Administrative Assistant, Oudenoord

Where will you be working?  

With over 4,300 students, HKU is the largest university of the arts in the Netherlands and one of the largest educational institutions in Europe focused on art, culture, and the creative industries. HKU offers a wide range of programs across nine academies. 

HKU exists because creating art offers new perspectives, inspires stimulating interactions, and thereby gives shape and meaning to society and the challenges it faces. As HKU, we are at the heart of that society and strive to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. Our success depends entirely on the quality of our people and the ideas they bring. That is why we are curious about your talent and how you can make a difference for our organization.  

Located in the heart of Utrecht is our unique HKU campus at Oudenoord/Nieuwekade, consisting of two distinctive buildings on Oudenoord and Nieuwekade. For this position, you will be based in the building on Oudenoord—a former school from the 1950s that has been expanded and transformed over the years into a dynamic learning and creative environment.

It is the home of the Media and Games academies and houses a wide range of educational facilities: from inspiring classrooms to well-equipped workshops where students bring their ideas to life.

You’ll be joining a close-knit and dedicated management team of five colleagues who work together to ensure that the campus runs smoothly, allowing students, faculty, and creators to grow and learn every day.

What will you be doing? 

• As a Facilities Manager, you will be responsible for management, maintenance, and repair work on buildings, grounds, and equipment; 
  
• You will oversee the safety and use of the buildings; 
  
• You provide facility support, coordinate maintenance as needed, and perform (occasional) cleaning tasks;  
  
• You will serve as the point of contact for all users of our buildings (staff, students, and guests);  
  
• You will provide support to HKU students and staff in the delivery of educational programs (assisting students with assignments and projects, setting up classrooms, managing audiovisual equipment, lending out instruments and equipment, etc.). 
  

What do you bring to the table?

• A completed vocational education program (MBO level); relevant work experience is preferred; 
  
• Proficiency in Dutch and English; 
  
• You are naturally friendly and service-oriented, but you are also able to take charge when the situation calls for it;
  
• You have a real “can-do attitude”: you assess what needs to be done and take action accordingly. Lifting and carrying are no problem for you;
  
• You enjoy working independently but also like working as part of a team;
  
• You are willing and able to work varying hours: shifts may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; 
  
• Knowledge of and experience with AV equipment is a plus; 
  
• An interest in music and sound engineering is, of course, always a plus;
  
• A first aid certification or a willingness to obtain one; 
  
• You live in or near the city of Utrecht. 
  

What do we offer? 

• In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education, the gross monthly salary for full-time employment is scale 5 (step 1: €2,545, up to step 10: €3,412);
  
• A vacation allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% are standard provisions of the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education;
  
• Workdays and hours according to the schedule, including at least one evening shift per week (irregular hours allowance in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education);
  
• The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal if performance is satisfactory;
  
• Time and resources to support your professional development, well-being, and long-term employability;
  
• A good pension plan, commuting allowance, parental leave, and much more.
  

Would you like more information and/or to apply? 

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joop Smallenbroek (Head of Administration) atjoop.smallenbroek@hku.nl. 
  
• You can apply through Sunday, November 2, by clicking the “Apply”button.
  
• The first meetings are expected to take place between November 10 and 14.
  

A cover letter is not required. However, we would like to receive your resume and your answers to the following questions, in your own words, so that we can get a good idea of what you bring to the table:

• What appeals to you most about the position of Administrative Assistant at HKU? And why? 
  
• As a building manager, you deal with people who use the building, such as students and faculty. Sometimes they ask for something that isn’t possible or practical. How do you handle that? Can you describe a similar situation you’ve encountered in your work?  
  
• Can you give an example of a work situation that energized you?

This position is being advertised both internally and externally. In our selection process, we recognize the value that diversity brings to our organization. We do not welcome unsolicited recruitment efforts regarding this position.