Dean of the College of Media and Mass Communication

Position Overview

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) invites applications from highly qualified and experienced academic leaders for the position of Dean, College of Media and Mass Communication (CMMC). This senior leadership role is critical to advancing the college’s academic mission, strategic growth, research excellence, and industry engagement. The Dean will provide visionary leadership to ensure high-quality teaching and learning, impactful research, and strong partnerships with government entities, international organizations, and media and communication industry leaders.

Purpose of the Role

The Dean is responsible for providing a clear and forward-looking leadership vision for the College of Media and Mass Communication. The role involves close collaboration with faculty, senior university leadership, industry partners, government stakeholders, and the wider community to enhance academic excellence, innovation, and graduate employability.

Summary of the Role

The Dean of the College of Media and Mass Communication is the chief academic and administrative officer of the college. The position carries responsibility for strategic planning, academic quality, faculty development, research advancement, student success, and operational effectiveness. The Dean ensures alignment with AUE’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities while positioning the college as a leader in media, communication, and digital innovation at the regional and international levels.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Media Studies, Mass Communication, Journalism, Digital Media, Strategic Communication, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior academic leadership experience (Associate Dean or higher) at an accredited university.
• A distinguished record of teaching, research, and scholarly publications in media and communication disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, academic program development, and quality assurance.
• Strong professional networks with media organizations, government entities, and industry partners.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with international and regional accreditation processes relevant to media and communication programs.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in digital media, artificial intelligence in communication, journalism innovation, and media technologies.
• Proven expertise in budget management, fundraising, grant acquisition, and external partnerships.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing academic culture.
• Experience working in multicultural and international higher education environments.

Reporting and Supervision

The Dean provides leadership and supervision to:

• Associate Dean(s)
• Department Chair(s)
• Program Director(s)
• College Coordinator(s)
• Faculty and administrative staff within the college

The Dean reports directly to the university’s senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission and long-term goals of the College of Media and Mass Communication.
• Align college initiatives with national, regional, and global trends in media, communication, and digital innovation.

2. Academic Excellence

• Oversee curriculum development, academic standards, and program quality.
• Ensure academic programs meet international benchmarks and industry expectations.

3. Faculty Development

• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty in teaching, research, and professional practice.
• Promote continuous professional development and scholarly productivity.

4. Research and Innovation

• Foster a strong research culture within the college.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research, industry-based projects, and applied research initiatives.
• Support faculty and students in securing research funding and publishing in high-impact venues.

5. Student Success

• Enhance student engagement, retention, and career readiness.
• Strengthen internship programs, experiential learning, mentorship, and industry placements.

6. Industry, Community, and Government Partnerships

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with media organizations, creative industries, government agencies, and international institutions.
• Promote collaborative projects that enhance learning outcomes and societal impact.

7. Resource and Financial Management

• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning for the college.
• Identify opportunities for revenue generation, sponsorships, and external funding.

8. Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy

• Contribute to discussions on media policy, ethics, and communication practices at institutional, regional, and national levels.
• Advocate for innovation, responsible media practices, and academic freedom.

9. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across academic programs, faculty, and student initiatives.
• Foster a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment.

10. Accreditation and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Lead accreditation reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

11. Advancement and Fundraising

• Support the university’s advancement strategy by cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and external partners.
• Secure funding to support academic programs, research, and student initiatives.

12. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the university’s senior leadership.

About American University in the Emirates (AUE):

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) invites applications from well-qualified candidates for a range of faculty and administrative positions. AUE is located in Dubai Intl. Academic City.

AUE is not just a place of learning but a hub of innovation and growth, where your expertise and aspirations find a welcoming environment.

At AUE, we believe Nothing is Impossible is the Pathway to Success

AUE comprises eight dynamic colleges: College of Law, College of Education, College of Design, College of Business Administration, College of Health Science, College of Media and Mass Communication, College of Engineering and Technology and College of Security and Strategic Studies. Each college boasts unique strengths and prestigious accreditations, reflecting our commitment to providing a world-class education.

The American University in the Emirates is accredited by SACSCOC (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels

The American University in the Emirates is officially licensed to operate as a higher education institution and all its programs are accredited by CAA (the Commission for Academic Accreditation), Ministry of Education, United Arab Emirates.

The College of Business Administration is a proud member of AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and its degree programs (Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Sport Management) are accredited by AACSB) as of 2022.

The Bachelor of Computer Science in the College of Computer Information Technology is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

NASAD (The National Association of Schools of Art and Design) has granted the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, and Bachelor of Science in Animation in the College of Design, the designation of Substantial Equivalency with accredited programs in the United States.