Academic Lead

Private Advertiser; Selangor; On-site; MYR 201,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking an Academic Lead to oversee strategy, development, and operations of the department, aligning with policy and governance. The role drives programme provision, external representation, and financial planning to ensure sustainable growth.

Responsibilities include leading new programme development, accreditation, ISO quality systems, budgeting, and staff coaching. Strong leadership, English and Mandarin, and a track record in academia are essential for success.

Qualifications

• A recognised doctoral qualification in a related discipline (e.g., communication, media studies, advertising, PR, journalism, or digital media).
• Minimum 20 years of academic experience with publications; industry experience is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years in administrative and managerial duties in academia or related fields.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities; English and Mandarin proficiency preferred.
• Well-versed in curriculum development, accreditation, quality systems, assessment and R&D.
• Good business acumen and network with industry and professional bodies.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, strategic development, management, and financial planning of the department.
• Oversee programme provision and external representation of the department.
• Lead new programme development to attract students and markets.
• Coordinate with MOHE/MQA for approvals and licensing, and oversee accreditation.
• Implement ISO Quality Management Systems and ensure governance compliance.
• Manage staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance support.
• Prepare annual budgets and ensure financial sustainability.
• Develop strategies to improve profitability and student experience.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

People management

Strategic planning

Business acumen

Curriculum development

English & Mandarin

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Education

Doctoral qualification in a related discipline

Job description

The Academic Lead is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic development, management, operation and financial planning of the department, in accordance to policies and governance structure.

He / She is responsible for the overall programmes provision of the department and represents the department, both within the Institution and externally.

Work with Marketing and demonstrate commitment to the recruitment and retention of students whilst balancing considerations to prevailing policies, and implications for fee income.

Make effective use of all staffing resources and seek opportunities for collaboration and joint working with others beyond the department.

Build network with other academic institution, industry players and professional bodies related to the department.

Lead the development of new programmes in order to attract new students and markets.

Liaise with MOHE/MQA on the necessary governmental regulations and procedures to obtain approvals and licences for conduct of programmes.

Lead the academic accreditation and audit process to ensure compliance with all governmental regulations and procedures.

Oversee the implementation of ISO Quality Management Systems in the department.

Manage staff members through coaching, guiding, mentoring and supporting in all areas that has an impact on their work outcomes.

Responsible for the financial sustainability of the school by managing income and expenditure according to the regulations and approved budget.

Prepare the annual budget and ensure its achievement for the department.

Adopt a systematic approach to ensure profitability is achieved by reviewing fees, introducing new programmes, containing costs, mitigating challenges and developing new strategies.

Ensure excellent student experience and good pastoral care for the students and staff.

Active involvement in knowledge transfer activities within or outside the Institution.

Undertake any other duties as assigned by Chief Academic Officer.

Requirements:

A recognised doctoral qualification in a related discipline (communication, media studies, advertising, PR, journalism, creative media, digital media, multimedia, TV & film or media production, etc.).

Professional membership in a related area is advantageous.

Minimum 20 years of experience with proven track record in academia with good publications. Experience in industry is an added advantage.

Minimum 5 years of experience in administrative and managerial duties in academic field or other relevant industries.

Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Strong managerial, interpersonal and communication skills.

Good academic and research portfolio and strong business acumen.

Well-versed with curriculum development, accreditation process, quality improvement system, assessment and examination requirements and research and development.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Good command of English language and proficient in Mandarin in order to coach students from China.

Able to plan, formulate and execute strategies for the growth and development of the School.

Good network with industry players and professional bodies related to the School.

This is a contractual role and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Your application will include the following questions:

• How many years' experience do you have as an Academic?
• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Malaysia?
• What's your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Head of School?
• Which of the following languages are you fluent in?
• How would you rate your English language skills?
• How many years of people management experience do you have?