Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Position: Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Department: Faculty of Social Sciences

Reports To: Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Position Summary

The Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences serves as the senior academic and administrative deputy to the Dean. The Associate Dean assumes decision-making authority for the Faculty in the Dean's absence, provides leadership in curriculum development and assessment, and plays a key role in accreditation compliance, faculty support, and student success. Given the centrality of the General Education program (GEP) to the entire university, the Associate Dean also serves as a critical institutional liaison across faculties and departments.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Support the Dean in providing strategic academic direction for the Faculty of Social Sciences, including the General Education and International Relations and Diplomacy programs.
• Co-Leadership with the Dean in curriculum review, development, and revision processes in alignment with AUPP's strategic plan and accreditation standards.
• Oversee in Co-Leadership with the Dean about the design and assessment of student learning outcomes across Faculty programs.
• Champion a culture of teaching and research excellence, reflective practice, and evidence-based improvement among faculty.
• Assist in recruiting, orienting, and evaluating faculty within the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Operations and Administration

• Develop and manage efficient and effective student- and faculty-centered course schedules and academic calendars.
• Oversee the resolution of major student academic concerns, including advising on curriculum pathways, academic standing, and appeals in close collaboration with GEP and IR Faculty.
• Support the Dean in budget planning and resource allocation to advance professional development, research and co-curricular activities among Faculty and students.
• Assume full administrative and representative authority for the Faculty in the Dean's absence.

Accreditation and Institutional Compliance

• Support the Faculty's participation in AUPP's ongoing accreditation processes, including preparation of self-study materials, data collection, and documentation for accreditation bodies.
• Ensure Faculty programs maintain compliance with relevant Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) standards and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to university-wide strategic planning and assessment initiatives as directed by Senior Academic Leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators across AUPP, with particular attention to cross-faculty coordination of the General Education program.
• Represent the Faculty of Social Sciences at university committees, official functions, and external events as required.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, government agencies, and professional organizations relevant to the Faculty's programs.

Essential Qualifications

• A terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) from a recognized and accredited institution in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Education, or a closely related field, preferable with teaching and research experience in a Southeast Asian or wider Asian context.
• A minimum of five years of experience in higher education, including demonstrated teaching and scholarly or professional achievement in a relevant discipline.
• At least two years of academic administrative experience, such as program coordination, department chair responsibilities, or equivalent leadership roles.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse academic and cultural contexts.
• Commitment to student-centered education, academic excellence, and inclusive community-building.
• Cultural sensitivity and genuine willingness to engage and familiarize with Cambodian culture, norms, and the Khmer-speaking community.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in an American-style or liberal arts higher education environment, particularly in the context of General Education program design or delivery.
• Familiarity with international relations, diplomacy, or related fields as they apply to program development and student advising.
• Experience working in international or multicultural university settings, preferably in Asia.
• Demonstrated ability to build interdisciplinary academic programs that bridge multiple faculties or departments.
• Experience with student advising on curriculum pathways, academic progress, and co-curricular development.

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance with private company
• NSSF benefits: Pension Fund, Health, and Occupational Accident Coverage
• Seniority Indemnity Payment
• Visa Extension
• Work Permit/Workbook
• Airfare (for employees whom have been hired outside of Cambodia)
• Other benefits based on Cambodian Labor Law