Job opening: Dean Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

Tilburg University - Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

is looking for a 

Dean Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST)

Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an excellent academic environment for research and education. Tilburg University has a high international reputation in academic research and education, is rooted in the region while operating on a global stage with a clear internationalization strategy. Tilburg University is active in the field of social sciences and humanities. There are more than 1200 scholars working at the five Schools, focusing on economics, business and entrepreneurship, social and behavioural sciences, law and public administration, humanities and digital sciences, and theology. The university has a widely supported Strategy until 2027. (Strategy)

Tilburg University has more than 19,000 bachelor's and (pre-)master's students of approximately 100 nationalities and an annual turnover of more than €250 million. In recent years, Tilburg University has experienced significant growth and a healthy financial position and launched some important innovative initiatives, such as the Jheronimus Academy of Data Sciences in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology, and the state-of-the-art augmented-reality lab.

The university offers an excellent academic environment on a beautiful campus. It values its international reputation in the field of academic research and education, but at the same time remains anchored in the region. Tilburg University strives to move society forward by deepening its understanding of it. Connected as the university is to society, it uses excellent research for the common good for everyone. Special attention is paid to the significance and influence of digitization. Tilburg University educates its students with the aim of developing the knowledge, skills, and character they need to meet today's challenges.  At Tilburg University, we respect and care for each other; we draw strength from our differences. We connect disciplines to find solutions to major issues facing society.

In dialogue with students and staff, Tilburg University has established four values that we want to put at the heart of our university's thinking and actions. These core values form the basis for how we treat each other. The values we strive for are: curious, caring, connected and coureageous.

Tilburg University has a shared vision on leadership (Connected Leading) in which personal and team development and the further development of leadership is pursued by stimulating dialogue, openness, and transparency. The university's Leadership Team (Executive Board, Deans, Vice-Deans, and Directors) is an important ambassador of the leadership program.

With the Recognition & Rewards program, Tilburg University actively contributes to the joint national initiative to revise the system of recognition and reward of academics in such a way that it does justice to the domains of education, research, social impact, leadership, and team spirit.

Governance

Tilburg University is based on the ‘Stichting Katholieke Universiteit Brabant’. The aim of this foundation is to promote an open Catholic signature for academic research and education. The foundation board monitors the Catholic foundation and the objectives of Tilburg University and fulfills the function of internal supervisor. The administrative tasks and authority largely belong to the Executive Board. At the central level, employee participation is shaped in the University Council, in which staff and students have a seat. Employee participation also takes place at the level of the faculties and divisions.

Organization

The primary processes of research, education and impact are assigned within the five faculties and one business school of the university, which are diverse in size and positioning: Economics & Management; Law; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Digital Sciences; Catholic Theology as well as TIAS School for Business and Society. The support of these processes is organised within University Services, which is made up of seven divisions: Academic Services, Executive Services, Facility Services, Finance & Control, Human Resources, Library & IT Services and Marketing & Communication.

The university is largely housed on its own campus on the outskirts of Tilburg, with smaller locations in the center of Tilburg, Utrecht and Den Bosch.

Governance and management

The Executive Board is responsible for the management of Tilburg University and the preparation and implementation of policy. Each faculty is led by a Faculty Board that consists of a Dean, a managing director and a vice-dean for research and vice-dean for education. The supporting divisions that together form University Services are each led by a division managing director. There are various consultation structures and consultation moments between the Executive Board, Deans and managing directors aimed at exchanging knowledge, deliberating and decision-making.

The expectations of students, employees, and society about the way in which Tilburg University takes responsibility, is open to collaboration, and communicates transparently are rightly high and are growing continuously. Tilburg University's management philosophy, based on the professional autonomy of scientists, is characterized by management at the decentralized level, shared support, and risk management tailored to it.

Tilburg School of Catholic Theology

The Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST) is focused on the academic education and research in theology for the benefit of all interested parties, especially those who are preparing for pastoral or educational positions in the Roman Catholic Church or with a mission of a bishop. The TST is the only faculty for Catholic theology in the Netherlands that is ecclesiastically recognized by the Holy See and functions fully as such. The TST has the following fields of study: Bachelor of Theology (in both Dutch and English), Master of Theology, Master of Spiritual Care, Master of University Teacher Training in Religion and Philosophy of Life, canonical Baccalaureate and Licentiate, and Master of Christianity and Society. The faculty consists of two departments, Religion and Practice and Texts in Contexts. The faculty is located in Utrecht (primary location) and Tilburg and provides education at both locations. The TST employs approximately 38.7 FTE academic staff and 5.4 FTE support and management staff, and a budget of approximately 5.5 million. For more information, see the  School's homepage.

