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.
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.
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:
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.
To thrive in this role, you will need:
We also value:
Language requirements:
We know that meaningful work is built by people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you recognise yourself in the purpose of this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you would bring to our community.
At Aalto, you can expect:
Work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life are important to us at Aalto. Explore our working environment here: Welcome to Aalto University Campus.
Curious to make a difference?
Aalto University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Informal enquiries can be made directly to Tiziano Sartor (tiziano.sartor@perrettlaver.com). Further information about the role and University can be found via Aalto University - Appointment of President.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. All application materials must be submitted in English.
To apply, please submit your CV and motivation letter through our recruitment site by clicking “Apply now”. The application deadline is Monday, 23 November 2026 at 23.59 Finnish time, (UTC+2).
Completed applications should be uploaded to the Aalto recruitment system quoting reference 8578. Please note: If you are already working at Aalto, please apply through our internal system Workday. If you experience technical difficulties when submitting your application, please contact: aalto-presidentrecruitment@aalto.fi.
Aalto University is committed to a transparent and fair recruitment process. You are welcome to request feedback during or after the recruitment process.
Please note: As this is a position of significant public interest, the names of all applicants will be published on the Aalto University’s website after the application period has closed.
Aalto University builds on the legacy of three leading Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Since 2010, we have brought science, art, technology and business together in new ways.
Today, the Aalto community consists of 16,000 students and 5,200 employees, including 446 professors. Half of our faculty members have an international background. Our campus in Espoo is a vibrant cluster of research and innovation with striking architecture, peaceful nature, open spaces for collaboration, and a wide range of services, all with excellent public transport connections.
Diversity is part of who we are. We work actively to build a community where people can belong, contribute and grow.
More about Aalto University:
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity
To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.
Please see more of our Open Positions here.
