For four years; re-election for two consecutive terms permitted
Vienna 1010
Austria
The position of Rector at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (Academy) is to be filled from October 1, 2027, for a period of 4 years (University Act 2002). Re-election for two consecutive terms is permitted.
The Academy is an internationally renowned art university, founded in 1692, and houses three historically significant art collections of international importance.
The Academy’s central mission is developing and promoting the arts in teaching and science, bringing together fine arts, architecture, conservation, restoration, scenography, art and cultural studies, natural sciences, art education and theoretical research with a strong interdisciplinary, socially critical and international orientation. It currently offers 14 study programs for approximately 1,700 students, consisting of six institutes and various administrative departments, employing around 320 lecturers and 150 general university staff.
Central concerns: defense of artistic and scientific freedom, promotion of excellence, strengthening of democratic processes, a consistently non-discriminatory approach, assumption of social responsibility in an interplay between arts, sciences and the public.
We are looking for a leader personality with extensive experience in university politics and international affairs, outstanding in science and/or artistic achievement, an open-minded, creative, supportive, innovative team player, able to implement change, who can lead and align the Academy in future development of arts and sciences.
Requirements
Necessary qualifications:
–knowledge of Austrian and European university systems
–ability to manage a university in terms of science, organization, personnel and finance
–international experience
Expected qualifications
engage actively and reflectively with current artistic, cultural, social and scientific discourses in international/interdisciplinary context, (Several years) of experience in university or comparable management in the arts sector, particularly in personnel management, organizational development, budget responsibility, governance, acquisition of external funding, strong strategic, analytical, conceptual skills, experience in initiating/maintaining international cooperation and networks, strong communication, integration and cooperation skills, team-working skills, ability to mediate between different interests, gender and anti-discrimination awareness, ability to further develop the Academy’s objectives in equality politics and anti-discrimination, development of strategies, measures and training formats in accordance with the Academy’s gender equality plan, university degree, excellent written and spoken German and English
Application procedure
Besides usual application documents (CV, certificates, evidence of previous professional experience, references), requirement of a written statement indicating to what extent the qualifications and requirements listed herein are met. Further, a written statement of principles of the applicant's future management and strategic objectives and development prospects for the Academy, considering its existing development plan and profile-defining objectives of gender equality and anti-discrimination, consisting of approximately 10,000 characters including spaces.
The most suitable candidates will be invited to a public hearing at the Academy and to an interview with the Senate and the University Council. Candidates will be asked to present their concepts for the artistic, scientific and organizational development of the Academy and their ideas for cooperation within the Rectorate.
Applications must be submitted electronically to the Chair of the University Council by September 10, 2026, at the latest here.
Further information on the Academy, its study programs, research projects, the development plan, the current performance agreement and the agreement on anti-discrimination in the workplace here.
The Academy is committed to reducing discrimination and structural barriers by providing a working environment with fair terms of learning, teaching and research. Therefore, applications from qualified individuals structurally disadvantaged due to their gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, ideology or age are welcome, considering that a person may be disadvantaged for several reasons at once (intersectional approach).
The Academy aims to increase the proportion of women and therefore encourages qualified women to apply. In striving for the most barrier-free application and working conditions possible it actively supports the applications of people with disabilities. Applicants may contact the Academy’s Human Resources Department/the Disability Liaison Officers before applying.
Applicants have no claims to reimbursement of travel/accommodation expenses incurred in the application process. —The Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Bernhard Hainz e.h.
