Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zürich
Social Pedagogue 40% (m/f/d) combined with Deputy Head of Boarding School and Social Pedagogical Responsibility 30%
- 07 October 2026
- Permanent position
- Zürich
Job summary
The Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK) is a leading arts university in Europe. It offers a vibrant environment for students from over 75 countries.
Tasks
- Guide and support talented youth in a residential setting.
- Ensure quality standards and assist in administrative tasks.
- Act as deputy for the dormitory leadership when needed.
Skills
- Degree in social pedagogy or related fields required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential.
- Experience in leadership or project management preferred.
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About the job
The ZHdK is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe, with around 2100 bachelor’s and master’s students. The study and research areas include Art Education, Design, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre and Transdisciplinarity. Located in the heart of Zurich, ZHdK is a dynamic place where passionate people from over 75 countries work, study, teach, research and continue their education. The university includes numerous exhibition and performance venues where students’ project work is publicly presented.
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The Zurich Dance Academy offers professional training in classical ballet for students aged 11 to 19. The boarding school of the Zurich Dance Academy is a living, residential and leisure space for around 47 national and international students aged 12 to 18 who, due to geographical distance, cannot remain in their previous environment during their training for professional stage dance (EFZ). The boarding school provides them with a safe and appropriate educational environment for their personal, academic and professional development.
For the boarding school of the Zurich Dance Academy, we are seeking from 1 March 2027 or by arrangement
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The Zurich Dance Academy offers professional training in classical ballet for students aged 11 to 19. The boarding school of the Zurich Dance Academy is a living, residential and leisure space for around 47 national and international students aged 12 to 18 who, due to geographical distance, cannot remain in their previous environment during their training for professional stage dance (EFZ). The boarding school provides them with a safe and appropriate educational environment for their personal, academic and professional development.
For the boarding school of the Zurich Dance Academy, we are seeking from 1 March 2027 or by arrangement
Social Pedagogue 40% (m/f/d) combined with Deputy Head of Boarding School and Social Pedagogical Responsibility 30%
Your tasks
As part of a committed and experienced social pedagogical team, you are responsible for the guidance, counselling and support of performance-oriented young people. You take on the role of key contact person for some residents and are responsible for case management. Regular communication with the parents and the social environment of the young people is an important part of your work.
In addition to your duties as a social pedagogue, you assume the role of deputy head and social pedagogical responsibility in the boarding school. You support the team of social pedagogues in professional matters. Together with the boarding school management, you create a professional, safe and development-promoting environment for the young people. In the absence of the boarding school management, you act as their deputy and actively contribute to the further development of the boarding school.
Your main tasks include:
• Social pedagogical support of young people
• Social pedagogical responsibility: professional guidance and support of the social pedagogues team
• Ensuring and further developing quality standards, concepts and processes
• Supporting the boarding school management in organisational, administrative as well as financial and budgetary matters
• Deputising for the boarding school management during their absence
• Cooperation with parents, schools, specialist agencies and other stakeholders
• Participation in projects and the further development of the boarding school
Your profile
• Recognised qualification in social pedagogy HF/FH or comparable tertiary education
• Several years of professional experience working with young people
• Experience in professional leadership, coaching or project responsibility is an advantage
• High social, communication and reflection skills as well as high resilience
• Independent, structured and responsible way of working
• Interest in taking on leadership responsibility and actively supporting the boarding school management
• Experience in administrative and organisational processes as well as interest in financial and budget-related topics
• Intercultural competence as well as very good German and good English skills
What you can expect from us
We offer you an exciting and varied role in a dynamic and collegial environment. Our inclusive culture promotes diversity and respectful interaction, contributing to an inspiring working atmosphere. You will benefit from a variety of perks, including regular supervision and numerous training opportunities that support your personal and professional development. Our modern workplace is ideally located in district 8 and offers excellent accessibility.
Your contacts for further information
Till Ammann, Head of Boarding School (till.ammann@zhdk.ch).
HR contact person: Mirjam Schütz, HR Business Partner (mirjam.schuetz@zhdk.ch).
Additional information about the Zurich University of the Arts and the Dance Academy can be found at www.tanzakademie.ch. Please submit your complete application documents by 8 November 2026 via the "Apply online now" link at the end of this advertisement. Please note that we only consider online applications for this position. Interviews will take place on 16 November 2026.
