About Thim

THIM – The International University of Applied Sciences is seeking a visionary, hands-on Managing Director to lead its transformation into a outstanding, internationally recognized university for rehabilitation professionals.
This challenging, high-impact leadership role requires strategic foresight, operational execution, and team mobilization at the highest level. The ideal candidate will be responsible for launching new Master’s and Professional Doctorate programs, building national and international research alliances, integrating cutting-edge technology across pedagogy and clinical practice, and shaping an inclusive and high-performance academic culture that attracts top global faculty, researchers, and students.

 
Why Join THIM?
▪ Contributing to one of the Netherlands' most respected programs in physiotherapy and osteopathy and joining a private institution that combines academic excellence with over 50 years of tradition and a deep commitment to student-focused learning.
▪ Full mandate to design, accredit, and launch new graduate and doctoral programs.
▪ Innovate at the Intersection of Health and Technology: Apply robotics, XR/VR, tele-rehab, AI, motion capture, and digital twins in research and teaching.
▪ Global collaboration: Develop strategic partnerships with leading universities, hospitals, and companies across continents.
▪ Impact on health outcomes: train the next generation of rehabilitation professionals who will transform global patient care and clinical practice.

Key Responsibilities & Key Success Indicators (KPIs)

What are the key Responsibilities? 

1. Strategic Leadership & Execution
2. Academic Program Development
3. Research & Innovation
4. Clinical Network Expansion
5. Digital & Technological Integration
6. Enrollment & Branding
7. Organizational Development & Culture Building
8. Financial & Operational Oversight
9. Governance & External Relations

Key Success Indicators (KPIs)

▪ Accreditation and successful launch of graduate and doctoral programs.
▪ Growth in national and international enrollment, yield, and student satisfaction.
▪ Increase in research funding, publications, and innovation outputs.
▪ Expansion and quality of global clinical placement network.
▪ Financial health: balanced budget, new revenue channels, and capital efficiency.
▪ Faculty recruitment, retention, and engagement performance.
▪ Global visibility through partnerships, rankings, and thought leadership.
▪ Degree of digital and technological integration in programs and infrastructure.

Requirements and core Competencies

What are the minimum requirements?

▪ Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken)
▪ Adept at navigating Dutch and international higher education systems, accreditation frameworks, and cultural contexts.
▪ A Master degree (MBA, MsC) or Doctorate (PhD/EdD/ScD).
▪ 10 years of relevant leadership experience.

The ideal Candidate Profile includes:

▪ 10 years of relevant and proven leadership experience, preferably demonstrated success in launching and scaling Master’s programs.
▪ German language skills.
▪ Strong knowledge of Dutch and international higher education systems, accreditation frameworks, and cultural contexts.
▪ A Master degree or Doctorate in a relevant field as Physiotherapy, Movement Science, Sports Medicine or Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Professions Education, Biomedical Sciences, or another related field.
▪ Additional executive training (e.g., MBA, MPA)
▪ Proven track record in
o research strategy,
o clinical trial development,
o building international academic-industry consortia
o in integrating technology into academic programs and driving innovation in pedagogy and practice.
▪ Active within the domains of sports, healthcare, or leisure.

Core Competencies

▪ Visionary strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
▪ Inspirational, inclusive leader with a coaching and performance-driven style.
▪ Highly collaborative and diplomatic, experienced in working with diverse stakeholders.
▪ Commercially outcome-driven, with solid business acumen and financial management capabilities.
▪ Mission-driven, resilient, and committed to academic excellence and societal impact.
▪ Naturally eager and curious, with a positive and innovative mindset.
▪ Excellent communication and language skills, able to inspire and connect across cultures.
▪ A genuine people person who builds strong relationships and brings energy to every interaction.

Remuneration package

The position offers a competitive remuneration package, in line with market standards and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition, secondary benefits are aligned with the responsibilities of an executive leadership role in the Dutch education sector.

Procedure

For this procedure, initial interviews with suitable candidates are scheduled for October 7, 8, 9, and 10. The aim is to finalize the appointment by January 1, with quality as the leading principle.

This executive search process is led by Carlo Brouwers of Spijtenburg. Carlo can be reached at any time by email at c.brouwers@spijtenburg.nl, via WhatsApp at +31 681005214, and by phone preferably on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.