Almaty Management University (AlmaU), a premier entrepreneurial university in Central Asia established in 1988, is distinguished by its innovative educational methodologies, international accreditations, and significant contributions to the region’s educational ecosystem development.
The institution’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to driving positive societal change through education, entrepreneurship, and research.
We are looking for a Rector to lead Almaty Management University (AlmaU) into its next stage of growth — strengthening academic excellence, driving digital transformation, deepening international engagement, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The new Rector should fully embrace AlmaU’s mission and act as its true ambassador both within the university and on the global stage.
Profile of the Future Rector:
A visionary and hands-on leader who knows how to turn ideas into real results. Someone with proven experience in strategic leadership — in academia and/or business — who leads by example and inspires others. The ideal candidate will combine strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and an impeccable professional reputation, balancing academic leadership with institutional development.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Define the strategic vision for the university’s development and ensure its effective implementation;
- Enhance AlmaU’s reputation and promote its brand regionally and globally;
- Foster innovation, research, and and entrepreneurial culture;
- Enhance academic potential and foster innovative activity;
- Lead and manage a team of professionals, inspiring them to achieve excellence by personal example;
- Provide comprehensive support and promote the professional development of the faculty and teaching staff;
- Develop long-term, mutually beneficial international partnerships;
- Lead fundraising efforts and secure sustainable financial resources;
- Expand cooperation with the business community;
- Create favorable conditions for the development of continuing education and lifelong learning programs;
- Ensure the financial stability and institutional sustainability of the university
Required Qualifications:
Education:
- A PhD, Candidate or Doctor of Science degree, or an equivalent international qualification in a field relevant to the university’s academic profile;
- Preferably, an additional degree or qualification in business administration or educational management (Ed.M. – Master of Education, Ed.D. (Doctor of Education), MBA in Education);
- Professional certification in areas such as strategic management, leadership, corporate governance, or quality assurance in higher education is an advantage
Experience:
- At least 10 years of experience in higher education and research, including proven experience in academic and administrative leadership roles;
- Experience in managing research projects, academic programs, and partnerships with external stakeholders, international organizations, and the business community;
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing university development strategies, academic and research programs, or institutional transformation initiatives;
- Proven track record in implementing digital solutions in university management;
- Experience in international positioning of a university, including the development and implementation of internationalization strategies and successful collaboration cases with foreign universities;
- Industrial experience and experience in developing partnerships with Asian countries;
- Proficiency in Kazakh, Russian, and English languages sufficient for official and academic communication
Managerial and Leadership Competencies
- Strong skills in strategic and financial management;
- Competence in corporate governance, quality assurance systems, and fostering an academic culture of excellence;
- Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams, manage organizational change, and maintain effective partnerships;
- Understanding of current trends in digital transformation, sustainable development, international higher education, and academic mobility;
- Excellent public communication, negotiation, and representation skills at national and international levels
Offered Conditions:
- Opportunity to lead significant social and educational projects;
- A competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package;
- Employment under a three-year contract
Selection Procedure:
- Review of submitted dossiers comprising CV and letter expressing interest;
- Strategy Competition: Presentation of candidate’s vision for AlmaU’s development strategy in a free-form format;
- Presentation to the members of the Board of Trustees
Application Deadline:
If you are interested in participating in the competition, please submit your application documents within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of this announcement
Applications will be accepted from November 14, 2025, to December 15, 2025 (inclusive)
- Detailed information about the competition is available on LinkedIn at the following link
- On the official website of Almaty Management University (AlmaU): http://almau.edu.kz/
- Email for applications and inquiries: vacancy@almau.edu.kz
The timeline and format of the selection process will be announced later.