Dean of Education

The Dean of Education is a new leadership position in the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA). As one of three Deans (Education, Continuous Professional Learning, Research), the position reports to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and is a senior academic who provides leadership and strategic direction in education programs across the Academy. The incumbent will have an established track record of success in senior leadership in education and an internationally recognised scholarly profile in teacher education and/or education-related fields.

The Dean of Education will have expertise and experience in leading the design and delivery of high-quality online, hybrid, and hyflex programs. The role is accountable for all aspects of program quality in alignment with the Academy’s strategic vision and plan, ensuring the highest academic standards are met. Responsibilities include developing and enhancing academic programs consistent with international standards and contemporary research in teaching and learning, and identifying new and sustainable areas for program development.

This role involves working with other senior leaders, faculty, and staff to meet the institution’s educational goals.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Academic leadership:
  Leads the faculty and provides strategic direction for the quality and development of educational programs, curricula, and assessments aligned with international standards and contemporary research.
• Impact:
  Leads a program of scholarly research in teacher education and its impacts on learners. Evaluates program impacts with employers and plans for continuous improvements.
• Operational management:
  Manages the day-to-day academic operations of the Academy and ensures high academic standards and compliance. Develops and maintains academic policies, ensuring compliance with accreditation authorities and alignment with the Academy’s strategic vision and plan. Ensures departmental structures and processes support effective practice.
• Administration and Finance:
  Ensures all aspects of program development and delivery are underpinned by sound business models and practices. Monitors budgetary allocations and processes, ensuring effective and equitable use of resources in alignment with the Academy’s vision and strategy.
• Staff management and support:
  Provides leadership and mentoring to faculty and promotes a positive, supportive working culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement. Ensures performance management processes are growth-oriented and support staff development and success. Oversees faculty hiring needs.
• Curriculum development:
  Oversees the design, delivery, and ongoing improvement of innovative, evidence-based, sustainable educational programs to ensure they remain robust, innovative, and responsive to contextual requirements.
• Accreditation:
  Leads and manages systems and processes for internal and external program and professional accreditation across the full scope of programs at the Academy in collaboration with the Internal Effectiveness and Quality Assurance Directorate.
• Student success:
  Leads evidence-based initiatives that contribute to student wellbeing and academic success in collaboration with the Student Journey Directorate.
• Collaboration:
  Works with senior management and staff to promote and facilitate collaboration with other institutions and acts as a liaison with the community. Promotes the Academy’s reputation and provides institutional representation at public events.
• Strategic planning:
  Develops mechanisms and processes to advance the institution’s academic goals and mission.

Essential

Qualifications and Skills:

• Academic credentials:
  A PhD/EdD in an education-related field.
• Strategic thinking:
  The ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Leadership:
  Proven ability to lead teams and provide strategic direction in a complex environment.
• Communication:
  High-level interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills and experience leading initiatives with diverse stakeholders.
• Management:
  Demonstrable successful experience in staff and budget management and resource allocation.

Preferred Skills and Expertise:

• Local knowledge:
  Relevant experience in the UAE/GCC region.