Director of Student Affairs

Confidential Company; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company Education unit seeks an executive to lead the Student Affairs function in a major university setting in the UAE. You will steer strategy, oversee wellbeing, retention, and student support while coordinating with Deans, Academic Affairs, and senior leadership to meet student needs.

Responsibilities include managing student clubs, orientation, international support, graduation events, and policy development for KPIs and budgets.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Education, Student Affairs, Psychology, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of higher education experience with at least 5 years in management.
• Proven experience leading Student Affairs or a significant student services portfolio.
• UAE/GCC higher education experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the University's Student Affairs strategy and annual operating plan.
• Oversee student engagement, wellbeing, retention, and student support initiatives.
• Develop and manage student clubs, societies, events, leadership, volunteering, and campus activities.
• Oversee the Student Council, student representation, complaints, grievances, and disciplinary processes.
• Strengthen student belonging, satisfaction, progression, and the overall student experience.
• Lead student orientation, international student support, graduation, recognition, and major student events.
• Collaborate with Deans, Academic Affairs, Clinical Affairs, and senior University leadership to address student needs.
• Support students throughout their academic journey, including their transition into clinical education, while coordinating internally with relevant University departments.
• Develop and maintain Student Affairs policies, procedures, KPIs, reports, and budgets.
• Lead, develop, and motivate the Student Affairs team.
• Ensure Student Affairs services and processes align with University policies and internal quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Student engagement

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field

Job description

Education Master of Education(Education), Master of Arts(Psychology), MBA/PG Diploma in Business Mgmt(HR/Industrial Relations), Ph.D/Doctorate(Education)

Category Education & Training

Industry Education and Tutoring

Lead and implement the University's Student Affairs strategy and annual operating plan.

Oversee student engagement, wellbeing, retention, and student support initiatives.

Develop and manage student clubs, societies, events, leadership, volunteering, and campus activities.

Oversee the Student Council, student representation, complaints, grievances, and disciplinary processes.

Strengthen student belonging, satisfaction, progression, and the overall student experience.

Lead student orientation, international student support, graduation, recognition, and major student events.

Collaborate with Deans, Academic Affairs, Clinical Affairs, and senior University leadership to address student needs.

Support students throughout their academic journey, including their transition into clinical education, while coordinating internally with relevant University departments.

Develop and maintain Student Affairs policies, procedures, KPIs, reports, and budgets.

Lead, develop, and motivate the Student Affairs team.

Ensure Student Affairs services and processes align with University policies and internal quality standards.

Desired Candidate Profile

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Education, Student Affairs, Psychology, Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

8–10+ years of higher education experience, with at least 5 years in management/senior leadership.

Proven experience leading Student Affairs or a significant student services portfolio.

Strong experience in student engagement, wellbeing, retention, student governance, and student support.

Experience in a medical or health sciences university is highly desirable.

UAE/GCC higher education experience is an advantage.

Excellent English communication skills; Arabic is highly desirable.