Head of the Institute for Landscape and Open Space (ILF) 70-100% (m/f/d)

Climate change, biodiversity, sponge cities, sustainable open spaces and digital planning methods are among the great challenges of our time. As the head of the Institute for Landscape and Open Space (ILF) at OST - Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, you will play a key role in developing practical solutions for municipalities, cantons, federal agencies and the private sector.

You will lead an institute with around 30 highly qualified researchers and specialists and shape its strategic development in research, continuing education, services and teaching. At the same time, as a member of the department management, you will actively contribute to the future of the Department of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Landscape and Spatial Development.

This is not a traditional academic role. It is an entrepreneurial leadership position with high visibility, societal relevance and great scope for shaping. The position also includes, if suitable, the appointment as professor.

Head of the Institute for Landscape and Open Space (ILF) 70-100% (m/f/d)

What you will achieve

• You will strategically develop the ILF and position it as one of the leading addresses for applied research and innovation in the field of landscape and open space.
• You will lead and inspire around 30 employees from various disciplines.
• You will strengthen market presence and expand partnerships with public clients, companies, associations and universities.
• You will promote future topics such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, digitalisation as well as GIS and BIM applications.
• You will acquire research, development and service projects and create sustainable growth prospects.
• You will engage in teaching, continuing education or research and promote knowledge transfer between science and practice.
• You will contribute your perspective to the strategic further development of the department.

Who we are looking for

You combine professional credibility with entrepreneurial thinking and know how to inspire experts for common goals.

Ideally, you bring:

• A university degree in landscape architecture, spatial planning, architecture, environmental sciences or a related discipline
• Several years of leadership and management experience
• Proven success in developing organisations, teams or business areas
• A strong network in landscape architecture, planning, public administration, research or business
• Experience in acquiring and managing demanding projects
• Strategic thinking, economic understanding and strong implementation skills
• Enjoyment in developing people, ideas and organisations further.

What you can look forward to

• A leadership role with significant impact on the environment, society and quality of life
• An established institute with around 30 researchers and strong specialist areas
• The opportunity to actively shape future topics such as climate adaptation, biodiversity and sustainable open space development
• Great entrepreneurial scope in research, continuing education and services
• A modern university of applied sciences with a strong practical orientation and short decision-making paths
• Attractive employment conditions at the Rapperswil campus directly on Lake Zurich and just a few steps from the train station.

Your next step

If you want to combine science, practice and leadership and actively shape the future of landscape architecture as well as open space and landscape development, we look forward to receiving your application.

For questions about the position or the application process, Michael Greuter is happy to assist you (mgreuter@kohlberg.ch / +41 43 888 70 85) - of course, we treat your contact and documents with absolute confidentiality.