Central European University (CEU) is seeking a highly committed professional with experience of archival practice, senior management, with a deep familiarity of memory institutions, and a broad range of demonstrated interests in the humanities and the social and information sciences to lead the Blinken OSA Archivum.
The Blinken OSA Archivum is a unique organization. As an integrated part of CEU, the Archivum is a repository of important documents, as well as an educational and research hub for public activities. The focus of its mission is to support research and public engagement in topics related to the Cold War, Communism, Human Rights, the history of the recent past, as well as central policy issues of the present.
The new Director of the Archivum will be joining at an important time for the institution. Reporting to CEU’s Vice Rector for Research and Faculty, they will be responsible for managing and setting the strategic direction of the Archivum in preserving, researching and making accessible documentary traces of the recent past. They will work in close cooperation with the teaching and research programs of the University, the Open Society Foundations and other network partners. They will represent the Archivum externally in public-facing events, build strategic partnerships and networks, and cultivate donors of collections and funds in order to advance the mission of the institution.
Ideal candidates will bring a strong record of accomplishment from work in collections, collections management, and experience in memory and cultural research in higher education. Candidates must also have experience in organizational leadership. The appointee will have a knowledge of and interest in the technical aspects of modern archives, including digitization processes, metadata encoding, digital asset management systems, and library services platforms. They will have extensive professional networks and be able to engage with a range of stakeholders in a nuanced and effective way.
This is a five year fixed term contract.
Please visit https://www.minervasearch.com/current-opportunities/ceu/ for the candidate pack, and more information on CEU, the OSA Archivum, and what we are looking for in the new Director.
Should you be interested in an informal conversation about the post, please contact our executive search partner, Minerva, via ceu@minervasearch.com.
Applications, in the form of a CV and cover letter, should be submitted to ceu@minervasearch.com by Thursday 10th September 2026.