Dean College of Design; CDES

Job Description: Dean – College of Design (CDES)

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of design education in a global hub of innovation? The American University in the Emirates (AUE) invites applications from distinguished Full Professors to serve as the Dean of the College of Design.

Starting in August 2026, you will lead a dynamic faculty in a college that balances artistic creativity with academic rigor. As Dean, you will be the primary advocate for excellence in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Animation. Your mission will be to ensure that our programs remain at the cutting edge of international standards while fostering a research-intensive environment that aligns with AUE’s “Nothing is Impossible” philosophy.

Leadership & Administrative Role

• Strategic Oversight: Report directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), ensuring the efficient administration and long-term sustainability of the College of Design.

• Program Innovation: Lead the development of new, internationally competitive programs that respond to industry shifts (e.g., Sustainable Design, AI in Creative Industries).

• Accreditation Leadership: Provide oversight for regional and international accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with CAA (UAE) and SACSCOC standards.

• Faculty Stewardship: Coordinate resources and provide mentorship for faculty, fostering a culture of professional development and scholarly productivity.

Academic & Research Responsibilities

• Instructional Excellence: Maintain a teaching load of 12 credit hours per academic year, utilizing inquiry-based pedagogical techniques.

• Scholarly Contribution: Lead by example with an active research agenda, maintaining a record of peer-reviewed publications.

• Curriculum Review: Ensure curriculum effectiveness through “intellectual rigor” and “currency,” transitioning theories into practical, complex applications of design.

• Student Success: Oversee academic advising and career planning, ensuring students meet Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and are industry-ready.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in a Design-related field from an accredited university in the USA or an institution recognized by an American accreditation body.

• Leadership Experience: 5–7 years of senior academic leadership (Associate/Assistant Dean or higher) at an accredited university.

• Research Record: Minimum of three (3) research publications in Scopus-indexed journals within the last five years.

• Technical Vision: Proven ability to integrate digital technology and latest design methodologies into the classroom and administrative workflow.

Job Data Summary