Director of the International Office (f/m/x) Universität Duisburg-Essen

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves on outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is looking to fill the following position within the Student Services Division at the Duisburg/Essen campus:

Director of the International Office (f/m/x)
TV-L 15 (brutto 67.900 € - 94.254 €)

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is expanding its international alliances in research, teaching and society. In 2025, the UDE was awarded the Federal Foreign Office Prize for excellent international student support at German universities by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). With its new International Relations Strategy 2030, the UDE has realigned its international activities under the auspices of the Vice-Rector for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs.

The International Office is the central unit where services and competences regarding all matters related to internationalisation at UDE are bundled. As part of university administrative services, it collaborates closely with the Vice-Rector for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs.

The International Office team is responsible for operational support, monitoring and strategic development of all international activities. A focus is advising students and researchers in the organisation of international mobility, educational programmes and cooperation.

In addition, the International Office coordinates UDE activities within the Aurora European University Alliance and supports international liaison offices and points of contact. Other core responsibilities include the operation of its Welcome Service and advising persons seeking international refuge who wish to study or conduct research at UDE.

As Director of this unit, you will bear overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management and further development of the International Office, leading a team of about 20 staff members.

Your duties

• active involvement in internationalisation efforts and strengthening the competitive position of the UDE internationally
• managerial and leadership responsibility for an interdisciplinary team
• close collaboration with the Vice-Rector for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs on implementing and further developing the International Relations Strategy 2030
• adaptation of service and consultation structures to maximise efficiency and effectiveness actively transforming processes to support international activities
• cooperation in a complex environment of international stakeholders and coordination of the people and units involved at the central and faculty levels within the university as well as outside it
• responsibility for the core fields of international mobility and welcome services
• coordination of UDE activities within the Aurora European University Alliance
• representation of the UDE in contacts with funding organisations and international partner institutions
• support of faculties and research centres in funding opportunities for international activities and strategic cooperation
• enhanced visibility of international activities and communication to the relevant target audiences

Your profile

• completed academic degree (master or comparable)
• international experience, preferably in one of the world-regions where the UDE is active
• extensive experience in an internationally oriented university or research environment
• extensive management and leadership experience
• strong competencies in strategic and conceptual thinking
• intercultural skills and confidence in interacting with diverse groups and partners
• good communication and social skills, and a willingness to innovate
• high level of proficiency in German and English, both in spoken and written communication (C1/C2)
• knowledge of the national and international university landscape, including relevant funding programmes
• willingness and ability to travel internationally

What we offer

• secure, permanent employment with a diverse and multifaceted area of responsibility with international contacts
• an interesting and responsible position with significant opportunities to shape the role, interaction with nearly all areas of the UDE
• a work environment based on mutual appreciation and respect
• flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from home
• family friendly with care services for your children
• advice on family care duties
• a wide selection of further training and education opportunities, tailored onboarding
• location well accessible by public transport and free parking
• attractive sports and health services (University Sport Centre)

Start date: as soon as possible
Contract duration: permanent contract
Working time: 100% FTE (part-time employment is possible)
Deadline for applications: July 3, 2026
Interviews are expected to take place during calendar weeks 28 and 29.

Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application (see link below) including the usual documents (motivation letter, CV, attachments). Please specify the reference number 245-26.

Application link: https://udue.de/24526

For further information about the job, please contact Sabine Wasmer (phone: +49 201 183 2046, email: sabine.wasmer@uni-due.de). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Johanna Kaufmann (phone: +49 201 183 2227, email: johanna.kaufmann@uni-due.de).

You can find information about the International Office, the Vice-Rectorate for University Culture, Diversity and International Affairs, the International Relations Strategy 2030 and the unit offering the job at: https://www.uni-due.de/international/index_en.shtml

The University of Duisburg-Essen aims to promote the diversity of its members (see https://www.uni-due.de/diversity/en/).

If two candidates are equally qualified, women will be given preference, as stipulated in the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz; LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with disabilities or equivalent status as defined in Section 2 (3) of Book IX of the German Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch; SGB IX) are encouraged.

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