Interim Head of College United World College Maastricht

UWC Maastricht

We offer a challenging and engaging education for students from all age groups, equipping them with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC Maastricht educational experience is about knowing and acting. We nurture an understanding of the world and its major challenges, and help students discover how they can serve others and make a positive contribution to society and the planet. We currently serve over 900 students from more than 100 countries, 200 of whom live in our residential community on campus.

Join us!

UWC Maastricht recruits qualified and experienced staff from around the world who are committed to our school’s mission to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future.

After two years, the current Head of College has chosen to pursue her career outside of school for personal reasons. We are therefore currently looking for an Interim Head of College who can fill this position to bridge the appointment of a permanent Head of College. We are thinking of an interim period of 1 year, or as much faster as the recruitment procedure yields a suitable permanent candidate.

More general information about our special school and the position of Head of College can be found in the full profile used for the recruitment of the current Head of College in 2024, available at https://shorturl.at/L4CRT. 

The specific assignment for the Interim Head of College

The Interim Head of College (HoC) is

• Maintaining peaceful and sustainable cooperation within the school, outlining and adhering to clear framework and structures
• Improving cooperation with the participation bodies
• Implementing a new governance structure
• Fill strategic positions, including Director of Secondary School, Director of HR, Director of Advancement
• Prepare and execute recruitment for the permanent Head of College
• Start implementing the new school plan 2026-2030
• Is ultimately responsible for the overall management of the school (quality of education, finance, safeguarding, staff wellbeing) and is accountable for this to the Board and ALV.

And is also ultimately responsible for the overall management of the school (quality of education, finance, safeguarding, staff wellbeing) and is accountable for this to the Board and ALV.

Profile and competencies

Our preferred candidate:

• Has fulfilled a position of final responsibility in education. Preferably as rector or director of a large school/education group in primary or secondary education (preferably secondary education profile).
• International experience is desirable but not necessary (minimal interest in an international educational context and involvement in the UWC values) including a good command of the Dutch and English language.
• Has knowledge and a good understanding of the Dutch way and culture of participation (medezeggenschap).
• Is able to create administrative clarity in the organization.
• Is someone who explicitly makes the connection with the representatives of the competent authority of MosaLira and LVO and is also structurally accountable for this in mandatory parts.
• Insight into cultural differences and the ability to connect in them.

We are looking for the following competencies:

• Leadership style: decisive, steady on course and connecting
• Educational expertise and knowledge of Dutch laws and regulations, especially in the field of education and education financing
• Stakeholder management: building a strong relationship with school management, participation and other stakeholders
• Strong communication skills: clear and transparent, building trust, figurehead
• Change management: peaceful and sustainable cooperation, quickly analysing and structuring without disrupting
• Result orientation: clear goals and deadlines, short-term stabilization and long-term improvement
• Proficient in both Dutch and English

Safeguarding

UWC Maastricht is committed to upholding the highest standards in student safeguarding. You can read more about this topic on our website: https://www.uwcmaastricht.nl/welcome/safeguarding/
Throughout the application process we will be assessing your suitability to work with children and young adults. Prior to an offer of employment being made, UWC Maastricht will check directly with current and former employers about safeguarding.

Terms of Employment

• You will get a temporary (freelance) contract of employment for 1.0 FTE, on average 40 hours per week.
• The package will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position. Employment terms and salary are available upon request.
• Location: UWC Maastricht, the Netherlands.

The initial contract starts preferably on 1 May 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter, due to the transfer of the current Head of College) until the summer of 2027 with the possibility of dissolving the contract earlier in the event that a new permanent Head of College can be appointed earlier.

To be able to work in the Netherlands, a (foreign) staff member must be able to successfully apply for:
✔ Residence and work permits for the Netherlands.
✔ A Dutch VOG (certificate of good conduct).
UWCM will assist in the application processes for residence and work permits and VOG.

Information

Questions can be addressed to the Board of UWC Maastricht, via
board.secretary@uwcmaastricht.nl

Our procedure

After shortlisting, we determine the suitability of the remaining candidates to work in our school via, reference checks and interviews at our school or online. 
As per our Recruitment Policy, Safeguarding is a priority of UWCM and therefore all references will be asked questions in this area.

The deadline for application is 27 April 2026.

NOTE: We reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline