Dean – School of Architecture & Design

Dean – School of Architecture & Design

Classification: Executive / Academic Leadership

Reports To: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA)

About The American International University

American International University (AIU) is a private institution in Kuwait, founded in 2019, offering undergraduate programs in Engineering and Computing, Architecture and Design, Business, Arts and Sciences, and Education. The programs are delivered in English and follow the American model of higher education. AIU serves a community of more than 4,000 students and is implementing the RISE Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year institutional transformation strategy anchored in research development, international accreditation, student success, employability, and community engagement.

For more information, visit: www.aiu.edu.kw

School of Architecture & Design Profile

The School of Architecture and Design at the American International University in Kuwait comprises the disciplines of Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design. The School offers undergraduate programmes designed to prepare students for professional practice through a combination of creative inquiry, technical expertise, and applied learning.

Scope of Work

The Dean of School of Architecture and Design serves as the chief academic officer, providing strategic vision and operational leadership for the School. The Dean promotes excellence in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement; supports innovative academic programs; and advances diversity in faculty and student recruitment. The role also involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening connections with local and international communities, and enhancing the School's visibility and resources to support its academic mission and future growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the School of Architecture and Design, including faculty, academic programs, budgets, and administrative functions.
• Lead faculty recruitment, evaluation, mentoring, and professional development while fostering a culture of research, scholarship, and creative activity.
• Maintain engagement with the Industry Advisory Committee and strengthen partnerships with industry, professional organizations, and community stakeholders to support internships, experiential learning, and graduate employability.
• Support studio-based learning, student exhibitions, competitions, portfolios, and professional practice opportunities.
• Ensure effective representation of the School in university leadership activities and maintain accurate public communications regarding programs, achievements, and student opportunities.
• Lead institutional and programmatic accreditation, quality assurance, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives, with knowledge of American higher education accreditation standards.
• Manage strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget oversight for the School.
• Oversee Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design programs, ensuring academic excellence through curriculum development, assessment, scheduling, accreditation, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate experience in professional and academic positions, as well as a strong record in teaching and outstanding academic achievements at the international level. The candidate is expected to demonstrate ongoing contributions in their field of specialization through published research in recognized international scientific journals, as well as participation in exhibitions, conferences, and symposiums, in addition to possessing the following degrees, qualifications, and professional experience:

• Ph.D. or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Rank of Professor in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, or a related discipline.
• Distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and/or professional practice, with ongoing contributions through publications, exhibitions, conferences, and professional engagement.
• Proven academic leadership experience, preferably at Dean level or equivalent, with a demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and School development.
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, quality assurance, and continuous improvement processes within architecture, design, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with credit-hour and semester-based academic systems.
• Knowledge of higher education administration, including budgeting, human resources, and operational management.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building skills.
• Experience working within American or internationally accredited higher education systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative, design-oriented academic disciplines.
• English proficiency required; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

Additional Qualifications

Priority will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:

• Managerial experience and the skills necessary to launch pioneering projects.

• Multi-cultural skills.

• Active participation in reputable organizations.

• Knowledge of the methods of evaluation and related matters.

• Documentation demonstrating support for the achievements of teachers and students.

• Understanding of the latest teaching methods, including the use of technology in the teaching process.

• Demonstration of a commitment to enriching the educational experience of students.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the Job Opportunities section on our website and submit a resume and cover letter via: https://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to commence employment immediately.