Academic Head

Job Description

The Academic Head will own the institution's accreditation journey, faculty structure, and academic quality assurance – ensuring the Business School meets the standards required by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and positions itself as a credible, respected institution in the UAE higher education landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the CAA institutional licensure process, including all documentation, self-study reports, and site visit preparation
• Develop and implement academic governance structures, quality assurance frameworks, and policy documentation aligned with CAA and MoHESR standards
• Maintain ongoing compliance with UAE federal and Dubai (KHDA) regulatory requirements
• Serve as the primary institutional liaison with CAA, MoHESR, and relevant accreditation bodies

• Design, develop, and launch undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Banking, Finance, and Business
• Build programme learning outcomes, curriculum frameworks, and assessment policies aligned with national and international standards
• Lead validation and approval of all academic programmes through relevant regulatory channels
• Explore and establish pathways for international programme accreditation (AACSB, EFMD, ACCA, CFA Institute partnerships, etc.)

• Establish faculty hiring criteria, academic rank structure, and contractual frameworks
• Lead recruitment of full-time and adjunct faculty, ensuring academic qualifications meet CAA requirements
• Build a faculty development and performance review framework
• Foster a culture of academic rigour, research awareness, and professional practice

• Establish and chair the Academic Council and relevant academic committees (curriculum, assessment, admissions)
• Develop academic policies covering admissions standards, academic integrity, student progression, and grading
• Oversee student academic experience, including advising structures and academic support

• Identify and negotiate articulation agreements, dual degree arrangements, and MoUs with international universities and professional bodies
• Represent the Business School in academic forums, conferences, and regional networks
• Build credibility and visibility for the institution within the UAE and GCC academic community

• PhD or professional doctorate in Business, Finance, Education.
• Minimum 10–15 years in higher education, with at least 5 years in a senior academic leadership role ( Associate Dean, Head of School, or equivalent)
• Direct, hands-on experience with CAA accreditation processes - ideally having led or co-led an institutional application or programme approval
• Demonstrable experience building or launching academic programmes from scratch
• Familiarity with international accreditation bodies (AACSB, EFMD, BGA, or professional body partnerships such as ACCA/CIMA/CFA)
• Experience operating in the UAE or GCC higher education environment strongly preferred
• Strong network within regional or international academic and professional education communities