Academic Dean (Lancaster University and Sunway University Partnership)

Lancaster University; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking an Academic Dean at Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur. The role involves leading academic efforts, ensuring quality in dual degree programs, and fostering relationships with external stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in strategic leadership in an academic environment, and strong communication skills. This position plays a key role in enhancing the university's profile and supporting student recruitment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and management skills in an academic environment.
• Experience in strategic planning and development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement co-strategy for the university partnership.
• Accountable for delivery through KPIs and quality assurance.
• Strengthen relationships across universities and stakeholders.

Job description

Academic Dean – Sunway University

As Academic Dean, you will serve as the lead academic of the campus and the senior representative for Lancaster University within the Lancaster–Sunway partnership. Based at Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, you will report to Lancaster University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global (Digital, International and Sustainability).

Your primary remit will be to lead and implement the agreed co-strategy to build on the success of our long-standing teaching partnership and to advance activities across three major themes: teaching, research, and engagement. You will be accountable for its successful delivery through agreed KPIs, bringing creativity and vision to the development of the partnership so that new shared value is realised for both universities.

You will lead and inspire a committed academic team, fostering a culture of teaching excellence, research ambition, and professional growth. You will also hold responsibility for Lancaster’s dual degree programmes at Sunway, ensuring the quality of teaching, promoting existing provision, and supporting the development of new opportunities across the portfolio. As the senior academic postholder at Sunway, you will oversee quality assurance processes, including exam boards, appointment of external examiners, and compliance with Lancaster and Malaysian regulatory frameworks.

Your role will extend beyond campus. You will work with Sunway senior management on strategic planning, chair the Partnership Management Group, and provide regular reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global. You will initiate, maintain, and strengthen relationships across both universities, and with external stakeholders including industry, government, alumni, and professional bodies. You will also contribute to Lancaster’s regional strategy, support the growth of research initiatives such as the Future Cities Research Institute, and promote the partnership across Malaysia and South East Asia.

As Academic Dean, you will play a visible role in student recruitment, graduations, and alumni engagement, raising Lancaster’s profile and assisting in the recruitment of students to both Sunway and Lancaster campuses. You will also mentor Lancaster staff resident at Sunway and support their professional development. In this role, you will join Lancaster’s global network of transnational Academic Deans, collaborating on thematic priorities, sharing best practice, and building a cohesive, supportive, and globally connected academic community that embodies Lancaster’s values and advances our international ambitions.