The GWZ - Humanities Centers Berlin are an association of three research institutions of the Leibniz Association. The GWZ include the Leibniz Centre for General Linguistics (ZAS), the Leibniz Centre for Literary and Cultural Research (ZfL) and the Leibniz Centre for the Modern Orient (ZMO). With currently 230 employees at a total of two locations in Berlin, a research budget of 18 million euros per year (including third-party funding), numerous successes in prestigious research competitions, many national and international collaborations and four joint professorships with the universities in Berlin, the GWZ is one of the leading non-university institutions in the field of the humanities.
As part of a replacement, the GWZ are looking for the earliest possible date for a
MANAGING DIRECTOR (M/F/D) (CODE NUMBER: 3001-166)
The management is responsible for all commercial, legal and administrative matters of the GWZ and its three centers. The Managing Director is also a member of the Board of Directors and, together with one of the three scientific directors, assumes management responsibility for the centers and the GWZ as an association. The management is supported in the performance of its tasks by the joint administration, which it also heads.
/// YOUR TASKS WITH US
- Management of the business and overall responsibility for all commercial, legal and administrative matters
- Management of the joint administration with currently four teams (personnel - budget and finance - third-party funds - organization, legal, procurement)
- Legal representation of the Humanities Centers
- Preparation and management of an annual program budget per center in accordance with the funding provided by the Leibniz Association
- Preparation of a commercial annual financial statement as well as a cash-based where-used list as budget officer in accordance with the state budget regulations of the state of Berlin
- Cooperation with the funding bodies of the state of Berlin and the federal government as well as with the GWZ committees (General Assembly, Board of Trustees, Advisory Boards)
- Strategic support for third-party funding activities
- strategic and organizational development of GWZ, together with the other members of the Management Board
- External representation of the GWZ
- Maintaining and developing institutional partnerships and helping to shape joint appointments
- Further development of IT structures and continuation of digitalization
/// WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU
- University degree at Master's level in economics, law or administrative sciences or another relevant discipline
- Several years of professional experience as a science manager in the environment of universities, research institutions, foundations, public administration, including several years in management positions with significant personnel and budget responsibility
- Comprehensive knowledge of the relevant financial and personnel areas, including HGB, BGB, association and non-profit law, public budget and grant law, collective bargaining and labor law as well as contract and public procurement law
- Very good knowledge of the national and international higher education and science system and federal science policy
- Strong communication skills
- Interest in working at a scientific institution
- Ability for conceptual thinking, programmatic implementation and strong communication skills, sense of responsibility, decisiveness and creative ability
- Ability to work in a team
- business fluent in written and spoken German and English
- Experienced handling of relevant IT applications
/// WITH US YOU CAN EXPECT
- a collegial, highly competent team and an international working environment characterized by openness
- an appropriate non-tariff salary based on the B pay scale of the state of Berlin and additional social benefits
- a fixed-term employment relationship in connection with an appointment for five years and the possibility of reappointment
- a modern workplace at the Berlin-Wilmersdorf site
We value diversity and encourage it! We therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given priority.
Further information can be found on our websites: GWZ - ZAS - ZfL - ZMO
/// NOW IT'S THEIR TURN
A search committee has been set up for the selection process, supported by Below Tippmann & Cie as an external personnel service provider.
Please send your application documents (letter of motivation, CV, proof of qualifications and references) by 01.03.2026 in a summarized PDF document by e-mail to: info@bt-personalberatung.de.
Please do not hesitate to contact Simone Pfister, BT&Cie consultant, on 030 20 63 279-14.
Disposal.
Your application requires your consent to the purpose-related storage and processing of personal data (Art. 13 GDPR) for the selection of applicants at www.gwz-berlin.de/kontakt/datenschutz/ and https://www.btpersonalberatung.de/datenschutz/.
