"Leadership and Public Speaking Specialist"

Job Summary

The Specialist will be responsible for overseeing all academic aspects of the Leadership and Public Speaking (LPS) course, including lesson planning, instruction, grading, providing feedback, and holding office hours for two sections of Summer Academy students: those in their first summer (Summer I) and second summer (Summer II) of the program. The course will involve approximately 36 contact hours, with exact hours determined during the hiring process.

In addition to academic duties, the Specialist will support program-related activities throughout the appointment, including weekends. The Specialist is expected to actively contribute to enriching the educational experience of the students and to play a key role in helping the program achieve its goals.

Length of Appointment

• Approximately two mandatory meetings before the summer session starts for orientation activities
• Summer Session duration: Five weeks from approximately July 6 to August 7, 2026

Principal Responsibilities

• Teach the LPS course to two sections - the Classes of 2026 (Summer II) and 2027 (Summer I) in Abu Dhabi
• Work within the existing LPS curriculum to explore with students aspects of the theory and practice of leadership, develop their own leadership awareness, and improve their public speaking skills. This course, over the 18-month span of the Summer Academy, also helps students enhance their critical analysis, collaboration and teamwork skills, problem solving skills, and oral communications in various formats including speeches, debates, and group presentations. Areas of study include: characteristics of effective leadership, public speaking, leadership development, and interactions with leaders from different settings
• Attend any pre-program meetings and/or training sessions
• Work closely with the other LPS specialists to ensure that both cohorts and all sections receive the same material delivered with a similar high-quality approach
• Supervise and coordinate instruction with teaching assistants(s)
• Schedule and be available to individual students and groups in need of assistance, as well as to other specialists undertaking cross-curricular or collaborative projects
• Provide students with ongoing and regular feedback (oral and written) during the course
• Participate in faculty meetings by providing detailed feedback on student progress
• Before the end of the summer session, submit extensive and detailed written feedback on each student to be incorporated into a recommendation letter from the program
• Attend and provide assistance as needed with co-curricular events and evening activities throughout the summer session, which will entail leading small groups of students on excursions and trips, or supporting the operations of the program as needed
• Attend and provide assistance as needed with co-curricular events and activities throughout the summer session, which will entail leading small groups of students on excursions and trips, or supporting the operations of the program as needed
• Oversee and support students during assigned day trips, extracurricular evening activities, and events, ensuring a safe and engaging environment that promotes learning and development.

Qualifications

Required Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Education, Public Relations, Psychology or other related educational field
• Public Speaking Certification: Certifications from programs such as but not limited to Toastmasters International (e.g., Competent Communicator or Distinguished Toastmaster) and Dale Carnegie
• Leadership Development Certification: Leadership-focused certifications, such as but not limited to those from the John Maxwell Team or the Center for Creative Leadership CCL
• Certificates of training in communication and leadership from a recognized international university

Preferred Education, Certifications, Licensing, or Training

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or other terminal degree) in Executive Leadership, Professional Communications, Educational Leadership, or a related subject
• High-school or college-level experience in teaching debating and public speaking

Required Work and Related Experience

• Experience teaching public speaking, communication, leadership, or related courses at a university level
• Experience teaching a related course at the high School or university level
• Demonstrated experience in delivering leadership development programs or training in an Academic or Professional setting
• The ability to demonstrate effective public speaking techniques and mentor students in the art of communication and presentation
• Ability to teach leadership principles and practices, including team management, decision-making, and strategic thinking in an Academic or Professional manner
• Experience in designing and developing course curricula focused on public speaking, leadership, or communication skills
• Proficiency in various teaching methodologies, such as interactive workshops, experiential learning, and assessments tailored to enhance students’ public speaking and leadership abilities
• Demonstrated ability to provide feedback in a constructive manner
• Experience supervising high school and/or university students in a co-curricular setting (i.e. school or after-school program)

Preferred Work and Related Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to effective teaching in cross-cultural or global learning environments.
• Familiarity with online and face-to-face instruction

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae in PDF format. For instructions and information on how to apply, please visit our website at https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/academic-support.html. If you have any questions, please email nyuad.sa.positions@nyu.edu. For more information about the program, please visit: www.nyuad.nyu.edu/summer.academy.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

Deadline

Jan 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time