Dean of College of Design at American University in the Emirates Dubai Full-time NEW

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) is seeking a highly qualified, creative, and experienced academic leader to serve as Dean of the College of Design (CDES) for Academic Year 2026–2027 in Dubai. This pivotal position calls for a visionary individual capable of providing strategic direction, fostering research and innovation, and building strong partnerships with government agencies, international design organizations, and creative industry leaders. Furthermore, the Dean will play a central role in advancing the college’s academic mission, enhancing its global reputation, and ensuring an inspiring and excellence-driven learning environment for all students and faculty.

Reporting Structure and Administrative Role

The Dean of the College of Design reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and holds primary responsibility for all general administrative and coordination functions related to the college’s instructional programs and related services. In addition, the Dean carries a teaching load of 12 credit hours per academic year, maintaining a direct connection with the college’s academic community. Consequently, the ideal candidate must be equally comfortable in both strategic leadership and classroom engagement, reflecting the dual nature of this prestigious senior role at AUE.

Key Responsibilities

The Dean will provide visionary leadership across all aspects of the College of Design, including academic planning, faculty recruitment and development, curriculum innovation, and budget oversight. Moreover, the Dean will champion accreditation processes, ensure compliance with national and international academic standards, and represent the college at university-wide forums and external events. In addition, fostering a culture of research, creative practice, and design innovation is a core expectation, as the college aims to produce graduates who are both academically prepared and creatively competitive in the global design industry.

Industry Partnerships and External Engagement

A key dimension of the Dean’s role involves cultivating strategic partnerships with design firms, creative agencies, government cultural bodies, and international academic institutions. Therefore, the successful candidate must possess a strong professional network within the design and creative industries, particularly within the UAE and broader GCC region. Since AUE’s College of Design is committed to bridging academic learning with professional practice, the Dean must also lead efforts in internship development, industry-sponsored projects, and collaborative design initiatives that enrich the student experience and enhance the college’s external profile.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a Design-related field from an accredited university in the United States or from a recognized institution accredited by an American accreditation body. A significant record of creative and scholarly achievement, including publications, exhibitions, or design projects of international standing, is required. Additionally, a minimum of ten years of progressive academic and administrative experience is expected, including demonstrated leadership at the department or college level. Familiarity with the UAE’s creative economy and design education landscape is a notable advantage for candidates applying for this role.

About the American University in the Emirates

AUE is a prestigious institution of higher education in Dubai, accredited by SACSCOC and licensed by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). The College of Design is one of AUE’s seven dynamic colleges, offering programs in interior design, graphic design, and related creative disciplines. Since its founding, AUE has cultivated a diverse, multicultural academic community of students and faculty from over 100 countries. Additionally, the college is equipped with state-of-the-art design studios, fabrication labs, and digital production facilities that support both creative exploration and professional skill development.

Compensation and Benefits

AUE offers a highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and scope of this leadership role. The estimated salary range for the Dean of College of Design is AED 18,000 to AED 35,000 per month, depending on qualifications, experience, and academic rank. Therefore, this is an exceptional opportunity for a distinguished design academic and leader seeking to make a transformative impact at one of Dubai’s most innovative and internationally recognized universities. Additional benefits may include housing allowance, professional development funding, and applicable expatriate entitlements.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through the AUE official careers portal at the earliest opportunity. Please submit a comprehensive application that includes an updated curriculum vitae, a leadership and creative vision statement, a portfolio of scholarly or creative work, and copies of all relevant academic credentials. AUE is an equal opportunity employer and actively welcomes applications from diverse international candidates. We look forward to welcoming a visionary design leader to guide the College of Design into its next exciting chapter of growth and creative excellence.