The KHI is seeking a Head of Research Coordination and Public Relations for a three-year position starting September 1st 2026.

We are looking for someone collegial, enthusiastic and flexible, with a scholarly background in the History of Art or Architecture, who has a structured and solution-oriented working style and is ready to take over a position that is both challenging and rewarding, and that carries a high level of responsibility. The Head of Research Coordination and Public Relations will be working with a small team in charge of coordinating and communicating the multifaceted and vibrant research conducted at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut (www.khi.fi.it).

Founded in 1897 and part of the Max Planck Society since 2002, the KHI understands itself as a laboratory of fundamental research in art history in dialogue with other disciplines. In recent years the projects of the KHI have focused on the histories of art, architecture and photography from a transcultural perspective across a wide chronological, methodological, and geographical range. At the KHI, art historical research is intertwined with a critical engagement in contemporary debates and challenges, such as ecology, aesthetics, ethics, urbanization, heritage, geopolitics, migration, discourses and practices of care, visual and material culture, global art worlds, the future and politics of museums and archives, as well as codifications, languages and narratives, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and others. With its extensive program of public events in Florence, Berlin, and elsewhere, the KHI is a forum for lively, international and transdisciplinary academic exchange.

The Research Coordination and Public Relations Office plays a key role in developing and strengthening media relations, as well as the scholarly and institutional communication of the KHI, operating at the intersection of research, research dissemination and management, institutional strategy, and public visibility. It is also responsible for the integration of the Institute’s diverse research activities and departments within a shared institutional framework, internal communication (including the intranet), and the coordination of the Institute’s events program. The position of Head of the Research Coordination and Public Relations Office consists in leading and working with its team, as well as collaborating with other entities and Research Groups, and reporting to the Directors of the KHI. It also involves engaging with the network of Research Coordinators and Public Relations managers of the Max Planck Society.

Specific tasks of the Head of the Research Coordination and Public Relations Office are:

- coordination of the KHI events program
- being responsible for reporting (in particular the Research Report prepared in the context of the evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Board)
- coordinating and developing scholarly and institutional communication (corporate identity, website, newsletter, social media, and digital and print publications)
- organizing and overseeing press communications and media relations
- overseeing onboarding and offboarding processes
internal communication (including the intranet)

Requirements:

- A university degree (Master’s or PhD) with a focus on art history and/or history of architecture
- In-depth knowledge of the relevant research landscapes in the humanities
- Experience in research management, public relations, and institutional communication
- Writing and editorial abilities
- Excellent command of two of the three languages regularly in use at the KHI and very good command of the third: German, Italian, English.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, leadership qualities, flexibility and resilience

The full-time position is for three years. Subject to personal qualifications, remuneration is based on TVöD E 14, plus applicable assignment abroad allowances in accordance with § 45 BT-V TVöD, as well as social benefits in line with German federal public service regulations. Alternatively, a contract according to Italian law with an equivalent remuneration will be offered.

The position is Florence-based and may not be held concurrently with other employments or obligations.

The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Please upload your complete application (cover letter and CV in a single PDF file, max. 5 MB) to the application portal https://apply.khi.fi.it/ by 31 May 2026, 23:59 (CEST).

For further information, please contact Eva Mussotter and Mandy Richter (mussotterkhi.fi.it; richterkhi.fi.it).

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Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz – Max-Planck-Institut
Via Giuseppe Giusti 44
50121 Firenze, Italia
+39 055 24911-1
infokhi.fi.it

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