Call for Nominations and Applications for the Position of President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Call for Nominations and Applications for the Position of President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The Search Committee for the President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev invites nominations and applications for the position of University President. The candidate elected by the Executive Board and ratified by the Board of Governors will serve a four-year term, commencing in January 2027 (this term may be extended for two additional four-year periods).

The President serves as the head of the University, responsible for its leadership, implementing its vision, planning, developing, and managing its resources, and representing the institution both in Israel and globally.

Key responsibilities and authorities include:

• Overall responsibility for all areas of university activity, positioning its vision, and achieving its strategic goals and objectives.
• Accountability for all budgetary matters, resources, physical development, and fostering an environment conducive to the advancement of research and teaching.
• Responsibility for fundraising and resource development.
• Authority to approve all matters of academic planning with administrative or financial implications.
• External representation of the University.
• All powers necessary for the effective management of the University and accountability to the Executive Board.
• Serving as the primary contact between the University and its friends' associations in Israel and abroad.

Qualifications:

• Only senior academic faculty members with the rank of Full Professor are eligible.
• During the term of office, the President must be an Israeli citizen and a resident of the Negev.
• The presidency shall be the individual's sole occupation and is a full-time position.

Candidate Evaluation Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated based on their internationally recognized academic standing, leadership skills, vision, and ability to lead significant change and development processes. Essential qualifications include managerial experience in public or academic systems, in-depth knowledge of higher education and academic trends in Israel and abroad, and the ability to represent the University effectively before government officials, the public, academia, and donors.

We seek a candidate with proven leadership and performance achievements, capable of managing a large academic institution and leading complex processes, including cultivating collaborations between the University and public/private entities. High interpersonal communication skills and a proven track record of maintaining fruitful relationships with friends, alumni, and donors are required.

Application Process: Nominations and applications must be submitted in writing and include:

1. A cover letter detailing the candidate’s qualifications and suitability.
2. A Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Contact details for at least five referees whom the committee may contact for written evaluations.
4. Any other relevant supporting materials.
5. A letter of consent from the candidate and an undertaking to fulfill the threshold conditions if elected.
6. A vision statement detailing the candidate’s perspective on the role of the President and their vision for Ben-Gurion University of the Negev during their tenure.

Submission Guidelines: Materials must be submitted in both Hebrew and English (CV may be submitted in English only). Recommendation letters should be submitted in their original language.

• Note: The current President has served since January 2019. Under University regulations, he is eligible for one additional four-year term. The Committee will consider his candidacy alongside all other applications.

Applications must be submitted by email to Mr. Avi Nissenkorn, Chairman of the Search Committee and Chairman of the Executive Board, via the Committee Secretary, Ms. Adi Lahav.

Email for inquiries and submissions: adilah@bgu.ac.il

Deadline for submission: Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

All committee deliberations will be conducted with strict confidence. The Committee is not obligated to invite all applicants to appear before it and reserves the right to proactively approach individuals it deems suitable.

 

Signed:

Mr. Avi Nissenkorn, Chairman of the Search Committee. Committee Members: Mr. Lloyd Goldman, Prof. Prof. Joseph Klafter, Prof. yaffa zilbershats, Ms. Michal Finkelstein, Mr. Mohammed Alnabari, Prof. Sigal Berman, Prof. Haim Weiss, Prof. Yitzhak Mizrahi