Dean of Academic Affairs

CUC Ulster University (CUC) seeks a dynamic and experienced Dean of Academic Affairs to lead the university's academic strategy and operations. This senior leadership role plays a pivotal role in ensuring academic excellence, curriculum development, faculty leadership, and alignment with international educational standards.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy:

  • Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance the faculty's quality and reputation (e.g., digital transformation, sustainability, partnerships).

  • Collaborate with the Executive Dean to align faculty objectives with the university's overall strategic plan.

• Curriculum & Academic Standards:

  • Oversee curriculum development, review, and accreditation to meet the highest academic and industry standards.

  • Ensure high-quality instruction across all programs, reflecting industry needs and student aspirations.

  • Participate in teaching as assigned, demonstrating leadership and expertise.

• Faculty Development & Management:

  • Lead the recruitment, retention, and development of high-caliber faculty, fostering inclusivity and diversity.

  • Promote a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice, supporting faculty from diverse backgrounds.

• Research & Innovation:

  • Foster an environment that supports research excellence and innovation.

  • Encourage interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaboration.

• Quality Assurance & Accreditation:

  • Ensure compliance with national and international accreditation standards.

  • Lead continuous improvement efforts in teaching, learning, and assessment practices.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership:

  • Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, educational institutions, and accreditation bodies.

  • Promote faculty programs to prospective students, employers, and the wider community.

• Financial & Resource Management:

  • Manage the annual academic budget, ensuring efficient use of funds and advocating for resources.

  • Engage in strategic financial planning to support program growth and initiatives.

• Health & Safety:

  • Promote high standards of health and safety across the university.

• Reporting & Accountability:

  • Be accountable to the Executive Dean for faculty performance, fostering open communication.

  • Utilize KPIs or regular reviews to measure and report faculty performance.

Key Skills & Abilities:

• Leadership: Inspiring and managing academic staff, fostering excellence and innovation.

• Strategic Thinking: Developing and implementing initiatives that enhance faculty quality.

• Communication: Engaging effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Innovation: Seeking and implementing new approaches to teaching, learning, and research.

• Digital Literacy: Integrating technology into educational strategies and operations.

• Research: Contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the university's reputation.

• Adaptability: Embracing new methodologies and technologies to enhance student success.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.

• Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively conveying complex concepts to various audiences.

• Team Collaboration: Collaborating with colleagues to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent from an accredited institution.

• Leadership training or certifications (highly desirable).

• Extensive experience in academic leadership roles with a proven track record in curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning in higher education.

• Experience with accreditation processes and quality assurance practices.

• Ability to mentor faculty, foster collaboration, and lead by example.

• Proficiency in English (minimum IELTS 7.5 Academic).

• Arabic proficiency (advantage).

• Professor/Associate Professor ranking with 5-8 years in a senior leadership position.

Teaching Experience:

• Proven experience teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Demonstrated innovative teaching methodologies and a commitment to student success.

BTEC Programme Knowledge:

• Prior working knowledge of BTEC programs (advantageous).

Industry Experience:

• Notable portfolio of industry experience in addition to academic credentials.

International Education Background:

• Prior work experience within a UK-style higher education environment.

• Experience at universities in the UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Canada (preferred).

• Previous work experience in the GCC region (advantage).