Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) Director Dubai, United Arab Emirates Full-time

Responsible for directing Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) activities, including strategic planning, development, and execution of PaCE programmes, business development, training catalog oversight, and stakeholder engagement, to ensure alignment with market demand, client expectations, and the University’s policies and procedures.

The Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial

Lead the development and monitor the execution of the Department’s strategy and align with ZU’s strategic objectives, ensuring effective and efficient achievement of departmental operations.

Oversee the Department’s performance through defined KPIs and targets, and continuously identify and recommend improvements to support the realisation of ZU’s strategy.

Direct the allocation of budget across the Department and ensure full adherence to approved plans and rectify any deviations in a timely manner.

Provide the relevant organisational unit with consolidated budget input as required, ensuring that the Department’s requirements are appropriately addressed in the overall budget planning process.

Operational

Lead the development and execution of business development strategies to expand B2B and B2C professional training services in line with University’s objectives.

Lead the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders to generate revenue, expand reach, and ensure programme sustainability.

Lead the development of tailored proposals and promotional strategies to position PaCE as a leading provider.

Direct the development, planning, and internal coordination of full-scale and customised training programmes to ensure strategic alignment, resource optimisation, and successful delivery of the same.

Lead the development and delivery of professional education programmes, including short courses, certifications, and hybrid learning models, to meet evolving market demands.

Lead the engagement with external subject-matter experts to maintain high-quality content development and delivery across all training programmes.

Lead the development and maintenance of a centralised training catalog and digital infrastructure, including LMS platforms, to ensure seamless access to current and upcoming training offerings.

Direct institutional compliance by ensuring documentation, reporting, and quality assurance mechanisms across all PaCE training activities.

Direct institutional initiatives that promote faculty and student participation in entrepreneurial training, venture creation, and business incubation programmes offered by the PaCE department.

Perform ad-hoc activities related to the job duties, as requested by the direct supervisor.

People Management

Review consolidated workforce planning reports, talent acquisition strategies, and budgets at the Department level to ensure adequate staffing for optimal operational smoothness, and submit to the appropriate authority for final approval.

Set performance management objectives for all reportees and perform mid-year and year-end performance reviews.

Identify talent for pivotal roles from a succession management standpoint to ensure business continuity.

Provide guidance to reporting managers on people management matters.

Manage organisational units within the Department and ensure effective leadership to adequately manage human capital.

The Requirements

Master’s Degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience and at least 10 years in a managerial position.

PhD with a minimum of 13 years of experience and at least 8 years in a managerial position.

Certification in a relevant field is preferred.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive tax-free salaries in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children, and healthcare for the employee and sponsored family members.

To Apply

In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references.

While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if selected for an interview.

For any further inquiries, please contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae