Decaan Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Dean Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Tilburg University seeks a Dean for the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST) to provide strategic leadership and overall management of the school, ensuring the academic excellence and the development of its theological programmes in alignment with the university’s mission and the Canonical requirements of the Holy See.

Responsibilities

• Provide final responsibility for the organization of academic affairs, education and academic programmes, particularly those linked to ecclesiastical ministry and education.
• Implement the Executive Board’s mandate concerning personnel and financial management, assisted by an appointed managing director.
• Collaborate with deans of other schools and consult with the Executive Board on the university’s strategic plan, its development, and the university budget.
• Maintain accountability to the Chancellor regarding ecclesiastical aspects and conduct regular consultations with the Chancellor of the TST.
• Further develop and lead the TST in accordance with the Strategic Policy Plan 2022-2027 “Religious Literacy for the 21st century” and formulate a new strategic policy plan from 2028 onwards.
• Strengthen academic research, including PhD projects, and increase external research funding.
• Enhance the school’s connection with Tilburg University and its social impact, and grow the market share of its theological programmes.
• Advance internationalization of the TST and foster cooperation with other schools.

Qualifications

• Professor affiliated with Tilburg University, meeting the applicable academic requirements.
• Ability to formulate, create, and implement policy for the special character of a canonically recognised faculty in a complex administrative context.
• Proven knowledge, experience and capabilities in university management.
• Broad orientation towards the other academic fields of the school, in addition to one of the core disciplines.
• Excellent leadership qualities supporting the university’s vision of "Connected Leading".
• Actively promotes the university’s values of curiosity, caring, connectivity and courage.
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with other schools and build inter‑school cooperation.
• Catholic with demonstrable involvement with the Roman Catholic Church and the capacity to represent the school within Dutch ecclesiastical contexts.
• Possession of the qualifications set out in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium and the Special Statutes, and eligible for a canonised faculty teaching licence.
• Effective institutional representation and influential personal network within the school and beyond.
• Inspiring, approachable, and communicative style focused on dialogue, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience and creativity in recruiting and inspiring students and PhD candidates.

Terms of Employment

The position is valued according to the guidelines of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities in the UFO profile of Dean. A Dean’s allowance is awarded. The appointment is for a period of four years, with the possibility of an additional four‑year term. The extent of engagement is at least 0.8 FTE.

Benefits

Tilburg University offers a holiday allowance of 8% and an end‑of‑year bonus subject to the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. The university provides a comprehensive benefits package as one of the Netherlands’ top employers.

Equal Opportunities

Tilburg University is committed to equal opportunity for all staff and students and encourages applications from women.

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