Your assignment

As Dean, you are responsible for the general management of the School, including the final responsibility for the organization of academic affairs and education and the academic programmes for ministries and functions to which an ecclesiastical mission (ministry education) or ecclesiastical agreement is linked (teachers of religion/philosophy of life). You will also carry out the mandate of the Executive Board regarding the personnel and financial management of the School, assisted by a managing director affiliated with the School. As Dean, you will work together with the deans of the other Schools, on the management of the University by consulting with the Executive Board on the implementation of the strategic plan, the development of a new strategic plan and the university budget. You are accountable to the Executive Board and are actively involved in the accountability to the Chancellor on ecclesiastical aspects. To this end, you will have regular consultations with the Chancellor of the TST.

You will be tasked with further developing and leading the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST) in the light of the Strategic Policy Plan 2022-2027 'Religious Literacy for the 21st century' and to build a new Strategic Policy Plan from 2028 onwards.

(Strategy TST)

Important areas of attention that you, as the person ultimately responsible for the School, will face in the coming years are the strengthening of academic research, including through PhD projects, the strengthening of the connection with Tilburg University and of the social impact of the TST, the further development, maintenance and growth of the market share of education for our theology programs, a continued internationalization of the School and continuous attention to an increase of external research funding.

Your profile

The Dean

• is, or will be, a professor affiliated with Tilburg University and meets the applicable academic requirements;

• is able to formulate, create and implement policy for the special character of this faculty in a complex administrative context, creating support for it and implementing it, responding alertly and flexibly to external developments and changes regarding education and research opportunities;


• has proven knowledge, experience and capabilities in university management;


• has, in addition to its own academic disciplines that fits within one of the core disciplines of the School, a broad orientation towards the other academic fields of the School;


• has excellent leadership qualities and supports the leadership vision (Connected Leading) of Tilburg University;


• actively promotes the values that we as Tilburg University stand for;


• has the willingness and ability to look beyond the boundaries of their own School and to build good cooperation with other Schools;


• is able to give the School a distinctive position within the university and in society and to make relevant connections to this end;


• is Catholic and has demonstrable involvement with the Roman Catholic Church;

• is distinguished by his/her wealth of knowledge, witness to Christian and ecclesial life and sense of responsibility;


• is characterized by knowledge, skills and character in such a way that he/she can effectively contribute to the right goals of a canonically recognized faculty;

• also meets the requirements as set out in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium, the Special Statutes and is eligible to receive a missio canonica or venia docendi, to be issued by the Chancellor and for a nihil obstat from the Dicastery for Culture and Education;


• is able to represent the School in a well-considered and effective way in the social and ecclesiastical context of the Netherlands;


• is an inspiring and connecting personality with an open and explorative leadership style focused on dialogue, and is visible and approachable towards both students and staff;


• enjoys the trust and authority of the professionals of the School, the support staff and of the faculty community, represented in the Faculty Council, on the basis of personality and substantive background. Also enjoys the confidence of the ecclesiastical authorities;


• has excellent communication skills and is focused on cooperation;


• has an (international) network that is relevant to the School and is willing to use and further develop this for the benefit of the School;


• shows creativity and innovative power when it comes to recruiting and inspiring students and PhD candidates.

Your terms of employment

The position of Dean is valued in accordance with the guidelines of the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities in the UFO profile of Dean. In addition, a Dean's allowance is awarded. In principle, the dean is appointed for a period of four years. After this period, the appointment as Dean at Tilburg University can be extended, for another term of four years. The scope of the Dean is at least 0.8 FTE.

Tilburg University is one of the best employers in the Netherlands and offers an excellent benefits package, including a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus according to the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities.

Working for Tilburg University

Tilburg University offers you a versatile position in an international environment with varied work in a pleasant and open working atmosphere. Your work environment is located on the international campus where students, teachers, researchers and other residents work, study, meet and play sports. You will work with the latest technology and become part of an enthusiastic team of colleagues with a passion for their field.

Tilburg University values an open and inclusive culture. Diversity is embraced and stimulates the mutual integration of groups of staff and students.

The university focuses on creating equal opportunities for all staff and students, so that everyone feels at home in the university community. Tilburg University has a lively campus in a beautiful green environment that is easily accessible by public transport. The university is committed to a sustainable society and challenges all staff and students to make an active contribution to this.

Procedure

Interested parties can express their interest by sending a short motivation to [email protected] no later than August 13, 2026. Please apply only via e-mail and not via the recruitment system.

Please address your motivation letter to prof. dr. Wim van de Donk and add your CV. We look forward to your response. For information, interested parties can also call Elke Dingemans, HR policy advisor TST: 013-4662614. We greatly appreciate suggestions from potentially interesting candidates. Women are explicitly asked to apply.

About Tilburg University 

Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization

Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University.

Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous.

About the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST)

The School of Catholic Theology (TST) provides academic education and conducts research in theology with a view to connecting the Catholic tradition with contemporary culture and society. TST has two research Departments: one on Religion and Practice and one on Texts in Contexts. The School is located in Tilburg and Utrecht and is accredited by the Holy See, allowing it to confer canonical degrees. TST educates students who are not only "religiously literate" but carry their broad personal and academic development into many fields of work. TST is characterized by short communication lines and an open and cordial atmosphere. Read more about the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology.

Recruitment code

Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP).

Disclaimer

The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.