Job Description

Dean – School of Architecture & Design

Position Requires Relocation to Kuwait

This position accepts unaccompanied candidates only.

Classification: Executive / Academic Leadership

Reports To: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)

About The American International University

American International University (AIU) is a privateinstitution in Kuwait, founded in 2019, offeringundergraduateprogramsbasedonthe American modelofhighereducation AIU providesdegrees in Engineering, Architecture and Design, and Business Administration, with English as thelanguageofinstruction The Universityiscommittedtofosteringintellectual, cultural, and personal growth, preparinggraduatesforleadership roles in a global society

For more information, visitwww.aiu.edu.kw

The School ofArchitecture and Design at the American International University in Kuwait comprisesthe disciplines ofArchitecture, Interior Design, and GraphicDesign The School offersundergraduateprogrammesdesignedto prepare studentsforprofessionalpracticethrough a combinationof creative inquiry, technicalexpertise, and appliedlearning

Scopeof Work

The Dean oftheSchool ofArchitecture and Designserves as thechiefacademicofficer, providingstrategicvision and operationalleadershipforthe School. The Dean promotesexcellence in teaching, scholarship, and communityengagement; supports innovative academicprograms; and advancesdiversity in faculty and studentrecruitment The role alsoinvolvesfosteringinterdisciplinarycollaboration, strengtheningconnectionswith local and internationalcommunities, and enhancingtheSchool'svisibility and resources tosupportitsacademicmission and future growth

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the School of Architecture and Design, including faculty, academic programs, budgets, and administrative functions.
• Lead faculty recruitment, evaluation, mentoring, and professional development while fostering a culture of research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Maintain engagement with the Industry Advisory Committee and strengthen partnerships with industry, professional organizations, and community stakeholders to support internships, experiential learning, and graduate employability.
• Support studio-based learning, student exhibitions, competitions, portfolios, and professional practice opportunities.
  
• Ensure effective representation of the School in university leadership activities and maintain accurate public communications regarding programs, achievements, and student opportunities.
• Lead institutional and programmatic accreditation, quality assurance, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives, with knowledge of American higher education accreditation standards.
• Manage strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget oversight for the School.
• Oversee Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design programs, ensuring academic excellence through curriculum development, assessment, scheduling, accreditation, and continuous improvement.

MinimumQualifications

The ideal candidate shalldemonstrateexperience in professional and academic positions, as well as a strongrecord in teaching and outstandingacademicachievements at theinternationallevel The candidate isexpectedtodemonstrateongoingcontributions in theirfieldofspecializationthroughpublishedresearch in recognizedinternationalscientificjournals, as well as participation in exhibitions, conferences, and symposiums, in additiontopossessingthefollowingdegrees, qualifications, and professionalexperience

• Ph.D. or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Rank of Professor in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, or a related discipline.
• Distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and/or professional practice, with ongoing contributions through publications, exhibitions, conferences, and professional engagement.
• Proven academic leadership experience, preferably at Dean level or equivalent, with a demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and School development.
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, quality assurance, and continuous improvement processes within architecture, design, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with credit-hour and semester-based academic systems.
• Knowledge of higher education administration, including budgeting, human resources, and operational management.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building skills.
• Experience working within American or internationally accredited higher education systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative, design-oriented academic disciplines.
• English proficiency required; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

AdditionalQualifications

Prioritywill be giventoapplicantswiththefollowingqualifications

• Managerialexperience and theskillsnecessarytolaunchpioneeringprojects

• Multi-culturalskills

• Active participation in reputableorganizations

• Knowledge ofthemethodsofevaluation and relatedmatters

• Documentationdemonstratingsupportfortheachievementsofteachers and students

• Understandingofthelatestteachingmethods, includingthe use oftechnology in theteachingprocess

• Demonstrationof a commitmenttoenrichingtheeducationalexperienceofstudents

How toApply

Interested candidates shouldvisitthe Job Opportunitiessectiononourwebsite and submit a resume and coverletterviahttps://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs

Applicationswill be reviewedon a rolling basis untilthe position isfilled The successful candidate isexpectedtocommenceemploymentonAugust 30, 2026.