Job Description
Dean of School of Arts and Sciences School:
School of Arts and Sciences Reportsto:
Rector Duty Station:
TBC Application Deadline:
Open until filled Purpose The Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) is responsible for providing academic, intellectual,and administrative leadership to the School and the University. As the chief academic administrator of UCA's undergraduate programmes, theDean will lead the advancement of SAS by: Overseeing the consolidation and further development of UCA's four bachelor'sprogrammes; Supporting the academic development of the School's teaching and research faculty; Enhancing the scholarly andresearch environment of the School; Planning future engagement in relevant master's programmes, particularly in collaboration withUCA's Graduate School of Development. The Dean will work closely with University leadership to ensure the attainment ofexcellence of SAS in education, research, impact and engagement. Additionally, the Dean will communicate UCA's vision and objectives to bothinternal and external stakeholders, fostering partnerships across and beyond Central Asia. The Dean is expected to be an established scholarand an innovative, entrepreneurial and resilient academic leader, with a strong research record, evidence of excellence in learning andteaching, a sound understanding of quality assurance in education, and demonstrated management/leadership experience. The role requiresoverseeing programme development, faculty recruitment and retention, student engagement, quality assurance, research productivity, financialoversight, and external partnerships. Reporting The Dean of SAS reports directly to the rector of UCA andcollaborates with the University's leadership team. Critical Accountabilities and Outcomes StrategicLeadership Develop and implement the School's short- and medium-term strategy in alignment with UCA's overallstrategic goals. Contribute to the University's strategic. Key Outcomes:
Aclear and coherent vision for SAS aligned with UCA's broader strategy. Sustainable and high-impact growth of SAS programmes. Faculty Recruitment and Development Lead faculty recruitment, development, and retention,particularly focusing on Central Asia. Support faculty in their professional growth across education, research, service to theuniversity and community engagement. Ensure robust mentoring systems for new and mid-career faculty members. Developteaching, professional and research focused career pathways. Key Outcomes:
High-quality faculty retention and development. A diverse, engaged, and high-performing faculty body. Student Recruitment, Student Life and Academic Success Oversee student recruitment and progression,ensuring outreach to diverse populations, and promoting recruitment from less well-represented populations. Ensure robust academicsupport systems for student success. Work with University offices to manage scholarships, internship opportunities, studentexchange programmes, and awards. Support the evaluation and reform of UCA's coop programme. Ensure effective partnershipbetween students, faculty and staff. Key Outcomes:
Strong and diverse studentenrolment. Improved student retention and academic performance. A strengthened coop system, more integrated with the SASprogrammes. Best practice Student Partnership model. Programme Oversight and Quality Assurance Lead the continuous improvement and accreditation of SAS undergraduate programmes. Oversee the integration of preparatorystudies into the main curriculum. Oversee the integration of digital technologies into education provision. Review thebalance of mandatory curricular, disciplinary curriculum and liberal arts. Ensure programme effectiveness through student feedbackand engagement with external expertise. Key Outcomes:
High-quality, accredited academicprogrammes. Effective and adaptive curriculum development. Research and Scholarly Development Promote and support research activities, grant capture, and faculty research outputs of all kinds. Foster collaborativeresearch initiatives within and beyond Central Asia, including - particularly - with UCA's Graduate School of Development. Ensurefaculty engagement with national, regional, and international funding sources. Promote research which is impactful and problemoriented. Key Outcomes:
Increased research output and impact. Strengthenedfunding opportunities for faculty research. Financial Oversight Manage the financial operationsof SAS, ensuring responsible budgeting and resource allocation. Ensure effective use of donor support and revenue-generatinginitiatives. Enhance the sustainability of the School and the impact per investment. KeyOutcomes:
Sound financial governance and resource optimisation. Maximisation of donor and fundingopportunities. Sustainability Partnerships and External Engagement Lead UCA'spartnership strategy for SAS, building collaborations with academic institutions, local and regional business, government and other externalstakeholders. Strengthen relationships between SAS and local communities. Support the development of Naryn and Khorog as'University Towns' Key Outcomes:
Expanded institutional partnerships and studentexchange opportunities. Stronger regional and international engagement. Strong relationships within Naryn. University Leadership and Governance Represent SAS at the senior leadership level, ensuring alignment withUniversity-wide goals. Oversee academic policies and procedures to maintain high-quality education standards. Contributeto University leadership and the development of a coherent UCA longer-term strategy. Maximise collaboration across Schools andbetween locations. Key Outcomes:
Strong integration of SAS within UCA's leadership framework. Effective governance and academic oversight. Student Graduation and Convocation Ensure effectiveoversight of student graduation and convocation processes across campuses. Key Outcomes:
Well-organised graduation ceremonies reflecting the academic integrity of UCA. Qualifications Education PhD with a distinguished record of scholarly accomplishment. Experience andKnowledge Minimum ten years of experience in academic leadership roles within higher education. Provenexpertise in academic policy development, quality assurance, and administration. Strong track record in faculty recruitment,research facilitation, and financial stewardship. Experience in institutional partnerships, student engagement, and curriculumdevelopment. Experience in a multi-campus or developing environment is an asset. Experience of working in less-developedand/or multi-campus environments would be an advantage. Abilities and Personal Attributes Strongleadership, strategic planning, and management skills. Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Resilient, adaptable, andinnovative approach to leadership. Proven ability to work collaboratively across organisational levels. Deep commitment tothe liberal arts and connected curriculum model. Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills. Commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. Integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense ofaccountability. Ability to motivate and inspire academic staff in research, education and service. LanguageRequirements Advanced English proficiency required. Knowledge of Russian, Kyrgyz, Kazakh and/or Tajik is an asset. Considerations The position requires regular and sometimes demanding travel to UCA campuses, partner institutions, andacademic events regionally and internationally. How to Apply:
We warmly encourage you to apply for thisposition by submitting your resume, cover letter, and reference contacts to hr.recruitment@ucentralasia.org or bermet.ishenbekova@ucentralasia.org .
