Head of Higher Vocational College

Head of Higher Vocational College (m/f/d) The Höhere Fachschule für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik, Sozialpädagogik und Sozialtherapie (HFHS) in Dornach is a training institution for social pedagogy. At its center is the federally recognized, practice-integrated degree program Sozialpädagogik HF. We assume that every person wants to realize their own life motives and experience social appreciation. For people who need support in doing so, competent social pedagogues are needed to accompany them. Our understanding of education is holistic: learning is understood as an active, situational, and social process. Different educational prerequisites are taken into account through diverse methodological-didactic approaches; individual learning paths are specifically supported. We orient ourselves towards current findings in Social Work, ethical standards, the framework curriculum, and experiences from self-representatives. In addition, impulses from anthroposophical practice and research flow in. The basis is the anthroposophical understanding of humanity and the perspective on social processes that results from it. Our students reflect on their practical experiences and connect them with theoretical specialist knowledge and the diversity of social pedagogical fields of work. Artistic processes form an essential part of the curriculum and promote the deepening of content as well as the development of self- and social competence. The carrier of the HFHS is the non-profit „Verein für Ausbildung in anthroposophischer Heilpädagogik“ based in Dornach. The Höhere Fachschule is eduQua-certified, is regularly evaluated by students, and works with „Wege zur Qualität“. Currently, it has over 100 students, 13 employees, and around 70 external lecturers. As of 2027 (by arrangement), due to the retirement of the current position holder, we are looking for a personality for the leadership of the Höhere Fachschule. Your tasks You identify with the values of the HFHS as described in our mission statement. On this basis, in coordination with the faculty and the board of the carrier association, you are responsible for the overall management and further development of the HFHS at a professional, organizational, financial, and personnel level. To ensure a good perception of professional challenges and current developments, it has proven effective to use part of the working hours for teaching activities. In particular, your tasks include the following areas: You are responsible for the entire training, further education, and service offering of the HFHS. You represent the HFHS in the network of vocational education as well as towards cantonal and national authorities. You are responsible for the hiring and leadership of colleagues in the field of education and administration and are the contact person for all personnel matters. You prepare the annual budget in coordination with the board and are responsible for its compliance. You submit the applications for cost approvals from the cantons. You are in intensive exchange with the practical training institutions. You maintain and strengthen the professional networks of the HFHS nationally and internationally. You ensure compliance with legal provisions and are responsible for quality assurance and development. What you bring You bring high appreciation and understanding for social pedagogy and adjacent fields of work, for people with support needs, and for the practical institutions. Additionally, the following qualifications are important: You bring an academic degree in the field of Social Work, Social Pedagogy, or related fields, which entitles you to teaching activities within the framework of a Higher Vocational College (tertiary level). Ideally, you bring experience in social work, adult education, and the education system. Ideally, you are already familiar with the legal and commercial requirements of an educational institution or possess the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly. You meet challenges constructively and with commitment. You are able to use both opportunities and crises entrepreneurially and implement necessary measures consistently. Your way of working is structured, and you are characterized by a high capacity for self-leadership and for perceiving societal developments. Your cooperation is characterized by high empathy and teamwork skills. You promote a constructive feedback culture, connect with participatory approaches such as collegial leadership, and create development spaces in the organization. Experience in organizational development or a leadership position is an advantage. You possess strong communication skills and use them to inspire colleagues, partners, and authority representatives for the HFHS and its work. You bring the willingness and interest to engage with the anthroposophical approach in social pedagogy and to further develop it in a creative way and in dialogue – potentially also in an international context. You shape the administrative framework conditions of the training institution effectively and efficiently, including the expansion of reliable digital structures and processes. Our offer A exciting task awaits you in an appreciative and value-based environment in a beautiful, nature-oriented surroundings. Taking over the leadership offers diverse possibilities for co-shaping a meaningful social task. You receive extensive creative possibilities within your area of responsibility. We offer you opportunities for professional and personal [growth/development] and you benefit from a good and reliable infrastructure. A stable cultural and financial outlook awaits you.