Dean of the School of Business & Economics (SBE)

The Dean combines two roles. On the one hand, the Dean, together with the Faculty Board, is ultimately responsible for education, research impact, leadership development and business operations of SBE. On the other hand, the Dean is part of the strategic team of Deans who work side by side with the Executive Board to develop and implement the vision and strategy of Maastricht University.  

The leadership and the interconnected manner of collaboration are characterised by a Dean who:

1. creates a work environment in which professionals receive room to grow, feel ownership and may bear responsibility;
2. shows courage in making clear choices;
3. creates an environment in which collaboration is highly esteemed and in which people feel valued, are recognized and rewarded;
4. is an example in ethical, respectful and inclusive behaviour. Someone who encourages diversity and shows exemplary behaviour in realising an open, inclusive and diverse culture.

The Dean

contributes pro-actively and constructively to the management and strategic development of UM and invests in a strong collaboration with the other Deans and the Executive Board;

is ultimately responsible within the Faculty Board and leads the faculty together with the other members of the Board;

leads by making clear choices and enthusiastically continues the strategic course of the faculty;

realises commitment for decisions and carefully weighs all interests and is accountable;

stimulates mutual involvement in a socially safe climate within the faculty by being available and by investing in a healthy and open relationship with the entire community in the faculty;

stimulates interdisciplinary collaboration and builds bridges over the boundaries of department and faculties, and seeks collaboration and connection with the Brightlands campus  and other regional, national and international partners;

actively protects the link between the strategic course and the personnel planning, in which a broad investment in diversity and recognition and the rewarding of each person’s talents are important focus areas;

encourages employee ownership and responsibility within the faculty framework, actively steers the process of identifying and using different talents and gives space to realise results while creating a balance between ambition and the (experienced) work pressure;  

stimulates research development and directs the obtaining of research funding (2nd and 3rd stream funding) to realise growth in line with the strategy;

bears responsibility for the development of education according to the university’s educational vision and renews the educational portfolio as needed;

takes responsibility for education accreditation, research visitations and the continuation of Triple Crown Accreditation of SBE;

further builds on the firm regional and international network of SBE.

Qualities needed

• Visionary and innovative

The Dean has a clear, inspiring vision on the opportunities and possibilities for the development of the faculty and stands by their position. The Dean brings new ideas for education, research and impact and as a leader dares to think at an organisational level and off the beaten path. The Dean has a clear vision on the developments of technology-enhanced education.  

• Vigorous and result-oriented

The Dean explores possibilities in an optimistic and creative manner, finds solutions and is decisive in choices to realise goals.

• Building bridges

The Dean is approachable and visible to the entire community. The Dean enthusiastically includes both academic and non-academic members of staff. The Dean strives for commitment to decisions by listening to and including different perspectives, weighing all interests and making substantiated decisions. The Dean collaborates with integrity, is transparent, listens and asks critical questions. Is self-reflective and able to amend their own behaviour and method. Naturally, the Dean bridges the diversity within the faculty and connects to the broader context of the university as a whole. The Dean keeps a steady course and also communicates this course.

• Solid reputation and a broad international network

The Dean has an impressive academic track record and  is connected in relevant networks of public and private administration (in Dutch: publiek en privaat bestuur) within the academic area and has experience with international and interdisciplinary education and research.  

You have a solid and respected academic status as a Professor and an (inter)national network. Essential for the position are demonstrable administrative and leadership (in Dutch: bestuurlijke) qualities and leadership experience in an academic environment with international ambitions. Enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit are very significant. You built teams and connect people. Interdisciplinary thinking and working come naturally to you. You have a clear vision and have demonstrable experience in your ability to anticipate change.  

Integrity, a warm heart for diversity, an eye for social safety in the work environment, finding the right balance between ambition and the (experienced) work pressure of your staff, and working very closely together with others, are essential to you. Recurring self-reflection characterizes you. You can show relevant experience in the fostering and furthering of diversity and inclusivity.

You can demonstrate that you have experienced complex trajectories, at times with difficult consequences and tough decisions. Transparency in the decision-making process, clear communication with all levels of the organisation, thoroughness and vigour characterize how you act and handle these situations.

You support the course set in the strategic vision of the university and faculty. SBE is currently at a point where change needs to take hold, with the established course continuing and with development and innovation moving forward together. The faculty will benefit from and thrive under solid leadership who keeps a steady course.

• This is a full time position with an appointment term of 4 years, which may be extended with another 4 year term upon positive evaluation.
• A salary according to the Professor salary scales (dependent on experience) with a special allowance for the role of Dean between 15% and 25% of the annual salary (before tax). (The allocation of the allowance depends on the experience as Dean)
• After your term(s) as Dean, the sabbatical leave policy is applicable if desired;
• Furthermore, all other compensation and benefits of working at the university are applicable, which you can find here on the UM intranet.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with nearly 22,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, is still growing. The university distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education. Thanks to its high-quality research and education, as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built a solid reputation. Today, UM is considered one of the best young universities in the world.

School of Business & Economics (SBE)

SBE is an international School of Business and Economics with a broad scope. Our areas of expertise reside in economics, international business, management, public policy, governance and sustainability. We offer high-quality research and research-based education for adult and lifelong learners. Our approach is challenge-driven, innovative, collaborative, inclusive and based on European values. As an open and connected community, we are an outward-looking member of the international knowledge society. We believe in collaboration and co-creation for a sustainable future. We inspire and are inspired by engaged professionals who appreciate transdisciplinary collaboration. We contribute to society by welcoming different perspectives. We regard integrative problem solving as an indelible element of an integral approach to societal relevant research and learning. Our graduates contribute to society by applying problem-solving skills and state of the art knowledge.

SBE combines a strong commitment to excellent research and research-based education with a focus on our impact on society. Our aim is to generate ideas that advance scientific knowledge and practice and to educate and train undergraduates, graduates and professionals to function effectively and responsibly in their careers. Through these objectives, we aim to add value to the society to which we belong.