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.

One of four Colleges within AUS, the College of Architecture, Art and Design is home to the top programs in the UAE for architecture and design. Ranked number one and number two in the UAE for Architecture and the Built Environment and for Art and Design respectively according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, AUS is also among the top 200 universities globally across these areas of study.

It is in this context that the University is now seeking a new Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design. As chief academic officer of the College, the Dean will provide leadership and oversight of faculty, curricula, research and teaching for the College. Reporting to the Provost and Chief Academic Officer, the Dean will also be a key leader across the University and contribute to the future trajectory of an already respected university renowned for its academic quality, international orientation, and graduate quality.

The successful candidate will bring experience of academic leadership and management within a dynamic and high-performing environment with an understanding of how to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. With recognized distinction in their field, they will help enhance the quality of teaching, research, and knowledge exchange within the College through a collaborative and inspirational approach.

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 7636.

The closing date for applications is 3rd January 2025 midday UAE time.

Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary interviews with long-listed candidates in late December and 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 early February 2025. 

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Xavier Thomason on email at Xavier.Thomason@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.

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit our website: http://www.perrettlaver.com/information/privacy/.