Director of Foundation Year

Urban Ridge Supplies; Doha; On-site; QAR 408,000 - 602,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Ridge Supplies is seeking a Director to design and launch a Foundation Year from scratch in Riyadh. You will ensure students are academically prepared for undergraduate study, aligning with Arizona State University standards, ET EC and NCA AA accreditation requirements.

Lead curriculum, policy, assessments, and learning outcomes across English, General Education, and math tracks. You will recruit and mentor instructors, drive accreditation readiness, and oversee student progression,

Qualifications

• PhD/EdD in Education or related field preferred.
• 8–10 years in higher education.
• 3–5 years in leadership/programme management roles.
• Experience with Foundation Year or pathway programmes required.
• International/U.S.-affiliated university experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and launch the entire Foundation Year programme from scratch.
• Ensure students are academically prepared for undergraduate studies.
• Align the programme with ASU standards and Saudi accreditation bodies (ETEC, NCAAA).
• Create curriculum, policies, assessments, and learning outcomes.
• Oversee subjects like English, General Education, Mathematics, and introductory tracks.
• Introduce modern teaching methods and student-focused learning.
• Recruit and manage instructors and coordinators.
• Conduct training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Develop systems to support struggling students and monitor progression.
• Handle scheduling, timetables, budgets, and LMS systems (Canvas preferred).
• Prepare the programme for ETEC and NCAAA accreditation from Day 1.

Skills

Curriculum design

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Canvas LMS

Strong English

Arabic language

Education

PhD/EdD in Education or related field

Master’s degree considered

Tools

Canvas LMS

Job description

Job location: Riyadh

The Director will:

• Design and launch the entire Foundation Year programme from scratch.

• Ensure students are academically prepared for undergraduate studies.

• Align the programme with:

  • Arizona State University academic standards

  • Saudi accreditation bodies:

    • Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)

    • National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA)

Academic & Programme Leadership

• Create curriculum, policies, assessments, and learning outcomes.

• Oversee subjects like English, General Education, Mathematics, and introductory tracks.

• Introduce modern teaching methods and student-focused learning.

Faculty & Team Management

• Recruit and manage instructors and coordinators.

• Conduct training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

• Build a strong academic culture.

Student Success

• Manage placement testing and student progression.

• Develop systems to support struggling students.

• Monitor attendance, performance, and retention.

Operations

• Handle scheduling, timetables, budgets, and LMS systems (Canvas preferred).

• Ensure smooth daily academic operations.

Accreditation & Quality Assurance

• Prepare the programme for ETEC and NCAAA accreditation from Day 1.

• Maintain documentation, reporting, and evidence tracking.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Coordinate with admissions, academic colleges, and ASU partners.

• Represent the Foundation Year in university committees and accreditation discussions.

Requirements

Education

• PhD/EdD in Education, Applied Linguistics, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field preferred.

• Strong Master’s candidates may also be considered.

Experience

• 8–10 years in higher education.

• 3–5 years in leadership/programme management roles.

• Experience with Foundation Year or pathway programmes required.

• International/U.S.-affiliated university experience preferred.

• Start-up university experience is a major advantage.

Skills Needed

• Curriculum design and accreditation knowledge.

• Leadership and stakeholder management.

• Data-driven decision making.

• LMS knowledge (especially Canvas).

• Strong English required; Arabic preferred.