Inspiring and connecting Vice-Dean & Portfolio Holder for Education, Faculty of Archaeology

Inspiring and connecting Vice-Dean & Portfolio Holder for Education, Faculty of Archaeology

(0.8 - 1.0 FTE) | Start date: 1-2-2026 | open procedure

Due to the expiration of the term of our Vice-Dean of Education on 1 January 2026, the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Archaeology (FdA) is looking for an enthusiastic successor to join our passionate team. We are looking for a strong, connecting administrator who, in challenging times, is willing to take on the task of keeping education in our inspiring Faculty future-proof and further developing it in line with the renewed Faculty Strategic Plan. The new Vice-Dean will in principle be appointed for four years, with the possibility and intention of extension. Do you see this as the next administrative challenge in your career, in which you can fully express your vision and initiative? Then apply now!

The Vice-Dean Education
As a portfolio holder within the Faculty Board, you are responsible for developing and implementing the Faculty's educational strategy and policy based on the University and Faculty vision. To this end, you will work closely with the Director of Education, the Head of Education and Student Affairs, the Department Chairs and the Faculty representative bodies, the Rector Magnificus and the Vice-Deans of the other Faculties (e.g. in the Education Council).

You will be responsible for the content and didactic development of our programmes with the aim of realising educational programmes that are scientifically up to date in the field of archaeology. You will also evaluate and monitor the Faculty's educational performance and internal and external quality assurance.

You will be responsible for the optimal functioning of the educational organisation, ensuring efficient planning and an optimal and transparent workload for employees, in which everyone does their fair share.

Key tasks

• • In times of uncertainty regarding funding and changing social circumstances, maintaining a balance between quality, efficiency, student wellbeing and workload in education.
  • Ensuring the future relevance and impact of our educational programmes for society, taking into account developments in professional fields and the needs of prospective students. This includes the long-term development of new educational activities (Lifelong Development) and (possibly) the reform of study programmes.
  • Further developing a culture of renewal and educational innovation, including in the areas of teacher development, digitisation (including AI) and interfaculty cooperation on education. In line with this, actively contributing to the desired faculty organisational culture and setting an example in this regard.

Knowledge and experience
As our next vice-dean, you are a Professor or Associate Professor and you are familiar with the Faculty and our educational programmes. You demonstrate academic and administrative leadership with proven extensive teaching experience and a strong affinity with education (and educational development). You have a sharp vision on education, innovation and quality and the optimal design of the educational organisation and educational logistics processes. You have experience as an administrator or manager in a higher education environment and work and think from an administrative perspective. You feel responsible for education within the faculty, both in terms of content and organisation and support.

Competencies and skills

• You have a keen eye for changes within the Faculty, the University and beyond, and you are able to translate these into the profile and positioning of our education. You are able to actively engage with stakeholders (e.g. students, lecturers and support staff), take their perspectives seriously and incorporate them into policy-making.
• You communicate and act diplomatically within a complex organisation and are able to think constructively and contribute at University level.
• You are accessible, positive, caring, clear and transparent.
• You have the ability to connect people based on your vision and rally them behind your ideas, as well as to make unpopular decisions when necessary.
• You engage in dialogue, initiate changes where necessary and ensure constructive but goal-oriented implementation in order to maintain the high quality of our education.

As a board member, you are a role model for modern leadership; you create a socially safe, positive and inclusive working environment where ambitions and talents can flourish. You focus on cooperation at the administrative, policy and operational levels, both within and outside the Faculty and the University (including internationally).

In addition, you have a good sense of political-administrative relations and staff participation, and you are a good listener. You also have a good command of both Dutch and English and excellent interpersonal skills.

Context
The Faculty Board consists of the Dean, the Vice-Dean for Education, the Vice-Dean for Research, the Executive Director and a Student Assessor. The Faculty Board is jointly responsible for education, research, operations, and the organisation and management of the faculty. The Board works closely with the departments, the Faculty Bureau, and the representative advisory bodies, as well as with their fellow portfolio holders in the other Faculties and the Executive Board, and contributes to strengthening the University as a whole.

Mobility
Leiden University's policy is aimed at stimulating job mobility within the university. In this context, if you are employed on a permanent contract, you will be appointed to your role for a period of four years with the possibility and intention of extension. This means, of course, that Leiden University considers itself jointly responsible with you for ensuring a suitable continuation of your career after this period, either in this role or in another.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University strives to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff feel valued and respected and can develop their full potential. We welcome diversity in experiences and perspectives because they enrich and strengthen our University community.

What we offer

• An administrative allowance and a monthly expense allowance.
• A committed and passionate team of fellow administrators and colleagues in the faculty.

Contact
For more information about the content of this administrative role, please contact Jan Kolen, Dean, via j.c.a.kolen@arch.leidenuniv.nl . For more information on the procedure you may contact Marion Sluijs, HR adviseur CvB/RvT via 06-42127845.

Want to apply or find out more?

Applying internally
Has this description of the role of Vice-Dean made you enthusiastic? Please let us know! Send your cover letter and CV by 11 December 2025 at the latest via the blue button.

References may be checked for the final candidates and a (development) assessment may be part of the procedure. We aim to appoint the new Vice-Dean on 1 February 2026.