Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President (Position Requires Relocation to Kuwait)

American International University - Kuwait City

Position accepts single, unaccompanied candidates, only

Classification: Executive

Reports to: CEO

Job Purpose:

The Executive Vice President of American International University, Kuwait serves as the senior academic officer, at the discretion of the CEO. This individual will oversee and align academics, and ensure the quality of the faculty, administration, and student body in order to uphold the educational excellence of the University. In leading a new and growing community of students, the incumbent will provide leadership to support an academically rigorous, student-centered culture on campus. Additionally, the EVP will be fully invested in the student retention of the institution, as well as progression and completion of initiatives and goals. Furthermore, the incumbent will provide visionary, strategic, and forward-thinking leadership while promoting well-organized and sustainable procedures and policies, excellence in teaching, effective learning, and lifelong student success.

The Executive Vice President is the lead in driving both institutional and programmatic accreditation, actively elevating the university’s standards and effectiveness. This role also involves the strategic use of data to guide decision-making processes within academic affairs, aiming to optimize outcomes and efficiency. Furthermore, the EVP is tasked with the ongoing refinement of academic programs, incorporating the latest technology to ensure our graduates remain competitive in the job market. Additionally, overseeing the Registrar is a key responsibility, focusing on the effective utilization of timetables and faculty resources to support the university's academic mission.

Duties:

• Serve as senior academic officer, incumbent is responsible for the organization and administration of the University.
• Make policy recommendations to the Board on all matters that affect the University.
• Recommend all additions or changes in personnel and in personnel policies.
• Meet regularly with all department directors and above.
• Attend all Board of Trustee meetings, as a non-voting member with a voice. Oversee all presentations to the Board by University staff.
• Work closely with the institutional partner universities to ensuring a strong and active engagement with the universities and the successful implementation of programs and services.
• Exercise broad, discretionary power to fulfill the University’s mission.
• Conduct regular reviews of the technology-focused curriculum to ensure it aligns with current industry standards and emerging technological trends, identifying areas for improvement and developing strategies for updating course materials, assignments, and assessments.
• Be responsible for the formulation of all reports as may be required by the Board and/or government agencies.
• Serve as the institutional champion, building an effective and cohesive leadership team with a core commitment to academic excellence, student engagement and student success.
• Provide faculty and staff opportunities to grow, engage and develop their professional expertise.
• Sustain a highly qualified faculty and staff by providing a commitment to orientation, training, and information sharing so employees are better equipped to help and motivate students.
• Cultivate cross-campus collaboration between faculty, staff and students.
• Facilitate a culture of continuous improvement in this university.
• Serve as highly visible ambassador for the University to the external community; establish innovative partnerships; represent AIU at functions.
• Utilize data to inspire innovation and changes for improving student outcomes.
• Encourage a spirit of collegiality and demonstrate a talent for inspiring others to action.
• Provide oversight for the improvements in the infrastructure of a university, including the physical facilities and information technology.
• Weekend and evening duty and occasional travel required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned or delegated by the CEO

Reporting Departments/Positions:

• Division of Academic Affairs
• Division of Administration
• Additional Divisions/Departments when they are created, including Alumni Affairs Department
• University Senior Leadership Team
• Administrative Assistant

Skills:

• Must possess skills to be able to explain and demonstrate the essential functions of the position; demonstrated knowledge and experiences within all facets of University administration.
• Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and effectively at all levels within the University in English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a talent for listening and forging consensus.
• Ability to lead by example, using the highest levels of academic and personal integrity in all interactions, and requiring the same from all community members.
• Possess ability to create strategic partnerships with business, other universities and other related organizations.
• Possess demonstrable ability to understand financial planning, spreadsheets and budget creation and oversight.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple complex projects.
• Ability to maintain calming demeanor and rationale in crisis or heated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in decision-making and problem solving.
• Must be capable of maintaining confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and problem-solve broad strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of professionals, students and parents, community members and constituencies.
• Ability to lead, inspire, supervise, and evaluate personnel to meet institutional goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated competency, experiences and/or understanding of the value, application and implementation of technology in higher education.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of standard software applications.
• Ability to work evening and weekends and travel as required.

Experience and Education:

• Advanced degree required (MBA preferred) or Ph.D.
• An appropriate combination of academic and leadership experience, including a minimum of five years of leadership at the senior level.
• Experience in strategic, educational, and facilities master planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the realms of Academic Affairs, Student Life, and University Administration.
• Demonstrated visionary, innovative, and effective leadership.
• Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and experience in preparing for institutional and program accreditation.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with an emphasis in budget and resource management.
• Successful experiences in the development, management and oversight of institutional, divisional and departmental budgets.
• Proven track record of team-building acumen and demonstrated successful leadership in a complex environment.
• Experience in staff development and evaluation.
• Demonstrated deep regard for students and appreciation for all aspects of student life.
• Evidenced track record in advocating and understanding the tenants for student success.
• Demonstrated evidence of creating a united cohesive team focused on teaching, learning, and student success.
• Experience with research and use of data in decision making.

About American International University:

AIU is a newer institution of higher education in Kuwait with the first student cohort admitted in fall 2019. It is a private, co-educational institution offering undergraduate degrees based on the American model of higher education. Through its educational programs, the College serves the intellectual, cultural, and personal growth of all members of its community. AIU’s offers degree programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Design, and Business Administration where the language of instruction is English.

For more information about AIU visit: www.aiu.edu.kw

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and one photo to the below email address:

executivehr@aiu.edu.kw

Position accepts single, unaccompanied candidates, only