Seeking Head of Design Unit

On January 1, 2020, Valand Academy and HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts merged to form HDK-Valand – Academy of Art and Design. We are now looking for a visionary head to lead the design unit at HDK-Valand. Application deadline: August 6, 2020.

The Design Unit at HDK-Valand hosts an interdisciplinary Bachelor’s programme and three research-oriented international Master’s programmes in Design (Design, Child Culture Design, Embedded Design) as well as a series of free-standing courses. Historically, the unit is rooted in the Gothenburg Sloyd Association’s School, established in 1848, and the unit is located in central Gothenburg with the Röhsska Museum as closest neighbour.

HDK-Valand was among the first in the Nordic countries to embrace the modern concept of design and to establish a research environment and doctoral education. The Design Unit has proud traditions in collaboration with regional design industries as well as international design schools. Design research and design teaching at HDK-Valand have a strong focus on sustainable development and social responsibility. Empathy, experimentation, and the encounter with audiences and the design public are central in research methodology as well as in pedagogical practice.

Over the coming year, the Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts is conducting a change project aimed at creating an attractive programme, research and work environment for future students, employees and partners.

Job description
The position primarily is to lead and develop the unit after the merger and towards the Arts2025 vision. Major focus is on working with staff to develop the subject and the range of programme and course offerings within the unit, developing an inspiring and productive research environment, creating a good work environment and developing the organisation and its practices. The position’s responsibilities require clear communication and experience in working with development and change at group and individual levels.

The leadership assignment includes driving change and development work at unit, department, and faculty levels, participating in the management group, leading and supporting teaching staff, and coordinating work within the unit with the rest of the university and external partners.

The Head of Unit has delegated staff and budget responsibility for about 40 employees (teachers, researchers and doctoral students) at the unit. The management assignment is planned to total 80% of full-time. Remaining time can be used for teaching, research or development projects, in consultation and in agreement with the head of department.

Work assignments include outreach and development of networks and collaborations both within and outside the university.

Eligibility
The position requires experience and demonstrated ability to lead staff and operations and to successfully drive change processes, experience working with the design field and experience from teaching.

Employment
You will be employed as a Lecturer in Design and have an assignment as Head of Unit. At the University it is possible to apply for promotion to Senior Lecturer.

The position is time limited to five years accordingly to The Swedish Higher Education Ordinance 4 Chap Section 10 (teachers in fine, applied and performing arts). The position is a full-time position located at HDK-Valand. Start date is on a date agreed upon by both parties.

More info
Read more about assessment criteria, appointment and application procedure here.