President, Aalto University

At Aalto University, curiosity moves across disciplines, roles and communities. We bring science, art, technology and business together to shape a sustainable future. Our work is rooted in responsibility, courage and collaboration. We ask new questions, challenge familiar thinking and turn ideas into impact. Aalto University is looking for a President In this role, you will lead Aalto into its next chapter, turn long-term vision into clear priorities, focused action and measurable progress. You will, together with the entire community, move the university towards ever greater international distinction. Your role and impact As President, you will contribute to positioning Aalto as one of Europe's most innovative and entrepreneurial universities, fully leveraging its unique combination of science, art, technology and business to create new knowledge, talent and societal value. Your work will include: Defining the vision and strategy to drive Aalto forward as a highly original, attractive and innovative academic institution shaping a sustainable future for Finland and the world. Creating the conditions in which excellence in research, artistic work, education, societal impact and multidisciplinary collaboration can flourish. Providing the institutional and operational leadership Aalto needs to fulfil its purpose, with accountability for the university's overall performance, organisational resilience, financial continuity and service to Finland. Anticipating the forces shaping higher education, research and society, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and articulating a positive and impactful role for Aalto within them. Representing Aalto credibly in Finland and internationally, and strengthening its voice in higher education, research and innovation policy. Deepening strategic corporate partnerships and co-created research, expanding private funding and philanthropy, and growing Aalto's foundation endowment. You will work closely with the Aalto University Foundation Board, the Provost and the university's leadership team, faculty, staff, students and student organisations, as well as government, business, funders and international partners. You will report to the Aalto University Foundation Board. As a leader at Aalto, you will shape a culture where people can do meaningful work, grow and succeed together. Our leadership is guided by value-based principles rooted in responsibility, courage and collaboration. As President, you will safeguard academic freedom, foster collegiality and shared governance, and build and empower a high-performing leadership team that enables others to take initiative and act. This is an exciting time to join us. More than fifteen years after the merger that created Aalto, you will inherit a strong institutional platform and a solid financial foundation. You will have the opportunity to shape how the university responds to profound changes in higher education, research and society, from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to sustainability and geopolitical change. The President is appointed for a five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term. The remuneration and other terms of appointment will be agreed upon with the selected candidate. What you bring To thrive in this role, you will need: The ability to translate an ambitious long-term vision into clear priorities, effective execution and measurable progress, supported by sound institutional and financial judgement. Significant leadership experience gained within a sizeable, complex and multicultural organisation, or compelling evidence of readiness to operate successfully at this level. A consultative, decisive and empowering leadership style, grounded in high ethical standards and genuine enthusiasm for Aalto's purpose and its unique combination of disciplines. A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) and a proven track record of excellence in academic research, combined with a clear understanding of what constitutes world-class research and education. The credibility and communication skills to represent Aalto persuasively in Finland and internationally, and to build trusted relationships across government, academia, business and wider society. We also value: An entrepreneurial mindset and the technological fluency to judge what matters and place technological change in its wider economic, societal and geopolitical context. Experience of fundraising, donor engagement or endowment development, or strong motivation and potential in these areas. Knowledge of the Finnish higher education, research and political landscape, or the ability to develop this understanding and establish credibility quickly. Language requirements: English: Fluency in English is required. Finnish/Swedish: Finnish and/or Swedish language skills are important for success in the role and effective engagement with key stakeholders. We know that meaningful work is built by people with different backgrou