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

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. degree from an internationally accredited university
• Holds the academic rank of Full Professor, with substantial experience in graduate education leadership
• Minimum of 5 years of academic and administrative experience, including 2 years in graduate research education leadership
• Active Research Record with publications in Scopus indexed avenues
• Preferably bilingual (speaks English and Arabic fluently)

SKILLS / TRAINING / KNOWLEDGE

• Proven track records in supervising Master’s and PhD Theses
• Actively served on or chaired doctoral viva committees
• Strong administrative and leadership capabilities
• Familiarity 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 feedback
• Lead 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 management
• Promote 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.

Please refer the Job description for details