Vacant job

Sapere Aude – dare to be wise – is our motto. Our students and staff develop socially important knowledge that enriches the individual and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage, and openness, with close connections between people, roles, subjects, and research. The foundation of our operations is gender equality, diversity, and a democratic perspective. We are located in Värmland, a nature-rich and culturally vibrant region where we act as an engine for sustainable development in close collaboration with society.

Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Read more about us at: kau.se/jobb (https://kau.se/jobb)

Description

Karlstad University offers a leading role in an organization with an important societal mission. You will become part of an operation with dedicated employees and students who have strong faith in the future. Our attractive campus environments provide space for everyday meetings characterized by openness, warmth, and proximity. You will have great opportunities to influence both your own development and the development of the organization.

We are now seeking a University Director who wants to contribute to developing the university's operational support and administrative governance, with a focus on creating the best possible conditions for education, research, and collaboration.

The work as University Director involves long-term strategic work combined with daily operations in an organization where many stakeholders have different perspectives. As University Director, you lead the university's central support functions, are part of the university's central leadership team, and are the rector's closest colleague in administrative matters. You are responsible for developing the support functions, ensuring they work efficiently and professionally, with clear direction and a focus on providing the organization with the best possible conditions. As University Director, you are also responsible for preparing cases for the rector and the University Board. Budget and business planning processes are other important parts of the job. You will represent the university in local, regional, and national contexts.

The central support functions include 10 departments and approximately 300 employees. The department heads report to the University Director. The University Director also has direct managerial responsibility for the Executive Office with 15 employees.

Qualifications

We are looking for you who have several years of experience in qualified leadership work in large and complex knowledge organizations. You have experience in leading through managers and successfully driving development within administrative operations. Having a good understanding of public operations, its conditions, and governance, preferably with experience from academia or another government agency, is a prerequisite for success in this role. You must also be able to communicate fluently in both Swedish and English in your work.

As a leader, you are proactive, driving, and confident in making decisions even when conditions are not entirely clear. Your leadership is characterized by trust, clarity, and participation. You have good judgment, are able to develop good collaborations, and create a positive change climate. To contribute to a good work environment and the development of operations, you are present and participate in daily work and community.

Conditions

The position is a permanent full-time employment with a start date of March 1, 2027, or as agreed.

Application

Welcome to submit your application by August 16, 2026. You apply via the university's web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.

A complete application must be received by the end of the application period. Note that an incomplete application may mean that your competence cannot be fully assessed.

The application should include:

• Cover letter describing your qualifications in relation to the tasks
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of relevant grades, degree certificates, and references.

Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss (https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss)

Welcome with your application!

Karlstad University has made the selection for this recruitment and therefore declines contact with advertising sales and recruiters.

HR Excellence in Research

In September 2020, Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award. The award is given to employers who have an inspiring work environment and good conditions for researchers and who continuously work to develop these. The award shows the institution's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at kau.se/hrs4r (https://kau.se/hrs4r).