Seeking rector

The Städelschule in Frankfurt am Main was founded in 1817 and is dedicated to studies in Fine Arts, Cohabitation, and Curatorial Studies. It features an international team of acclaimed faculty and staff, and a diverse student body of around 150 students. Städelschule’s exhibition space, Portikus, is widely known for its influential exhibition program, presenting both international emerging and established artists. The rector of Städelschule also serves as director of Portikus and works in close collaboration with its curator.

We are currently seeking a visionary and inspiring rector, who has successfully led an art institution or has otherwise demonstrated distinctive leadership in the field of contemporary art. The rector of Städelschule is expected to reside in Frankfurt. The new rector should ideally take up the position by October 1, 2024. 

An ideal candidate has a commitment to higher education, extensive knowledge of global contemporary art and curatorial practice. We are looking for an internationally respected professional with a compelling long-term vision for both Städelschule and Portikus. A proven track record in public and private fund-raising, as well as an excellent command of both German and English are essential. The candidate will have the requisite managerial and communication skills to publicly represent the institution, lead a prominent team of professors, instructors, and staff, and maintain an engaged dialogue with the students.

The initial appointment is for a term of five years with the possibility of reelection. Remuneration is at the equivalent of salary grade W L2 under the Hessisches Besoldungsgesetz.

The Städelschule is an equal opportunity employer, values diversity, and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for its students and employees. Städelschule strives to increase the proportion of women in artistic and scientific personnel and in management positions and strongly encourages applications from qualified women, who will be given priority in case of equal qualification, until a 50 percent quota is reached in the respective personnel category. Likewise, Städelschule is committed to anti-discriminatory measures in its personnel policy. Furthermore, Städelschule strives to create an inclusive application process and working conditions. Within this framework, Städelschule actively supports the application of people with disabilities. 

Lectures and interviews are scheduled for June 19th and 20th in Frankfurt am Main. Applicants are not entitled to compensation for travel and accommodation expenses incurred in the application process.

Candidates are invited to submit their applications via the link on our website until April 17.

The requirements for employment listed in section 68 Hessisches Hochschulgesetz apply accordingly. The search is organized in accordance with sections 44, 45 analogous and section 97 Hessisches Hochschulgesetz and with section 3 Grundordnung. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled or the posting is closed. Additional materials may be requested following the initial review of applications and before the invitation to a public lecture as well as interviews with the internal committee in June 2024. By submitting your application, you agree that your data can be electronically stored and processed for the purpose of the selection process, and will be deleted after the legal storage period. Here you can find our privacy policy.