Director, Graduate Programmes
March 2, 2026 2026-03-02 7:39Director, Graduate Programmes
Closing date: Until position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Position Title: Director, Graduate Programmes
Department: Graduate Studies
Reports To: Vice President, Academic Affairs
Location: Academic City University
Category: Senior Management
Role Purpose
The Director of Graduate Programmes serves as the academic and administrative leader responsible for driving the growth, quality, and strategic direction of the University’s expanding postgraduate portfolio. This includes master’s programmes, STEM-focused postgraduate offerings, and Executive Education/short courses. The role ensures that all graduate programmes maintain high academic standards, industry relevance, and global competitiveness, while delivering an exceptional student experience.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership
- Provide strategic direction for all graduate programmes to align with the university’s mission and long-term goals.
- Oversee curriculum development, review, and accreditation processes for postgraduate and executive education programmes.
- Lead the development of new degree offerings in response to industry trends and institutional priorities.
- Ensure academic quality by implementing rigorous assessment, monitoring, and continuous improvement frameworks.
Administrative Leadership
- Manage the operational effectiveness of the Graduate Programmes Office, ensuring smooth delivery of academic services.
- Oversee admissions processes, student advising systems, and academic records management for postgraduate students.
- Coordinate with faculty, department heads, and administrative units to ensure seamless programme delivery.
Faculty Engagement & Development
- Collaborate with faculty to ensure innovative, research-driven, and industry-aligned teaching practices.
- Facilitate faculty recruitment, onboarding, and mentorship for graduate-level instructors.
- Encourage interdisciplinary teaching and research across departments.
Industry, Executive & External Partnerships
- Strengthen relationships with industry partners to support executive education, internships, research, and student career pathways.
- Lead the design, scheduling, and delivery of executive education programmes and short courses.
- Collaborate with international partners to expand mobility, exchange, and joint programme opportunities.
Student Success & Experience
- Ensure a high-quality and engaging learning environment for graduate students.
- Oversee student support services tailored to postgraduate learners, including academic advising, professional development, and research support.
- Monitor student feedback and implement improvements.
Strategic Growth & Innovation
- Develop and implement strategies that drive enrollment growth and programme visibility.
- Leverage technology and innovative pedagogies to enhance programme delivery, including online and hybrid models.
- Lead data-driven decision-making to improve programme efficiency and outcomes.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all programmes meet local and international accreditation requirements.
- Maintain accurate reporting and documentation for internal and external regulatory bodies.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- A Dctrate (PhD r DBA) in a relevant Business & Management discipline, such as:
- Business Administratin
- Management Sciences
- Finance / Ecnmics / Accunting
- Educatin / Higher Educatin Management
- Or another discipline directly aligned with the department’s postgraduate offerings.
- Proven academic leadership experience at senior level (e.g., programme director, department head, dean, etc.).
- Strong understanding of graduate education frameworks, curriculum design, and accreditation processes.
- Demonstrated experience in managing academic programmes and teams.
Preferred
- Experience in Executive Education development and delivery.
- Strong industry networks within business and STEM-related sectors.
- Evidence of research, publications, and contributions to academic scholarship.
- Experience with online/hybrid programme management.
Competencies
- Strategic and visionary leadership
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
- Ability to build partnerships and collaborate across multiple units
- Project management and organizational effectiveness
- Commitment to academic excellence and student success
How to apply: To apply, please send your CV and covering letter (which outlines the way in which you believe you meet the requirements of the role), together with the names of three referees, a Statement of teaching philosophy, and a Research statement.
Evidence of qualifications will be checked at the interview stage.