Dean of Operations and Quality

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 Operations and Quality at City University College (CUC) is responsible for overseeing the operational excellence and quality assurance across both academic and administrative functions. This pivotal role ensures operational efficiency and the highest standards in university services and programmes, aligning with the strategic goals of CUC. The Dean manages key areas including student services, recruitment, admissions, and facilities management, significantly contributing to the university's growth and reputation.

Strategic Leadership and Operational Management: Develop, deliver, and lead CUC’s strategic operations in Student Services, Recruitment, Admissions, Communications, and Facility Management. Enhance and promote CUC and its associated services to internal and external stakeholders.

Quality Assurance and Compliance: Oversee a comprehensive quality assurance system that includes strategic management, process management, and monitoring systems to facilitate continuous improvement in all college processes.

Marketing, Recruitment, and Admissions: Collaborate closely with the central Marketing Team to align and enhance CUC’s marketing and recruitment activities. Play a crucial role in maximising application numbers and conversion rates and raise the overall profile of CUC and its partnership with Ulster University.

Student Services and Experience: Provide high-quality student services to ensure an outstanding student experience. Manage areas including academic support, library services, student welfare, and student voice initiatives.

Facilities Management and Administrative Support: Oversee facilities management, reception services, administration support, employer engagement, and licensing with various authorities.

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:

Operational and ISO Compliance: Develop and oversee the non-teaching aspects of academic and student services with a focus on continual process improvement and ISO 9001 compliance.

Quality Systems and Collaboration: Manage quality improvement initiatives and foster inter-departmental and external collaborations to enhance educational standards and operational efficiency.

Program and Data Management: Address underperforming programs and ensure data integrity to meet performance targets. Prepare the college for regular inspections and audits.

Staff Development and Assessment: Conduct staff training focused on quality and ISO standards, embed best practices in learning and teaching, and maintain rigorous assessment and verification procedures.

Strategic Marketing and Recruitment: Oversee the strategic marketing and recruitment initiatives, manage the university’s branding efforts, and lead the admissions team to achieve established enrolment targets.

CRM and Stakeholder Management: Supervise the CRM database, ensuring effective lead management and stakeholder engagement to align service standards with evolving expectations.

Support and Development: Manage pastoral tutorial support and address all program support issues, ensuring students receive necessary progression guidance.

Career and Welfare Services: Provide career guidance and oversee welfare initiatives, including counselling and health promotion, to support student success.

Engagement and Activities: Coordinate disciplinary processes and manage a schedule of enrichment activities to foster a vibrant student community.

Representation and Feedback: Manage the Student Voice program, ensuring effective representation and feedback mechanisms are in place to engage students actively.

Communication Strategies: Maintain dynamic communication with both current and prospective students through various channels to ensure they are well-informed and engaged.

Budget and Asset Management: Oversee financial operations, including budget management, financial reporting, and ensuring effective cash and asset management.

IT Oversight: Manage all IT functions, ensuring robust infrastructure support and alignment of technology projects with institutional goals.

HR Management: Maintain HR policies, conduct performance appraisals, and manage staff development and retention strategies.

Operational Efficiency: Manage administrative functions, ensuring efficient facilities and equipment maintenance, contract management, and coordination with emergency services.

Collaborative Initiatives: Develop academic and commercial partnerships and facilitate industry collaborations to enhance practical learning opportunities.

Other Duties: The post holder will be expected to undertake responsibility as appropriate and as requested by his/her manager including but not limited to teaching responsibility in his/her area of expertise.

Skills, Knowledge and Ability:

Core Competencies:

• Initiative: Exhibits a proactive 'can do' attitude and ability to work independently.
• Empathy and Discretion: Demonstrates strong listening skills, empathy, and discretion.
• IT Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office and various digital tools.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills across all levels.
• Innovative Communication: Crafts innovative communication strategies to support students.
• Project Management: Efficiently manages projects under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Technical Knowledge: Extensive experience with information technology and management systems.
• Integrity and Trust: Maintains high integrity, inspiring trust, and confidence.
• Stress Management: Capable of remaining composed and effective under pressure.
• Supportiveness: Proactively supports the Executive Dean and anticipates needs.
• Prioritization: Expertise in strategic work prioritization and planning.
• Confidentiality: Strict adherence to confidentiality and tactful discretion.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on efficient outcomes.
• Positive Attitude: Maintains a positive, determined outlook.

Additional Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities.
• Public Speaking: Confident and persuasive in delivering presentations.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, contributing to team goals and student enrolment initiatives.
• Customer Service: Excellent customer service, engaging effectively with students and families.

Desirable: Proficiency in Arabic is a plus

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or related field; Doctorate preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in senior higher education administration with significant leadership responsibilities in operations and quality assurance.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strategic planning mindset and visionary leadership,
• Budget management,
• Excellent communication skills,
• Exceptional organizational and analytical capabilities,
• Advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills,
• Proficiency in managing complex stakeholder relationships,
• Dedication to fostering educational excellence and innovation,
• Experience working in or managing a Student Services function within an educational institution

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