Dean of Media and Public Relations

Role Summary

A leading higher education institution in the UAE, invites applications for the position of Dean of Media and Public Relations. The Dean will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership to advance the College's mission in teaching, research, industry engagement, and community impact.

This role requires an accomplished scholar-leader with a strong track record in media and communication education, research excellence, and industry collaboration, ideally with experience in the UAE/GCC context. The Dean will champion innovation, ensure accreditation alignment, enhance student outcomes, and strengthen the College's regional and international reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Academic Leadership

- Lead the College's strategic planning, growth, and positioning in line with the University's vision and UAE national priorities.

- Oversee curriculum development and continuous improvement across undergraduate and postgraduate programs in media, communication, PR, digital media, journalism, advertising, strategic communication, and related fields.

- Ensure high standards of teaching quality, student learning outcomes, and academic integrity.

Research & Knowledge Production

- Drive a research culture that supports impactful scholarship, publications, funded projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

- Support faculty to increase research output in high-quality journals and conferences.

- Build research centers/labs aligned with emerging media, AI, digital transformation, and communication studies.

Accreditation & Quality Assurance

- Ensure compliance with UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and relevant international standards (e.g., ACEJMC, AQAS, QAA, etc., as applicable).

- Lead program reviews, assessment cycles, and quality assurance processes.

- Prepare for and manage accreditation visits and reporting requirements.

Faculty, Staff & Resource Management

- Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff to build a high-performing academic team.

- Manage the College budget, resources, facilities, and technology to support teaching and research excellence.

- Promote a collegial, inclusive, and high-accountability environment.

Student Success & Employability

- Enhance student recruitment, retention, advising, internships, employability, and alumni engagement.

- Support experiential and project-based learning, capstone work, and portfolio development.

- Champion student participation in competitions, conferences, and public showcases.

Industry & Community Engagement

- Strengthen partnerships with media organizations, government entities, creative industries, and communication agencies across the UAE and GCC.

- Grow internship pipelines, advisory boards, guest speaker networks, and collaborative industry projects.

- Represent the College in national and international academic/industry forums.

Required Qualifications & Experience

- PhD in Media, Communication, Journalism, Digital Media, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.

- Preferably Full Professor or Associate Professor rank with strong academic standing.

- Minimum 1015 years of university teaching and research experience, including significant academic leadership (e.g., Associate Dean, Department Chair, Program Director).

- Proven record of high-quality research and publications; evidence of research leadership and/or funded projects.

- Demonstrated experience in curriculum innovation, accreditation, and quality assurance.

- Strong understanding of media/communication industry trends, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

- Prior experience in the UAE/GCC or similar multicultural higher-ed environments is highly desirable.

- Excellent English communication skills; Arabic is an asset.

Key Competencies

- Strategic vision and change leadership

- Strong academic governance and accreditation expertise

- Collaborative, people-centered leadership style

- Ability to build external partnerships and industry relevance

- Commitment to student success and graduate employability

- Cultural awareness and ability to lead in a diverse environment