"Dean of Undergraduate Studies"

Job Details

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Dean of Undergraduate Studies

About Fulbright

Fulbright University Vietnam is an innovative, future-oriented university dedicated to bringing the best of American education to Vietnam. Fulbright serves the next generation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, policy innovators, and artists through undergraduate and graduate educational programs of exceptional rigor that equip students with the skills, adaptability, and international network to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Fulbright’s flagship academic programs include The Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management (FSPPM) an accredited graduate professional school incubated by the Harvard Kennedy School until the university’s founding in 2016; and Vietnam’s first undergraduate program in engineering and the liberal arts and sciences.

Fulbright is growing rapidly. In September 2026, the university will move into its home campus in the Saigon High Tech Park in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City in the heart of Vietnam’s emerging innovation ecosystem.

More information about Fulbright may be found at https://fulbright.edu.vn/.

About the Position

The Dean of Undergraduate Studies (“the Dean”) is a mission-critical leadership role at Fulbright University Vietnam. The Dean is one of the chief architects of the university’s continued development. We are seeking a flexible, creative leader with a track record of successfully designing and building innovative new programs, leading diverse teams, and fostering academic excellence.

Reporting to and working closely with the President, the Dean represents the undergraduate program on the university’s Executive Committee and works collaboratively with faculty and other university leaders to drive the development of the undergraduate program. In keeping with our vision of a holistic educational experience., the Dean oversees all aspects of the undergraduate student experience, including academic progress, co-curricular activities, and career development.

The Dean’s direct reports include several Associate Dean, the undergraduate faculty, and administrative and academic support teams.

Primary Responsibilities

The Dean’s primary responsibilities include:

• Program Design and Development: The Dean leads the continued development of the undergraduate curriculum, including the core, majors, electives, capstones, and co-curricular programs. The Dean ensures that every element of the undergraduate experience meets the highest standards of academic rigor and excellence, consistent with Fulbright’s aspiration to be a leading higher education institution in Vietnam and the region. The Dean works closely with the other members of the university’s academic leadership team, including the Dean of FSPPM, to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and shared academic resources. The Dean works with the President and the Office of Institutional Research to advance the university’s accreditation with the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), and ensure compliance with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. In the next phase of growth, the Dean will lead the design and launch of new programs and majors in science and technology, business, and other fields that integrate deeply with Fulbright’s liberal arts foundation to foster interdisciplinary innovation and holistic education.
• Faculty Building: The Dean is the leader of Fulbright’s undergraduate faculty and works tirelessly to recruit and retain outstanding faculty and support their professional growth and development. The Dean works closely with the President and Human Resources to develop and implement fair, transparent policies for faculty evaluation, retention, and promotion. The Dean will pioneer innovative strategies to attract and sustain exceptional faculty talent across disciplines, particularly in demanding fields such as business, AI, science, and engineering.
• AI/STEM: The Dean plays a key role in pursuing Fulbright’s mission to serve Vietnamese society through the development of cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, computer science, and engineering. The Dean collaborates with the university leadership and external advisors to design and execute a comprehensive strategy for AI and high-tech education. In particular, the Dean will lead the growth of the Fulbright AI Institute—a university-wide initiative launched in 2025 with a grant from Google—as well as other high-tech workforce training and education initiatives.
• Student Experience and Outcomes: The Dean plays a central role in ensuring an exceptional student experience and strong post-graduation outcomes. They are responsible for fostering an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment in which every student can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. The Dean works closely with faculty and staff to design programs and policies that promote student success, from academic advising and mentoring to experiential learning opportunities. They also partner with offices across the university and with external organizations to help students transition successfully to life after Fulbright—whether through employment, graduate study, or other meaningful pursuits. Ultimately, the Dean is accountable for ensuring that every student receives a transformative education that leads to outstanding outcomes and lifelong fulfillment.
• Student Affairs: The Dean works closely with teams that shape the student experience — including Student Life, Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid, Facilities, Career Services, and other student-facing units — to ensure that all undergraduate students receive a holistic, tailored, and transformative education.
• International experience: The Dean oversees the continued development of Fulbright’s global engagement strategy, ensuring that every undergraduate has the opportunity to participate in meaningful international or cross-cultural learning experiences through partnerships and exchange programs.
• Budgeting and Resource Planning: The Dean collaborate with the university’s finance team to review the financial model, develop the annual undergraduate budget and allocate resources effectively across multiple priorities.
• Outreach and Representation: The Dean serves as a persuasive and inspiring spokesperson for Fulbright’s undergraduate program and for the liberal arts tradition more broadly, engaging a wide range of stakeholders — including prospective students and families, employers, partners, and benefactors — to strengthen the university’s reputation and reach. The Dean collaborates with the undergraduate admissions and marketing and communications teams to promote the undergraduate program.

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following qualifications and personal characteristics:

• A record of academic achievement in a field relevant to the undergraduate program (a STEM background is a plus).
• Deep commitment to Fulbright University Vietnam’s vision, values, and aspirations.
• A sophisticated understanding of the American liberal arts tradition and of the requirements of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.
• Experience building new academic programs and a demonstrated capacity for inspirational leadership, innovative thinking, and creative problem-solving.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven record of collaborative leadership.
• Unimpeachable personal and academic integrity, humility, and a sense of humor.

This position requires full-time residency in Ho Chi Minh City, with occasional travel within Vietnam and abroad.

What Fulbright Offers

The opportunity to join a passionate team that believes in the transformative power of education and the rare privilege of building a new university from the ground up.

• Participation in a vibrant intellectual community, with access to public talks, workshops, seminars, and other enriching activities at Fulbright.
• A dynamic, innovative, and professional work environment.
• An internationally competitive salary and comprehensive insurance schemes for employees and their direct family members.