Rector (f/m/d) mdw - Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien

At the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, as of 1. October 2027, the function of

Rector (f/m/d)

is to be filled in accordance with the Federal Act on the Organisation of Universities and their Studies (Universities Act 2002, Federal Law Gazette I No. 120/2002 as amended). The term of office lasts four years. Two additional terms are permissible.

The mdw is among the internationally leading universities in the field of performing arts. With approximately 3,100 students and 1,600 staff, it is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in the world. It offers a broad spectrum of artistic, scientific, and pedagogical subjects, delivered through its 25 institutes and across its 115 study programmes.

For the mdw, quality in art, music, science and pedagogy is reflected in professional excellence across all areas and is grounded in democratic values, social participation and sustainability. On this basis, the university encourages critical engagement with its institutional past as well as active reflection on current socio-political issues, with particular attention to research areas such as gender, queer, minority and exile studies.

The activities of the mdw and its community are guided by a commitment to freedom of research, artistic expression and teaching, and are firmly aligned with the principles of academic self-governance. These principles are upheld both internally and externally, through the university’s public and societal impact. The mdw depends on the active involvement of all groups within the university community, supported by transparent processes and open communication. Students remain central to all areas of the university’s work.

Responsibilities
The responsibilities associated with this role are specified in § 23 (1) of the Universities Act.

Requirements (pursuant to § 23 (2) Universities Act)

• International experience
• Knowledge of Austrian and European university systems
• Ability to provide organisational and economic leadership for a university

Further desired qualifications

• Completed studies in an artistic, scientific or educational field, combined with a strong understanding of artistic and scientific processes.
• Several years of professional experience in a leadership role at a tertiary education institution or major cultural organisation.
• Familiarity with current cultural and educational policy debates, as well as the willingness and ability to represent the mdw both internally and publicly in accordance with its stated principles.
• Experience in international networks.
• Ability to conduct negotiations, particularly with external public and private stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication, integration and cooperation skills, with a strong commitment to participatory approaches in decision-making and innovation processes.
• Experience in personnel management and development in the areas of research, development of the arts, and teaching.
• Negotiation-level proficiency in German and English.
• Commitment to advancing an inclusive, gender- and diversity-sensitive university culture.

Application documents
The application should clearly demonstrate the extent to which the applicant fulfils the above requirements and the desired qualification profile. In addition to the usual application documents, applicants are asked to submit a written statement outlining their ideas for the further development of the mdw, also taking into account the Austrian and European higher education context. Further reflections on the organisation and division of responsibilities within the Rectorate are also expected.

Further details
The appointment of the Rector (f/m/d) is made through a selection process conducted by the University Board, based on a proposal by the Senate of mdw. This position is offered on a full-time basis.

The most suitable applicants will be invited to a public university hearing at the mdw in mid-October 2026 and to an interview with the selection committee (pursuant to § 23a Universities Act). At the hearing and interview, applicants will present themselves and their conceptual ideas, particularly with regard to the performance of the role, the organisation and division of responsibilities within the Rectorate, and the positioning and further development of the mdw.

Expenses for travel and accommodation in connection with the recruitment or selection procedure, as well as any other application-related costs, will not be reimbursed. Application documents will remain with the mdw. The mdw is committed to increasing the proportion of women in artistic, scientific and general university positions, particularly at management level, and expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Persons with disabilities are also expressly encouraged to submit an application.

We ask that you submit your application files by 24th July 2026, to the email address findungskommission@mdw.ac.at.

Mag. Angelika Möser
Chair of the University Board