Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Province of Salzburg, specifically through its Department of Culture, Education, Society and Sports. The Province of Salzburg is responsible for supporting and developing cultural infrastructure, public institutions, and artistic programming within the region.
The position concerns the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg, founded in 1953 by Oskar Kokoschka as a “School of Seeing” at Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is recognized as the oldest institution of its kind in Europe, hosting internationally renowned artists, curators, and art critics. The academy annually welcomes around 300 participants from more than 50 countries, maintaining a strong focus on international exchange, artistic education, and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The institution plays a central role in Salzburg’s cultural identity and operates as a bridge between professional artistic practice, education, and public cultural engagement.
Title & Description
Director of the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg (5-Year Full-Time Leadership Contract)
This opportunity is a high-level leadership position responsible for the strategic, artistic, and institutional direction of the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg. The Director will shape the academy’s long-term vision, strengthen its international profile, and expand its role within global contemporary art discourse.
The position requires a candidate capable of combining curatorial expertise, institutional leadership, and cultural strategy. The Director will oversee course programming, artist engagement, and institutional partnerships while ensuring the academy remains a leading platform for Art Education and international exchange.
The role also emphasizes the development of sustainable cultural strategies in collaboration with regional and international partners, reinforcing Salzburg’s position as a key European cultural hub.
The Role Overview
- Position: Director of the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg
- Employment Type: Full-time (Job, Salary)
- Contract Duration: 5 years
- Work Location: Salzburg, Austria
- Reporting Structure: Province of Salzburg / Cultural Department
- Salary: Minimum €7,073 gross monthly (14 payments annually)
- Start Date: Summer 2027
Position & Tasks
1. Institutional Leadership & Strategy
- Lead strategic development of the Summer Academy
- Define long-term artistic and institutional vision
- Strengthen international positioning and visibility
2. Programme Development
- Design and implement annual course and event programmes
- Oversee educational structures and curriculum planning
- Coordinate international faculty and visiting artists
3. Management & Administration
- Personnel management and team leadership
- Budget planning and financial oversight
- Resource allocation and operational management
4. Fundraising & Partnerships
- Develop funding strategies and sponsorship acquisition
- Build relationships with cultural institutions and sponsors
- Strengthen financial sustainability models
5. International Networking
- Maintain global networks across art, culture, and education sectors
- Represent the institution internationally
- Foster partnerships with museums, academies, and cultural organizations
6. Public Engagement & Cultural Mediation
- Translate academy content into public-facing cultural communication
- Create dialogue between international participants and local communities
- Strengthen engagement with Salzburg’s cultural ecosystem
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Education
- Art Management
- Fellowship
- Scholarship
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Culture
- Art
- Education
- Research
Eligibility
Essential Requirements
- Higher education degree in arts, cultural studies, or related field
- Institutional experience in the arts sector
- Experience in budget and personnel management
- Strong knowledge of contemporary global art practices
- Curatorial experience and teaching experience in art education
- Understanding of interdisciplinary artistic processes
- Fluency in German and English
- Experience in fundraising and sponsorship acquisition
- Experience in media relations and public communication
- Knowledge of equality and gender representation policies
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic and economic thinking
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Decisive and structured leadership style
- Ability to manage teams and institutional workflows
- Innovation-driven and collaborative working approach
Desirable Qualifications
- Established international art network
- Familiarity with Salzburg’s cultural landscape
- Experience in organizational development
Program Benefits
- 5-year executive leadership contract
- Competitive salary (€7,073 gross monthly, 14x annually)
- High-level institutional leadership role in European cultural sector
- Opportunity to shape a historic international art academy
- Access to global networks in art education and curatorial practice
- Influence on cultural policy and artistic programming in Salzburg
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Application letter
- Concept proposal outlining program planning focus for the next years (max. 4,000 characters)
- Supporting documents (certificates and proof of qualifications)
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email or post: bewerbung.beteiligungen@salzburg.gv.at
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
- Start Date: Summer 2027
- Selection Process: Only eligible and timely applications will be considered
Location
Salzburg, Austria
Additional Details
This is a highly competitive cultural leadership position requiring both artistic vision and administrative expertise. The institution emphasizes gender equality and explicitly encourages qualified women to apply for leadership roles.
Applicants must demonstrate strong alignment with contemporary cultural policy discourses and a capacity to position the academy within global artistic education networks. Only complete applications meeting all mandatory requirements will be considered.