Director Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich, 80-100 %

The current Director will retire at the end of the 2026/27 school year. Therefore, we are looking for a Director to lead Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich as of 1 August 2027 or by arrangement.

Tasks ##

Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich (MKZ) is one of the six service departments of the Schul- und Sportdepartement of the City of Zürich. As a member of the executive management of the department, you will be directly subordinate to the Head of the Schul- und Sportdepartement.

• You will shape the strategic, operational, and pedagogical further development of MKZ and, together with your leadership team, ensure successful and future-oriented operations. In doing so, you will ensure compliance with municipal specifications and quality standards.
• You will create optimal framework conditions for contemporary, high-quality instruction in music, dance, and theater and promote an inspiring learning and development culture for students and employees.
• You will further develop the strategic orientation and the offering of MKZ. In doing so, you will create demand-oriented educational offers for different target groups as well as for the promotion of giftedness and will be responsible for long-term resource and financial planning.
• Together with internal and external partners, you will further develop the space requirement strategy of MKZ and implement it in close cooperation with Immobilien Stadt Zürich (IMMO), the Schulamt, and the branch offices.
• You will lead and promote a dedicated leadership team consisting of the Prorektor Musikförderung, the Prorektor Angebot und Veranstaltungen, the Head of Central Services, the Executive Assistant, the Head of Communication, and the eight Musikschulleiter*innen. As a member of the management team of the Schul- und Sportdepartement, you will report directly to the Head of the Department.

Profile ##

• You have a university degree (e.g., Universität, ETH, ZHAW, ZHdK). Completed management training as well as several years of leadership and management experience enable you to successfully shape and develop demanding organizations. You also possess knowledge in project and process management. Experience in leading an educational institution is an advantage.
• You combine strategic thinking with implementation strength and act in a solution-oriented manner. In negotiations, you convince through your appreciative, partnership-based, and binding communication.
• You communicate in a target-group-oriented manner and have experience in working with various stakeholders and committees (e.g., Schulkommissionen or Lehrer*innenkonvent). Your high social competence, your leadership strength, as well as your ability to promote and inspire people, distinguish you.
• You understand political and social contexts and move confidently in the environment of politics and administration. Ideally, you have already been able to successfully demonstrate your competence to act in this environment. In doing so, you take an active role in strategic steering and coordination committees in the field of music education in the City and the Canton of Zürich.
• Ideally, you have knowledge of the Swiss music education system and bring teaching experience at various levels. With your enthusiasm for education and music and your ability to win people over for common goals, you will actively help shape the future of MKZ.

We offer ##

• A versatile and responsible leadership task in an inspiring environment where education, music, and culture meet and are actively further developed.
• The opportunity to sustainably shape the future of MKZ together with dedicated employees, teachers, and stakeholders and to decisively help shape the cultural and music promotion in Zürich.
• Attractive employment conditions according to the municipal salary system as well as very good social benefits. A centrally located workplace in the heart of the City of Zürich (Florhofgasse 6) with excellent connections to public transport.
• A working time model with trust-based working hours and the possibility to take holidays mainly during the school holidays. The function includes regular evening and occasional weekend assignments, but simultaneously offers a high degree of creative freedom in work organization.

Apply

Apply

About us ##

The Schul- und Sportdepartement of the City of Zürich promotes children, youth, and adults with diverse offerings in the areas of education, music, and sport.
Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich is the largest music school in Switzerland and is among the most significant in Europe. With a diverse educational offering in music, dance, and theater, it offers children, youth, and adults the opportunity to develop their creative talents. Over 650 dedicated teachers teach around 27,000 students at approximately 180 locations of the eight music schools in both individual and group lessons.

Interested? ##

To promote balanced gender representation in the top management, we particularly welcome applications from women. In the case of equal suitability, women will be given preference.

Are you ready to help shape the future of MKZ? We explicitly encourage women to apply. We look forward to your application via our online portal.

For detailed information, Marcello Keller, Head of Personnel Schul- und Sportdepartement, +41 44 413 87 65 is at your disposal.

Reference No.: 51481

Work at the City ##

Work at the City

Employment conditions