The American University in the Emirates is searching for an Executive Director of Graduate Studies who will be responsible for strategic leadership, oversight, and development of the university’s graduate programs. The role ensures academic excellence, regulatory compliance, research integration, and student success across all graduate degree programs. They will provide policy direction, coordinates with colleges, and champions innovation and quality in postgraduate education. A core responsibility is to foster a supportive graduate environment grounded in the AUE Code of Conduct and core values, particularly academic integrity. The role also involves building strong connections with industry, government, and alumni to ensure the relevance, impact, and engagement of the graduate portfolio.
Reporting to : Vice President for Research
Supervision :
- Director of Thesis Support and Compliance
- Graduate Studies Support Officer
- Graduate Studies Administrative Assistant
Qualifications & Experience
Ph.D. degree from an internationally accredited universityHolds the academic rank of Full Professor, with substantial experience in graduate education leadershipMinimum of 5 years of academic and administrative experience, including 2 years in graduate research education leadershipActive Research Record with publications in Scopus indexed avenuesPreferably bilingual (speaks English and Arabic fluently)Skills / Training / Knowledge
Proven track records in supervising Master’s and PhD ThesesActively served on or chaired doctoral viva committeesStrong administrative and leadership capabilitiesFamiliarity with higher education systems and national research goals in the UAE or GCC region is preferred.Proven track record in program development, accreditation, and research administration.Familiarity with UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), requirements, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) standards and International Accreditation bodies like, SACSCOC, ABET, AACSB, NASAD and ACEJMC.Demonstrated ability to manage cross-college collaboration and academic governance.Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and strategic planning skills.Experience working with international partnerships and programs.Experience in digital transformation of graduate student services.Job Description
Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for the university’s graduate, consistent with the University’s Strategic plan.Provide strategic advice to related Divisions and lead initiatives, on targets for graduate research enrollments, scholarships, research facility and research supervision capacity, professional development activities, student support and engaging with all Colleges.Supervise the development, implementation, and continuous review of graduate policies and procedures in alignment with MOHESR, CAA requirements and and international accreditation standards (CAA, SACSCOC, ABET, AACSB, NASAD, ACEJMC ).Manage daily operations and assist the VPR in ensuring graduate student administrative practices comply with institutional policies and external accreditation standards.Prepare regular reports and data analysis for the VPR to support institutional committees, institutional effectiveness, accreditation bodies and MOHESR.Oversee admissions criteria, student progression, thesis and dissertation processes, examination and graduation requirements in accordance with the university’s policies and framework.Coordinate with Deans and Program Directors to ensure academic quality and consistency across graduate programs, and with other stakeholders to identify and develop new research programs, as well as opportunities that promote innovation and excellence.Engage with industry, government, and alumni to maintain the relevance of graduate education and create partnerships that offer real-world learning, applied research, and employment opportunities.Oversee graduate student support services, including scholarships, orientation, assistantships, academic advising, career development, and the management of complaints and feedbackLead accreditation and reaccreditation efforts for graduate programs and ensure that the university is well positioned to respond to changes in MOHESR policies that affect graduate research programs.Supports the Research Division’s fundraising and advancement efforts, including securing external funding for scholarships, fellowships, research initiatives, and partnerships.Ensure integrity and transparency in student assessment, supervision, and thesis defense.Represent the university in external academic bodies and national forums on graduate education and related matters.Contribute to Financial and budget managementPromote best practices in teaching, supervision, graduate faculty development and mentorship initiatives.Lead in enhancing process improvements, student experience and ensuring performance monitoring through KPIs and thresholds related to graduate enrollment, retention, completion rates, research output.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 seven dynamic colleges : College of Law, College of Education, College of Design, College of Business Administration, 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 byCAA(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 Engineering and 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.
J-18808-Ljbffr
