Dean of Academic Affairs

Location: Doha - Qatar
End of Advertisement Period: 12 July 2024 or earlier subject to shortlisting the best-fit candidates
Job Type: Senior Leadership Role
Contract Duration: Renewable
Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive Tax Free Package 
• Annual Return Air Tickets
• Private Medical Insurance
• Other Allowances

Contract Start Date: September 2024

CUC Ulster University is a modern and dynamic University based in Qatar. It has ambitious plans to be one of the leading private higher education providers in Qatar and opening its brand new university campus at the new City of Lusail in September 2024, 21km north of Doha, that will accommodate up to 5,000 students.

CUC Ulster University offers BTEC HND qualifications for those who seek the vocational route.

With its partnership with Ulster University, it offers a range of internationally recognised foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees all licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Ulster University UK has a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement that has made a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

It is in the top 25% of UK universities for world-leading research and is ranked 7th in the UK for research impact, meaning its teaching is research-led and allows it to bring leading edge thinking and practice to the classroom. It works with public, private and third sector organisations to co-create innovative, technology-driven learning and development solutions for government, industry and major charitable associations.

Job Purpose:

The Dean of Academic Affairs will lead the academic strategy and operational management for the academic faculty at City University College. This role entails overseeing academic standards, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and professional development. The Dean will ensure that the university’s programmes are innovative, responsive to market needs, and aligned with international educational standards.

Key Relationships

• Internal: CUC employees, Artan Group employees in general
• External: students, guardians, families, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, external partners, etc  
• Supervision Received from: Executive Dean

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and implement strategic academic initiatives, such as digital transformation, sustainability in education, and partnerships, to enhance the quality and reputation of the faculty.
• Work closely with the Executive Dean to align the faculty’s objectives with the university’s overall strategic plan.

Curriculum Development and Academic Standards:

• Oversee the development, review, and accreditation of the curriculum to ensure it meets the highest academic and industry standards.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction across all programmes, incorporating feedback from current students and alumni to align curriculum with industry needs and student aspirations.
• Required to undertake teaching load at the Executive Dean's discretion to maintain expertise and demonstrate leadership through direct content delivery.

Faculty Development and Management:

• Lead the recruitment, retention, and development of high-calibre academic staff, fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment.
• Promote a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice, supporting faculty from diverse backgrounds.

Research and Innovation:

• Foster an environment that supports research excellence and innovation.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaboration both within and outside the faculty to enhance the university’s reputation and contribute to various fields of research.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation:

• Ensure compliance with national and international accreditation standards, proactively adapting to changes in these standards.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in teaching, learning, and assessment practices to support or enhance academic credentials.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership:

• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, educational institutions, and accreditation bodies, evaluating and prioritising partnerships that align with the university’s strategic goals.
• Promote the faculty’s programmes to prospective students, employers, and the wider community, adding value to the faculty's offerings.

Financial and Resource Management:

• Manage and take ownership of the annual academic budget and resources for the faculty, ensuring efficient use of funds and assets and advocating for resources to support strategic initiatives.
• Engage in strategic financial planning and management to ensure the sustainability and growth of the faculty’s programmes and initiatives.

Health and Safety:

• Adhere to and promote high standards of health and safety across the university, emphasising a culture of safety and wellness among students and staff.

Reporting and Accountability:

• Be accountable to the Executive Dean for the overall performance of the faculty, with a commitment to open and transparent communication.
• Foster an environment where feedback is actively sought and valued, using key performance indicators (KPIs) or regular review meetings to measure and report faculty performance.

Skills:

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage academic staff, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with a proven ability to develop and implement initiatives that enhance faculty quality and reputation.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Innovation: A commitment to innovation and quality in higher education, actively seeking out and implementing new approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
• Digital Literacy and Technological Aptness: Ability in utilising and integrating technology into educational strategies and operations, reflecting the increasing role of digital tools in higher education.
• Research: A strong track record of research within their field, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the university's reputation.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing educational landscapes, embracing new teaching methodologies and learning technologies to enhance student outcomes.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Deep understanding of and sensitivity to the challenges of cross-cultural communication, fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally, to a variety of audiences.
• Team Collaboration: A strong team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals, enhancing the educational experience for students and the overall productivity of the faculty.

Qualifications:

Educational Background: 

• A Ph.D. or equivalent from an accredited institution. 
• Leadership training or certifications that prove a commitment to professional development in academic leadership and management are highly desirable.

Supervisory Experience: 

• Extensive experience in academic leadership roles is required, including a proven track record in curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning in higher education. 
• Experience with accreditation processes and adherence to quality assurance practices is essential. 
• Candidates should exhibit the ability to mentor faculty, foster a collaborative working environment, and lead by example in both academic and administrative abilities.

Language Proficiency: 

• Candidates must be proficient in English, with a minimum valid IELTS score of 7.5 in the Academic category, to ensure high levels of communication ability. 
• Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, supporting more effective engagement with diverse linguistic communities, and enhancing cross-cultural communication within the institution.

Experience:

Applicant has obtained Professor/Associate Professor ranking, with a minimum 5-8 years in senior leadership position in higher education.
Teaching Experience: 

• Required is proven experience in teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, highlighting the candidate's ability to engage and educate students across a spectrum of academic stages. 
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate innovative teaching methodologies and a commitment to student success in diverse learning environments.

BTEC Programme Knowledge: 

• Prior working knowledge of BTEC programmes offered by Pearson is advantageous. This indicates familiarity with vocational qualifications and a practical approach to curriculum design and student assessment.

Industry Experience: 

• Candidates should have a notable portfolio of industry experience in addition to their academic credentials. 
• This experience should prove the practical application of academic expertise, contributing to the relevance and rigour of business education.

International Education Background:

• Essential is prior work experience within a UK-style higher education environment, demonstrating adaptability to and understanding of educational models prevalent in the UK.
• Preferable is proven job experience at universities in the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Canada. This experience reflects a broad understanding of diverse educational contexts and a capability to integrate best practices from these systems into the local environment.
• Preference for previous work experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which suggests familiarity with the educational landscape and cultural nuances of this area.
• Candidates should detail specific experiences or achievements that illustrate their ability to adapt and excel in multicultural and multilingual environments. This could include leading international academic collaborations, developing globally relevant curriculum, or enhancing student engagement in diverse classrooms.

How to apply

For an initial discussion about the role, please contact Carla Rodriguez, by email at careers@cuc-ulster.edu.qa

Closing time: 11:59 pm (AST) on 12 July 2024 or earlier subject to shortlisting the best-fit candidates

For further information regarding CUC Ulster, please visit www.cuc-ulster.edu.qa