Program Director, Academy of Visual Arts

What is your role?

• As a program director, you serve as the “hub of the wheel” and provide both academic and administrative leadership to the faculty members of the full-time and accelerated part-time tracks of the Bachelor’s program in Visual Arts and Design Education. Together with your fellow program directors and the director, you form the management team of the Academy of Visual Arts.
  
• You will actively contribute to further positioning and raising the profile of the DBKV program and the Academy of Visual Arts. In addition, you will collaborate broadly with the HKU research group and other art education programs within HKU.
  
• Together with your colleagues, you will work to develop high-quality, future-proof arts education that puts students at the center, and you will focus on the follow-up to the accreditation in October 2026 and the final phase of the curriculum renewal, which is aimed at implementing the following thematic areas: sustainability and regenerative education; diversity and inclusion; and creative technology.
  
• In consultation with the educational specialist and the educational support team, you will work with the grade-level coordinators to develop the content and structure of the annual calendar and staffing schedule, ensure clear communication, organize professional development days, and provide input for meetings, review cycles, and policy documents.
  

What do you bring to the table?

• A completed master’s degree from a university of applied sciences or a research university in art education, pedagogy, educational science, or art or cultural history; 
• At least three years of work experience in a managerial role in a similar position;
• Knowledge of education and/or experience in higher education.
• You hold a teaching certification for higher professional education; 
• You are an empathetic professional: you have a keen understanding of organizational dynamics, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication skills.

What do we have to offer?

With us, you’ll work in an inspiring environment where creativity, technology, and innovation come together. You can be completely yourself here. The school year has dynamic peak periods when we all pull together, but this is balanced by a generous number of vacation days. You will receive a salary in accordance with the HBO collective bargaining agreement (scale 12, €5,583 to €7,534) and attractive benefits, such as a year-end bonus, a museum year pass, and a bicycle plan.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe it is important that everyone feels welcome and valued. We believe that diversity enhances creativity and strive to bring together the diverse perspectives and experiences from society within our organization. We actively take steps to promote diversity and inclusion and collaborate with organizations that support us in this effort. In addition, we organize (internal) events and gatherings during Keti Koti, International Women’s Day, and participate in Pride Utrecht.

Apply

You can apply using the "Apply" button below. A cover letter is not required. However, we would like to receive your resume and answers to the questions below so that we can get a good idea of what you bring to the table. The application deadline for this position is May 17, 2026. Interviews will take place during the week of May 25–29, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Myrthe van de Giessen at myrthe.vandegiessen@hku.nl.

Questions

• This role is a unique blend of educational, subject-matter, and HR management. Where do you see your strengths within this role, and what areas would you like to develop further?
  
• How does this job fit into the next step in your career?
  
• What relevant (work) experience do you bring to the table when you join our team?
  
• What appeals to you most about the role of study leader? And why?

About HKU

Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) has eight academies spread throughout the vibrant city center of Utrecht. With over 4,000 students, it is one of the largest art colleges in Europe. We offer more than 50 creative degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. This is where art, creativity, and innovation come together.

The DBKV bachelor’s program brings students together in a committed and dynamic learning community. This program prepares students for professional practice in arts education, both within and outside of schools. Our graduates are visual artists capable of integrating artistic practices with pedagogical and didactic processes, thereby playing an important and inspiring role in the arts education of learners. The program is designated as a TOP program in the Keuzegids 2026. The high level of student satisfaction is partly due to the positive atmosphere within the academy and the appreciation students have for their instructors.

Learn more about working at HKU.