Head of Development Department 80 - 100%
Kanton Zürich
Zürich
Key information
- Publication date:20 January 2026
- Workload:80 – 100%
- Place of work:Zürich
Job summary
Join the Mittelschul- und Berufsbildungsamt as Leiter/in Abteilung Entwicklung. Shape education projects in Zurich's dynamic environment.
Tasks
- Lead the Development Department with 14 team members effectively.
- Foster a collaborative and open work culture based on trust.
- Manage resources and ensure successful project implementation.
Skills
- University degree or equivalent, plus extensive leadership experience.
- Strong communication and team-oriented skills required.
- Experience in complex project management and governance needed.
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INNOVATIVE, TEAM-ORIENTED AND EMPOWERING
The Secondary School and Vocational Education Office is the competence and service center for vocational education, grammar schools, higher vocational education, and continuing education in the canton of Zurich. The Development division designs and implements educational policy projects and development initiatives at the interface of vocational education, schools, and partners in the canton of Zurich. We are looking for a new head of the Development Department (80-100%, permanent) starting March 15, 2026, or by arrangement.
Your area of responsibility
In this role, you lead the Development Department with 14 employees. You place great value on an open, collegial working culture at eye level, as well as personal responsibility, trust, and a motivating work environment. You consciously develop employees and the team based on strengths and create space for potential development. With a clear view of roles, processes, and priorities, you deploy resources purposefully and ensure effective collaboration both within the office and with external partners. In addition, you actively shape the repositioning of the matrix-integrated Development division within the Secondary School and Vocational Education Office and accompany the entire implementation process.
Your profile
You have a university degree (university or university of applied sciences) or an equivalent qualification as well as many years of leadership experience. As a team-oriented personality, you communicate appreciatively and clearly. You also approach new ideas and innovative approaches with openness and enjoy shaping. You act solution-oriented and combine analytical and conceptual thinking with a structured way of working. You bring experience in managing complex projects and have solid knowledge of project management methods, ideally according to Hermes. In addition, you have administrative experience and a good understanding of governance as well as collaboration in a public environment. Knowledge of vocational education and secondary level II schools as well as experience with political processes and change or transformation projects are advantageous.
Our offer
We offer you a responsible leadership role in a meaningful environment with a highly motivated, creative, and professional team. You will have scope for design in a diverse portfolio as well as numerous opportunities for further education and personal development. Attractive employment conditions according to cantonal guidelines and a centrally located workplace in the city of Zurich complete our offer. Diversity and inclusion are a matter of course for us and an integral part of our culture.
For further information, please contact Esther Schaffner, Head of Specialist Units and Projects, Tel. +41 43 259 78 55.
We look forward to receiving your electronic application. Applications from employment agencies as well as applications via e-mail will not be considered for this vacancy.
Additional information can be found on the internet at www.zh.ch/mba.
