Academic Dean - Sunway

Lancaster University; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university seeks an Academic Dean to advance its partnership with Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur. This senior role demands academic leadership, strategic oversight of dual degree programs, and maintenance of high academic standards. Ideal candidates will have substantial leadership experience and an understanding of global educational frameworks.

Qualifications

• Substantial academic leadership experience in an internationally recognized university.
• Proven ability to deliver results in complex environments.
• Deep understanding of transnational education and curriculum design.
• Record of external engagement and institutional building.
• Ability to represent a university at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the joint co-strategy at Sunway University.
• Lead Lancaster's contribution to dual degree programmes.
• Maintain high standards of academic quality.
• Strengthen institutional profile in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Skills

Academic leadership experience

Multi-stakeholder environment management

Understanding of transnational education

External engagement and institution-building

Influencing and communication skills

Education

Doctorate or equivalent in a relevant field

Job description

Academic Dean – Lancaster University at Sunway University

Lancaster University is delighted to invite applications for the role of Academic Dean at our long-standing partner, Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is a unique opportunity to play a senior leadership role in one of Lancaster’s most successful international partnerships, advancing collaborative teaching, research, and engagement between two globally recognised institutions.

As Academic Dean, you will be Lancaster’s senior representative at Sunway University, providing strategic leadership to deliver the joint co-strategy across teaching, research and engagement. You will lead Lancaster’s contribution to dual degree programmes, maintain the highest standards of academic quality, and strengthen institutional profile and reputation across Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asia region.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Demonstrate

• Substantial academic leadership experience gained in an internationally recognised university.
• Proven ability to deliver results within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Deep understanding of transnational education, regulatory frameworks, and curriculum design in a global context.
• A strong record of external engagement and institution-building, with excellent influencing, communication and cultural intelligence.
• The ability to represent Lancaster University with credibility at the most senior levels.

Experience in developing new programmes of study, successful research leadership, and student recruitment or alumni engagement will be an advantage.

This is a three-year fixed term senior appointment offering the opportunity to shape the future of Lancaster’s partnership with Sunway University and to have a lasting impact on the University’s global strategy.

We encourage interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the search may close once a strong pool of candidates has been identified.

For further information, please review the candidate pack and person specification at www.lancaster.ac.uk/sunway-academic-dean