Head of Academic Planning

Confidential Jobs; Abu Dhabi Emirate; On-site; AED 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a strategic leader to develop and implement academic initiatives in Abu Dhabi. The role involves planning aligned with national education strategies, ensuring accreditation compliance, and engaging with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess strong strategic, analytical, and consultative skills along with experience in higher education or educational reform.

Qualifications

• Experience in academic planning or higher education leadership.
• 3–5 years in a management role at a consulting firm or equivalent senior-level experience in a university.
• Experience in education system reform and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of long-term academic planning.
• Oversee the design and approval of academic programs.
• Build relationships with internal departments and external partners.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Academic program development

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Public Policy, Strategy

Master’s or PhD

Job description

We are working with an elite, top 20 globally ranked international higher education institution to build out an Abu Dhabi presence, including setting its vision, mission, market positioning, and overarching business, operating & governance model. While in early stages, this is an important G2G partnership that will attract high-quality faculty, researchers, and students from around the world to Abu Dhabi.

JOB PURPOSE

To lead the strategic planning and development of academic initiatives and programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, national education strategies, and international best practices. The role requires a blend of strategic consulting expertise and academic insight to effectively bridge high-level planning with practical implementation in the education sector

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Academic Strategy Development :

1. Lead the development of long-term academic planning aligned with institutional and national strategic objectives.

2. Translate high-level strategy into actionable academic initiatives and implementation roadmaps.

Program Design and Evaluation :

3. Oversee the design, approval, and periodic review of academic programs to ensure relevance, quality, and compliance with accreditation standards.

4. Monitor academic outcomes and recommend improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholder Engagement :

5. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, universities, regulators, and external partners to align academic initiatives.

6. Act as the main academic planning liaison for senior leadership and government stakeholders.

Policy and Accreditation Compliance :

7. Ensure academic programs and institutional practices meet the standards of national and international accreditation bodies.

8. Contribute to policy development and institutional governance related to academic matters.

Data-Driven Decision Making

9. Use data analytics and forecasting models to support academic planning, capacity management, and strategic decision-making.

10. Present insights and reports to executive leadership to guide future academic directions.

Team Leadership and Development :

11. Manage and mentor a team of academic planners, analysts, and support staff.

12. Foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

13. Apply consulting methodologies to education-related transformation projects, including institutional partnerships, academic reform, and strategic alignment.

14. Contribute thought leadership and strategic insights from both academic and consulting perspectives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Public Policy, Strategy, or a related field; a Master’s or PhD is an advantage.
• Experience in education system reform, academic governance, or strategic initiatives in the education sector

Experience

Experience in academic planning, strategy, or higher education leadership

At least 3–5 years in either :

A management role at a top-tier strategy consulting firm, preferably with a focus on education, public policy, or institutional transformation

Or equivalent senior-level experience in a university setting, such as academic planning, quality assurance, institutional effectiveness, or strategy

Proven experience leading education-focused strategic initiatives, academic program development, or reform efforts

Strong track record of stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with ministries, academic institutions, and global partners

Experience working within or advising on GCC / UAE education systems, will be an advantage

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Education and Strategy / Planning

Industries

Business Consulting and Services and Education Administration Programs

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