139 121
20 557
The College of Europe invites applications for the position of Rector (100% FTE) starting ideally in June 2026 or as soon as possible after.
The College of Europe is the oldest postgraduate institute of European studies founded in 1949 in the wake of the first Congress of the European Movement held in The Hague in 1948. The College benefits from the support of the European Union, the Belgian federal government, the Polish government, the Flemish authorities, the City of Bruges and from many European countries and regions, as well as from a number of private sector partners. Its truly European and international character is reflected in its faculty, student body and administrative organs. The College consists of three campuses, one in Bruges (Belgium), one in Natolin (Warsaw, Poland, est. 1992) and one in Tirana (Albania, est. 2024). Across the campuses, and under the motto of “studying and living Europe together”, the College hosts every year approximately 500 students of over 50 different nationalities, pursuing advanced Master’s programmes with a duration of 10 months in a residential format. Beyond a broad spectrum of additional executive education activities, the College also implements comprehensive training programmes. Centred around its core educational and training activities, the College of Europe has the mission to contribute to the construction of Europe and to good relations between the European Union and its international partners. All staff members contribute to the College mission with professional dedication, a spirit of pro‑active collegiality and mutual respect. Further information on the College of Europe and its legal status can be found at www.coleurope.eu .
The Rector holds the overall academic and administrative responsibility for the College as a whole and is assisted by a Vice‑Rector who assures the daily administrative management of the Natolin (Warsaw) campus. They conduct the Colleges activities in accordance with the ideas that inspired its creation and the general guidelines established by its governance bodies, as outlined in the Statutes. They report directly to the President of the Administrative Council, currently Mr Herman Van Rompuy.
Candidates must have the nationality of a European country and should demonstrate important academic qualities in the field of European studies, a proven experience of the administration and management of an organisational structure of some complexity, and should be able to combine the pursuit of academic excellence at international level with sound budgetary management.
The rectorship is a full‑time position, which excludes the pursuit of any other professional activity or academic positions. It requires permanent presence in Bruges and regular presence in Natolin and Tirana. Full knowledge of the two working languages of the College, English and French, is required. In executing their responsibilities, the Rector will live up to the high ethical standards and values of the College of Europe.
The appointment is for five years, renewable once. The employment contract falls under Belgian law.
Accommodation is provided in Bruges, Natolin and Tirana.
Before taking up their appointment, the new Rector is expected to be available to liaise with the Acting Rector in order to become familiar with College matters.
Applications for the position should be made by e‑mail to:
by Monday, 2 March 2026. A detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation should be included. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to on‑site interviews. Information about the governance and the status of the College can be obtained from Ms Ewa Ośniecka‑Tamecka (ewa.osniecka@coleurope.eu), Vice‑Rector/Acting Rector. Further particulars about employment and accommodation conditions can be obtained from Ms Julie Favril, Co‑Director HR (recruitment.be@coleurope.eu ).
By submitting your application, you consent to have your personal data processed for the purpose of recruitment and the specific position you are applying for. You acknowledge that your data, as well as data we receive from academic institutions we can contact for verification purposes, will be processed by the College of Europe, the members of the selection committee appointed by the College of Europe related to this recruitment process. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and in line with the current data processing regulations. For more information on how we use the information you have provided and how to exercise your rights, please see our privacy notice for recruitment (https://www.coleurope.eu/privacy ).
*
The College of Europe is committed to equal treatment and opportunity. It aims to reflect the diversity of our society and to offer an inclusive work and study environment for all members of its community. Consistent with these goals, the College has a zero‑tolerance policy for any acts against the dignity and integrity of individuals, whether in the form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, stalking, violence, or sexual misconduct. Candidates are therefore recruited and selected on the basis of skills and experience, regardless of sex, age, ability, ethnicity, class and background, political belief, race, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, culture, or any other grounds.