Summary
The American University of Kuwait is seeking a Founding Dean to establish and lead its College of Graduate Studies, reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean will plan programs and budgets, lead curriculum development and approvals, establish academic policies and quality assurance, and oversee faculty, student support, and partnerships. The initial portfolio is expected to include master’s programs in business administration, computer and applied sciences, TESOL, and international relations, subject to approvals. Applicants need an earned doctorate, substantial academic leadership experience, a record of developing graduate programs, and excellent written and spoken English. The role is based in Hawali, Kuwait; salary and visa conditions are not stated.
The posting
As published on auk.edu.kw. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Description
Scope and Purpose:
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) invites applications for Founding Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean will lead the planning, approval, and establishment of the College and provide ongoing academic leadership and operational oversight.
This is an opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to shape the College’s academic model, founding culture, programs, partnerships, and student experience. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with the practical ability to build programs, develop policy, manage resources, and work collaboratively across disciplines.
AUK’s liberal arts mission emphasizes critical inquiry, effective communication, lifelong learning, and service. The College will extend these commitments through advanced study and professional preparation that respond to the needs of Kuwait and the wider region.
The initial portfolio is expected to include master’s programs in the following areas, subject to the required approvals:
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Computer and Applied Sciences
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- International Relations
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Working closely with academic deans, faculty, and administrative colleagues, the Founding Dean will:
- Develop and implement a phased establishment plan covering program priorities, launch milestones, enrollment targets, staffing needs, and a sustainable budget.
- Lead program feasibility studies and curriculum development, informed by student demand, employer needs, faculty expertise, and appropriate academic benchmarks.
- Guide internal and external approvals and establish graduate governance, academic policies, and quality assurance systems covering admission through degree completion, including assessment, supervision, and research integrity.
- Work with existing colleges to agree responsibilities for program delivery, faculty appointments and workload, supervision, and resource sharing. Recruit and develop faculty and staff collaboratively, and support graduate scholarship and applied research.
- Coordinate recruitment, advising, academic support, and access to the services and facilities needed for an excellent graduate student experience.
- Develop partnerships with employers, educational institutions, government, and community organizations to strengthen program relevance, student opportunities, and the College’s development.
Qualifications
Education:
An earned doctorate from a recognized university in a relevant discipline, with a record of teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
Experience:
- Significant academic leadership experience, including responsibility for graduate education, strategic planning, budget management, and faculty development.
- A record of developing, launching, or substantially strengthening master’s programs, together with experience in academic approvals, assessment, quality assurance, or accreditation.
- Experience in graduate teaching and supervision, with a sound understanding of the standards and support structures required for successful graduate study.
- The ability to lead across disciplines and translate strategy into practical results in a small institution.
- A collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse academic community.
- A strong commitment to liberal arts education, academic integrity, shared governance, and student success.
- Preferred qualifications include experience establishing a new academic unit, working within an American model of higher education, or developing partnerships in Kuwait or the Gulf region.