Kanzler*in

About Philipps-Universität Marburg

Founded in 1527, Philipps-Universität Marburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most vibrant universities, serving around 22,000 students with acclaimed teaching and broad scientific research. It hosts unique research facilities including Germany's sole BSL-4 laboratory within a university, maintains partial autonomy over construction projects up to 15 million euros, and collaborates closely with institutions like the Max-Planck Institute and Herder Institute. The university is pursuing the "Exzellenzuniversität" title in partnership with regional universities, aiming to enhance scientific excellence and regional impact.

Position Summary

The university is seeking a Chancellor (Kanzler*in) to begin as soon as possible, appointed typically as a civil servant for a fixed term of eight years initially, extendable for six years. The role includes membership in the Presidential Board and leadership of the university administration according to guidelines set by the presidium. This position is full-time and remunerated under salary group WL2 HBesG with potential additional performance allowances.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the university administration focusing on modernizing the administrative culture based on "Science in Focus", promoting trust over control, innovation-friendly rules, and minimal bureaucratic effort for academic members.
• Drive major organizational changes, including a comprehensive revision of duties, implementation of digital strategies, and introduction of new leadership and work tools.
• Manage administrative modernization and budget consolidation efforts to achieve savings of 141 million euros by 2031, including reduction of 100 administrative and central service positions, while ensuring socially responsible and transparent change.
• Lead staff development and recruitment to attract and retain skilled professionals amid demographic shifts and a competitive labor market.
• Oversee space efficiency management, advancing it to a sufficiency-oriented control tool including building development planning and ecological assessment.
• Implement and certify an environmental management system under EMAS connecting with the university’s sustainability and climate initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• A completed scientific higher education degree with several years of leadership experience in charge of significant organizational units, preferably within academic or research institutions.
• Proven expertise in steering complex change processes with the ability to engage and motivate people.
• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to represent university positions confidently and knowledgeably in internal and external debates.
• A cooperative leadership style and enjoyment of teamwork, interacting on equal terms with academic staff.
• Solid knowledge of budgeting, personnel, administrative law, experience in digitization initiatives, and familiarity with construction management.
• Experience with university medicine is advantageous.
• Understanding of university dynamics as a place of freedom, curiosity, societal responsibility, and resilience, and a commitment to shaping the administration to support these values.

What We Offer

• A prestigious German university excelling in extensive research disciplines, with two excellence clusters, high-quality teaching, and a mission to contribute positively to society.
• An environment valuing genuine collaboration and considering administration a strategic partner.
• Scope for innovation within a modern, streamlined, and employee-friendly administrative culture.
• A vibrant university town offering a high quality of life in central Hesse.
• All benefits accorded by public service employment.

Additional Information

Bewerbungsgespräche (interviews) are scheduled between August 26 and 28, 2026. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Preferential consideration is given to women in underrepresented fields and to individuals with disabilities who have equal qualifications, in accordance with legal provisions. Family-friendly policies support work-life balance including possibilities for reduced working hours. Application costs will not be reimbursed. Applications must be submitted by August 6, 2026.