Head / Assistant Dean of Administrative Affairs

Job Purpose:

The Head / Assistant Dean of Administrative Affairs will serve as the chief administrative and operational lead of the Division, working closely with the Dean to establish and oversee all non-academic functions that ensure the Division’s effective planning, coordination, and execution of strategic, financial, and administrative priorities. This role is central to the Division of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CMS) at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Dean in establishing, implementing, and continuously improving the Division’s administrative systems, policies, and operational frameworks to ensure effective governance and sustainable growth.
• Oversee the Division’s financial and operational planning, including budget management, staffing structures, procurement, and resource allocation, in close coordination with central university departments such as Finance, HR, and Procurement.
• Collaborate with the Office of Academic Appointments and the Assistant Provost to support faculty recruitment, onboarding, and performance management, ensuring alignment with MBZUAI’s academic policies and excellence standards.
• Lead the planning, development, and operational readiness of research laboratories, teaching spaces, and specialized facilities in coordination with the Research Office and central operations functions, including Facilities Management, Projects, and Procurement.
• Manage academic scheduling, space allocation, and facilities utilization to optimize the Division’s teaching, research, and collaboration environments.
• Provide analytical, logistical, and operational support for the development of academic programs, strategic initiatives, and performance reporting.
• Supervise and develop the Division’s administrative team, promoting service excellence, operational efficiency, and professional growth.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Division and central administrative, academic, and research offices to ensure cohesive operations and alignment with MBZUAI’s strategic objectives.
• Support institutional planning, accreditation, and compliance activities through data collection, reporting, and coordination with relevant university offices.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and academic excellence across all Division operations.
• Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualification:

• A master’s degree or higher in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• A PhD degree is preferred.

Professional Experience:

Essential

• At least 10 years of progressive administrative leadership experience in higher education or research institution.
• Proven experience in academic operations, budgeting, HR planning, and resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing or managing research facilities and technical operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of university governance and academic administration.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead through collaboration and influence.
• Sound financial management skills with experience managing budgets.
• Demonstrated success operating in a multicultural environment and adapting systems and processes to meet diverse expectations and needs.
• Strong understanding of university governance and academic administration.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead through collaboration and influence.

Preferred

• Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.
• English working proficiency.