Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Job title: Director of Human Resources

Location: UWC Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands

Salary: €3644 - €6432 depending on experience

Application deadline: 12 April 2025

Start date: 1 August 2026

Enquiries: vacacnies@uwcmaastricht.nl

View other vacancies at UWC Maastricht

United World College Maastricht (UWCM) offers 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. We have approximately 200 staff members from all over the world, representing more than 30 nationalities.

UWC Maastricht is looking for an experienced Director of Human Resources.

UWCM is seeking a strategic, people-oriented, and internationally minded Director of Human Resources (1.0 FTE) who will strengthen our community and support our mission: making education a force for peace and a sustainable future.

In this key role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a future-proof HR strategy that aligns with our diverse, multicultural school environment. You will build a professional, inclusive, and safe work culture in which employees feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Safeguarding is an integral part of this role. You ensure that our processes, culture, and decision-making meet the highest standards regarding the safety and well-being of students and staff. You promote awareness, accountability, and transparency across all levels of the organisation.

As Director of HR, you will work closely with the HR department, serve as part of the Leadership Team, and actively contribute to organisational development, talent management, leadership development, and sustainable employability. You are a unifying leader who thinks strategically, communicates clearly, and builds a strong and safe UWC community with conviction.

Skills and preferred experience

UWC Maastricht staff are united by a shared mission. We’re looking for a people-focused leader who not only brings strong leadership skills, but also lives the values of peace, diversity, compassion and sustainability.

• Education and professional experience
  • Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources
  • Minimum of 5 years of successful experience as an HR Manager in an international and/or Dutch school context
• Professional competencies
  • Advanced level of Dutch and English is essential for this role
  • Demonstrates academic level professionality and intellectual ability
  • Strong knowledge of Dutch labour law, relevant collective labour agreements (CAO for PO & VO) and other HR related regulations
  • Skilled influencer with the ability to communicate with impact and engage effectively with all members of the school community
  • Proactive and hands-on mentality, with a data-driven approach; able to multitask and prioritise in a timely manner, without close supervision
  • Proven ability to navigate complex political/legal conversations with different stakeholders
  • Solution-focused and flexible, with the ability to adapt to change and manage unfamiliar tasks or new processes
  • Deep intercultural understanding, with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect, and the ability to embed these principles in HR practices across the school community
  • Demonstrates strong and effective people management skills
  • Understanding of, and alignment with, the UWC context and values

What we offer

• You will get a temporary contract of employment, starting 1 August 2026, under Dutch law: it is a contract as Director of HR for 1.0 FTE: on average 40 hours per week, initially for one year, and can be renewed after that.
• The package will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position, according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Secondary Education (‘CAO VO’). The salary is based on scale 11 and the years of experience and lies between €3.644,- and €6.432,- gross per month on a full-time basis.
• Participation in the school’s pension plan via the ABP Retirement/Pension Fund.

Safeguarding and inclusivity

UWC Maastricht is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers.

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity, peace, and sustainability.