Director of Institutional Effectiveness

American University In the Emirates (AUE); Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) in Dubai seeks a seasoned Director of Institutional Effectiveness to lead planning, assessment, and reporting across the university.

The role collaborates with the President and senior leaders to drive accreditation readiness, strategic planning, data governance, and continuous improvement in academic and administrative operations, with a focus on impact and accountability.

Qualifications

• Master's or BA in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
• 7–10 years in institutional effectiveness, institutional research, quality assurance, or related areas in higher education.
• At least 5 years of managerial or leadership experience.
• Preferably bilingual (English and Arabic).
• Experience with accreditation standards, quality assurance processes, strategic planning, and institutional assessment.
• Knowledge of higher education operations, including academic and administrative functions.
• Experience in policy development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead data collection, analysis, governance, and reporting for institutional effectiveness.
• Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative studies to support planning.
• Coordinate accreditation-related activities and reporting.
• Provide leadership to the Institutional Effectiveness team and manage budget.
• Oversee software systems supporting planning, assessment, and reporting.
• Collaborate with advancement to identify funding opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by University leadership.

Education

Master's or Bachelor's in Business Administration/Mathematics/Statistics

7–10 years in IE/IR/QA in higher education

5+ years of leadership/management

Bilingual English & Arabic preferred

Accreditation standards & quality assurance

Strategic planning & institutional assessment

Higher education operations knowledge

Job description

Director of Institutional Effectiveness

American University in the Emirates (AUE) – Dubai, UAE

Position Summary

The American University in the Emirates (AUE) is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Director of Institutional Effectiveness. The successful candidate will be responsible for institutional planning and development, research and data analysis, assessment, strategic planning coordination, accreditation support, and institutional reporting.

The Director will work closely with the University President and senior leadership team to support institutional effectiveness initiatives, accreditation requirements, strategic decision-making, and continuous improvement across academic and administrative functions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in institutional effectiveness, institutional research, quality assurance, or related areas within a reputable higher education institution.
• At least 5 years of managerial or leadership experience.
• Preferably bilingual (English and Arabic).
• Experience with accreditation standards, quality assurance processes, strategic planning, and institutional assessment.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to prepare professional reports, meeting minutes, and institutional documentation.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of higher education operations, including academic and administrative functions.
• Experience in policy development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness

• Work closely with senior leadership to provide data, analysis, and recommendations that support strategic planning, resource allocation, and institutional decision-making.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of institutional effectiveness systems in alignment with accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate and monitor the University's strategic plan and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Institutional Research and Data Management

• Lead institutional research initiatives and oversee data collection, analysis, governance, and reporting.
• Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research studies to support institutional planning and effectiveness.
• Analyze trends and provide actionable insights to support continuous improvement and future planning.

Accreditation and Compliance

• Manage accreditation-related activities and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of reports requested by accreditation and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure institutional compliance with applicable standards and quality assurance requirements.

Leadership and Administration

• Provide leadership and direction to the Institutional Effectiveness team.
• Develop and manage the annual departmental budget.
• Participate in University committees and institutional initiatives as required.
• Review, update, and maintain University policies, procedures, and handbooks.

Technology and Process Improvement

• Oversee institutional effectiveness software systems and related development initiatives.
• Ensure technology solutions effectively support institutional planning, assessment, reporting, and decision-making.

Advancement and Fundraising Support

• Collaborate with advancement and fundraising teams to identify funding opportunities that support the University's mission and strategic priorities.
• Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with current and prospective donors.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the University leadership.

At AUE, we believe Nothing is Impossible is the Pathway to Success

AUE comprises eight dynamic colleges: College of Law, College of Education, College of Design, College of Business Administration, College of Health Science, College of Media and Mass Communication, College of Computer Information Technology and College of Security and Strategic Studies. Each college boasts unique strengths and prestigious accreditations, reflecting our commitment to providing a world-class education.

The American University in the Emirates is accredited by SACSCOC (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels

The American University in the Emirates is officially licensed to operate as a higher education institution and all its programs are accredited byCAA(the Commission for Academic Accreditation), Ministry of Education, United Arab Emirates.

The College of Business Administrationis a proud member of AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business),and its degree programs (Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Sport Management) are accredited by AACSB) as of 2022.

The Bachelor of Computer Science in theCollege of Computer Information Technologyis accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

NASAD

(The National Association of Schools of Art and Design) has granted the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, and Bachelor of Science in Animation in theCollege of Design, the designation of Substantial Equivalency with accredited programs in the United States.