students;
• proficiency in Dutch (oral and written) and English (oral and written);
• preferably a relevant academic background.

Terms of Employment

• According to the collective bargaining agreement for Higher Vocational Education, the salary offered is determined based on knowledge and experience; the position is classified in pay scale 13 with a maximum gross monthly salary of €6,579.22 based on a full-time appointment (40 hours per week);
• good benefits, including an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a generous number of vacation days, a pension plan, and professional development opportunities such as pursuing a master’s degree or a teaching credential;
• a one-year contract for 16 hours per week, with the intention of extending it if the collaboration goes well. This position has a maximum term of 8 years.

Diversity

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie is committed to ensuring a more diverse representation of staff, students, partners, and programs that reflects the diversity of the city. Anyone who believes they can contribute to this effort is expressly invited to apply.

Interested?

This vacancy is for a salaried position. If you are a non-EU national, it is important that you have the appropriate residence permit. This job opening is being advertised both internally and externally. In the event of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates. For more information, please contact Mirna Kramer, HR Advisor, at mirna.kramer@rietveldacademie.nl.

Applications, accompanied by a cover letter of no more than two pages and a resume, should be sent to Ben Zegers, Director of Bachelor’s Education, at personeelszaken@rietveldacademie.nl.The application deadline is Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.