Academic Dean

Job Description

Position Overview

The Academic Dean will provide strategic leadership and operational management for the College’s academic functions. As a key member of the senior management team, the Dean will contribute to achieving the College’s vision by ensuring academic excellence, enhancing the student experience, and fostering innovation in teaching, learning, and research. The role requires a dynamic individual with a PhD from an internationally recognized institution and extensive academic and administrative experience.

Key Responsibilities:

1. College Management

·        Actively contribute to the College’s strategic goals in Learning and Teaching.

·        Establish, monitor, evaluate, and refine academic policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with the College’s mission and objectives.

·        Act as an ambassador of the College, promoting its interests internally and externally.

2. Leadership

·        Foster student engagement and enhance the overall student experience through collaboration with students and their representatives.

·        Initiate and lead faculty-wide reviews of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes to enhance recruitment, quality, and efficiency.

·        Implement College-wide strategies and policies related to learning, teaching, and the student experience.

·        Recommend and oversee the development of new UG/PG programme proposals and collaborative activities in alignment with the partner university’s Franchise Framework.

·        Chair the Academic SMT and Committees to recommend academic amendments, ensuring academic content, standards, and quality meet required benchmarks.

·        Monitor and ensure the implementation of action plans based on annual monitoring reports, accreditation reviews, and student feedback.

·        Drive innovation in learning and teaching, overseeing new initiatives across the faculty.

3. Planning

·        Lead the development of the academic portfolio in collaboration with Heads of Departments.

·        Contribute to the Annual Planning Cycle and production of the Faculty Plan.

·        Advise on the resourcing requirements to support teaching and learning activities.

·        Enhance College quality assurance systems in line with the University’s Framework.

4. Governance

·        Ensure compliance with governance, policies, and regulatory frameworks of the College and partner universities.

·        Chair and participate in committees and groups relevant to academic functions and institutional objectives.

·        Represent the Faculty in College Executive Committee meetings and partner university boards.

5. Student Services

·        Oversee the academic progress and well-being of students across all programmes.

·        Manage the maintenance of student and programme records to ensure accuracy and compliance.

·        Address student behavioural concerns, including disciplinary and health/safety issues.

·        Resolve grievances and complaints raised by students, faculty, or staff.

6. General Responsibilities

·        Serve as the primary liaison with partner universities for collaborative programme delivery.

·        Undertake specific responsibilities to support the College’s management and operational objectives.

·        Contribute to the College’s financial and environmental sustainability by delivering efficient and value-driven services.

·        Collaborate with HR and department heads to enhance faculty development and human capital.

·        Prepare institutional reports and statistical analyses to inform strategic decision-making.

·        Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Director or Executive Board.

Qualifications and Experience:

Ø A PhD from an internationally recognized institution.

Ø Extensive experience in academic leadership and administration, preferably in a multicultural environment.

Ø Proven track record in managing UG/PG programme development, quality assurance, and accreditation processes.

Ø Demonstrated ability to innovate and enhance teaching and learning practices.

Ø Strong knowledge of governance and compliance frameworks in higher education.

Desirable:

Ø Experience in working with international collaborative programmes or franchised education models.

Ø Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret recruitment, retention, and performance data to drive strategy.

Ø A student-centric approach with a focus on enhancing student engagement and experience.

Key Competencies

Ø Leadership and strategic thinking.

Ø Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ø Organizational and time management abilities.

Ø Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Ø Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.