Founding Dean - College of Sustainability Sciences & Humanities - United Arab Emirates

The Dean will have a unique opportunity to work with colleagues and stakeholders to transform the College of Arts and Sciences into the College of Sustainability Sciences and Humanities, thereby aligning the college with the priorities of the United Arab Emirates, the region, and indeed the world. It is expected that this new college will feature strong, innovative interdisciplinary thinking, and teaching and research in both traditional disciplines and in emerging ones. Inclusion of social and environmental innovation and entrepreneurship programs will be a distinguishing feature of the college.

The Dean will provide leadership and management for the largest college in the university and will have overall responsibility for the campuses in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The new college will evolve from a College of Arts and Sciences and will contain programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences, including Culture and Society, International Affairs and Emirati Studies; Environmental Science;  the Health Sciences including Health Education/Promotion, Nutrition and Public Health; and Applied Mathematics. Building upon the foundation of existing programs and working in collaboration with other university leaders, the Dean will lead creation of this new College of Sustainability Sciences and Humanities, strengthening existing programs as well as implementing new initiatives. In addition to leading the development and administration of the College’s academic programs, the Dean will be responsible for managing and allocating financial resources; encouraging excellent teaching, scholarship and research; supporting faculty and staff development; and, developing strong relationships with other Colleges and the external community.

The Requirements

§  Ph.D. degree from an accredited university in one of the humanities, social or natural sciences, or engineering disciplines.

§  Qualifications for appointment at Associate or Full Professor rank in one of the college’s departments.

§  Five years experience in academic administration at the level of Department Chair or above, including at least two years as a Dean or Assistant/Associate Dean in a Western-type educational environment.

§  Demonstrated success as a teacher and scholar in a recognized college or university.

§  Experience in a learning outcomes based, assessment-rich, educational institution.

§  Evidence of leadership in the development of new programs that meet international standards and success in building teamwork and a shared vision.

§  Success in development of and engagement with interdisciplinary programs.

§  Ability to work with faculty from diverse cultures and nationalities and across disciplinary lines.

§  Patience and tolerance for ambiguity and change.

§  Experience in an international and/or a multilingual environment is preferred.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the United Arab Emirates, housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and subsidized healthcare for the employee.

To Apply

In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, a statement of vision for a College focused upon a broad definition of the sustainability sciences, a statement of teaching philosophy and scholarly interests, particularly as they might apply to the Middle East and how they might involve students, and the names and contact details of three professional references.