A key question in cytokinesis is how the cell division plane is positioned. Whereas microtubules of the mitotic apparatus specify the division site in animal cells, we show here that the nucleus plays this role in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. By centrifuging cells to move the nucleus, we find that the nucleus (or a nuclear-associated structure) actively influences the position of contractile ring assembly during early mitosis. Displacement of the nucleus during this induction period can lead to formation of multiple rings. The nucleus signals its position in a microtubule-independent manner by emitting the protein mid1p. Furthermore, movement of ring fragments together minimizes formation of multiple division sites. These dynamic mechanisms of ring positioning provide a robust coordination of nuclear and cell division.