Dean & Executive Director

HRSI; Karachi Division; On-site; PKR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

IVS seeks a Dean & Executive Director to lead the school of Art, Architecture & Design, translating the Board's mission into strategic action and strong governance. You will oversee academic standards, curriculum quality, and staff development while promoting research excellence and student success.

The role requires a proven track record in higher education leadership, collaboration with governance bodies, and the ability to build partnerships that elevate institutional reputation regionally

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Substantial experience in higher education leadership.
• Track record of governance, policy implementation and strategic oversight.
• Experience in art, design or architecture education context is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and enhance academic standards, curriculum quality and learning outcomes.
• Translate strategy into actionable plans and monitor delivery across departments.
• Oversee governance, reporting, finances and risk management in line with charter.
• Attract and develop faculty and professional staff; foster inclusion and development.
• Champion student development, wellbeing and professional readiness in a safe, stimulating environment.
• Lead budgeting, resource allocation and compliance with applicable regulations.

Skills

Academic leadership

Strategic planning

Governance & reporting

Stakeholder engagement

People development

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

HRSI is leading executive search on behalf of the IVS, Karachi, to identify an accomplished academic leader to serve as its Dean & Executive Director.

ROLE PURPOSE:

Lead the School's academic and management functions, translating the Board of Governors' mission to make IVS the premier school of Art, Architecture & Design in the region. The mandate is to lead IVS as an academically distinguished, well-governed and effectively managed institution, strengthening faculty excellence, research, student development, institutional performance and long-term sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Academic Leadership: Uphold and enhance academic standards, curriculum quality, teaching and learning, assessment and programme relevance. Promote innovation, interdisciplinary learning, creativity and continuous academic improvement.
• Strategic Leadership and Execution: Translate institutional strategy and approved policies into clear priorities, operational plans and measurable outcomes. Lead effective day-to-day academic and management operations.
• Governance and Accountability: Work closely with the Executive Committee (EC) and its Chair to implement agreed priorities, monitor performance and provide timely reporting on academic outcomes, institutional progress, finances and risks. Operate within the IVS Charter and delegated authority. To work in close cooperation with the statutory boards of the school.
• Faculty and People Development: Attract, develop and retain high-quality faculty and professional staff. Foster a culture of merit, collaboration, accountability, inclusion and continuous professional development.
• Student Development and Wellbeing: Champion student learning, creativity, professional readiness and wellbeing. Promote a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment that supports student development and engagement.
• Financial Stewardship and Compliance: Contribute to institutional planning, budgeting and resource allocation; ensure prudent use of resources and compliance with the IVS Charter, applicable regulations, policies and ethical standards.
• External Engagement and Institutional Reputation: Strengthen relationships with academic institutions, industry, alumni, donors and other stakeholders; build partnerships and enhance IVS's national and international standing.

EDUCATION:

Strong academic background, normally including a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

• Higher education: Substantial experience in higher education, with a sound understanding of academic institutions and the specific context of art, design or architecture education.
• Academic leadership: Demonstrated leadership in academic administration, faculty management, curriculum development, quality assurance and institutional development.
• Delivery: Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, translate strategy into action and deliver measurable results.
• Governance: A sound understanding of institutional governance, accountability and effective engagement with governing bodies.
• Stakeholder relations: A track record of building constructive relationships with faculty, students, alumni and external stakeholders.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

• Academic credibility
• Strategic vision for the school and strong execution
• Sound judgement and integrity
• Collaborative leadership
• Inspiring faculty and engaging students
• Working constructively with all the Committees set up by the Board.
• Balancing academic and institutional priorities

REPORTING & GOVERNANCE

• Reports to the Chair of the Board of Governors
• Works closely with the Executive Committee and its Chair
• Operates within the IVS Charter and delegated authority
• Appointment in accordance with the IVS Charter