Director of the International Office (f/m/x)

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