Expert in university development, promotion and policy as part of the Rector’s leadership team (80-100%)

07/09/2023
UniDistance Suisse · Jobs

UniDistance Suisse – the Swiss distance university - is an accredited university institute under the Swiss Higher Education Promotion and Coordination Act (HEdA), and has been offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and continuing education programmes in the faculties of Law, Psychology, Economics, History and Mathematics & Computer Science for over 30 years. All degrees can be completed part-time in parallel with family commitments and/or a professional or sports career in flexible distance learning programmes. UniDistance Suisse offers a unique and forward-looking study model in Switzerland, combined with research-intense faculties and admission requirements and degrees equivalent to those at all other public universities in Switzerland. In the coming years, we aim to significantly expand UniDistance Suisse in research and teaching, to further strengthen our national and international positioning and gain full recognition as a cantonal university. In view of these developments, we are looking to strengthen and further develop our profile and the national and international positioning of UniDistance Suisse by recruiting an

Expert in university development, promotion and policy As part of the Rector’s leadership team (80-100%)

Place of work: Brig (hybrid, part-time home office possible)

Start of employment: 1 January 2024 or upon agreement

Contract type: permanent

The position is part of the Rector's leadership team and reports directly to the Rector. Its purpose is to support the Rector's team in the development and recognition of UniDistance Suisse as a cantonal university and the development of its faculties. As a recognised expert in development, promotion and (Swiss) university policy with sound knowledge of academic research and teaching, you will advise the Rectorate team and prepare briefs. The Rector's leadership team ensures that UniDistance Suisse's teaching, research and other services can be carried out under excellent conditions, so that they are of high quality and enjoy a high visibility. Together with the Vice-Rectors for Teaching and for Research, as well as the administration, the Rector leads UniDistance Suisse and represents the institution externally.

Your tasks

You support the Rector and her leadership team in implementing the university's strategy and short, medium, and long-term planning.
You maintain relations and support coordination in close cooperation with the faculties, the two development advisors of the Vice-Rectorates for Teaching and Research, and with the administrative staff, in the implementation of our university planning and strategy.
You prepare briefs, draft regulations, and write strategy papers on university development, promotion, and structuring as a basis for decision-making by the Rector and her Rectorate team.
You advise the Rector on issues of academic organisation and structures, national and international higher education policy, and on ways to support sustainability at UniDistance Suisse.
You will be involved in the quality assurance and controlling processes, particularly in the course of the forthcoming accreditation as a cantonal university of the Canton of Valais.

Your profile

University degree with doctorate in a subject relevant to the position
Several years of professional experience in universities, especially in the areas of university development, promotion, policy and/or management
Knowledge of Swiss higher education promotion and policy is an advantage, but not a requirement for the position
Strong interest in and knowledge of higher education development, promotion and policy; university of the future; digitalisation in the higher education sector; as well as distance learning and flexible/modular studies of the future
Ability to work independently and in a very structured manner; strong analytical thinking; in-depths knowledge of relevant topics; high attention to detail in regulatory and organisational matters; perseverance and resilience
Initiative; excellent communication skills; ability to work in a team; and willingness to innovate
Native speaker level of German or French with good knowledge of the other language, as well as excellent written and spoken English.

We offer

a unique opportunity to actively participate in the development of UniDistance Suisse into a cantonal university and to contribute to the further positioning of UniDistance Suisse as a unique model and pioneer in Switzerland in university distance learning as well as contributing to its national and international position.
Participation in a young, dynamic, and future-oriented institution, which does not fit the traditional university model and does not want to become one, with a mostly newly constituted, multilingual rectorate team with an international orientation and vision.
Opportunities to raise your own profile as an expert in higher education development and promotion, especially in the areas of flexible study, digitisation, distance learning and research promotion in a trilingual, international context
Cooperation at peer level with the other teaching and research expert advisors of the vice rectorates
Flexible working environment with modern workplaces
Attractive cantonal employment conditions in accordance with the regulations of the Canton of Valais

We look forward to receiving your complete application (letter of motivation max. 2 pages, complete curriculum vitae, copies of diplomas and degrees, reference letters, indication of three references) by e-mail in one PDF document by 6 October 2023 at the latest to our Human Resources Department: jobs@fernuni.ch.

For formal questions about the application process, please contact Patrick Constantin, Head of Human Resources (tel. +41 27 922 70 50 (secretariat) or email: patrick.constantin@unidistance.ch). For questions about the job, please contact Prof. Dr. Karin Moser, the new Rector of UniDistance Suisse since 1.9.2023 (tel. +41 27 922 70 50 (secretariat) or email: karin.moser@unidistance.ch).