Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a leading comprehensive coeducational university in the Gulf, serving students from the region and around the world. Based upon American institutions of higher education, AUS is firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence.

It is a very exciting time for AUS. In 2023, Dr. Tod A. Laursen was appointed as the new Chancellor and the University is currently developing its strategy for 2025-2030. This strategy will build on the successes of recent years including a sharp increase in research output and graduate employability, improvements in rankings and reputation, and strong, internationally-recognized programs across the comprehensive range of disciplines offered by AUS.

It is in this context that the University is now seeking a new Provost and Chief Academic Officer, who is responsible to the Chancellor for overseeing strategic planning, academic direction, enrollment, institutional research, community engagement, and a range of support services. They will be a crucial part of the University’s leadership team and play a vital role in shaping the future trajectory of an already respected university renowned for its academic quality, international orientation, and graduate quality.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional individual to bring strategic vision and experience of academic administration within a high-performing environment, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. With a collaborative approach and able to lead transformation, the Provost and Chief Academic Officer will provide strategic leadership on both academic and operational matters to ensure the continued success of AUS.

The American University of Sharjah will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Application is by submission of a full curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter of application. The CV should include all educational and professional qualifications, full employment history, and details of key achievements. The covering letter should be between two to three sides of A4 and should address your interest in the position and AUS, as well as how you meet the job description and person specification.

The application should also include suitable daytime and evening telephone contact details, a preferred email address, and the details of at least two referees. Referees will not be contacted without prior agreement and notice.

Completed applications should be uploaded here, quoting reference 7638.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon UAE time on the 13th December 2024.

Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary interviews with long-listed candidates in early January, and the Appointment Committee will meet in January 2025 to decide upon a shortlist of candidates.

The final stages are expected to take place at AUS in February 2025. 

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Ayrsha Dayal on email at Arshya.Dayal@perrettlaver.com or Emma Stone at Emma.Stone@perrettlaver.com. Applications should include (in electronic form): a cover letter setting out interest and relevant experience and full curriculum vitae.

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