Programme Director: Cultural Management

About Riyadh University of Arts (RUA)

Riyadh University of Arts (RUA) is a newly established institution dedicated to arts education, creative practice, and cultural development in Saudi Arabia. As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, RUA is being developed as a national centre for arts education and a driver of the country’s growing cultural and creative sectors.

RUA brings together academic and industry expertise to deliver practice-based, interdisciplinary programmes that prepare students for careers in the creative economy. The University is designed to serve as a regional and global hub for cultural exchange, supporting collaboration between artists, scholars, and industry partners.

As a start-up institution, RUA offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and development of academic programmes, shape institutional culture, and play a foundational role in building a new model for arts education in the region.

About the Role

The College of Cultural Management at RUA is seeking an experienced academic leader to support the development of innovative programmes focused on arts administration, cultural leadership, creative industries, and cultural policy.

Reporting to the College Director, the Programme Director will play a key role in shaping a future-focused academic environment that prepares graduates to lead and manage cultural institutions, festivals, creative enterprises, and cultural initiatives within Saudi Arabia and internationally.

This position is expected to include approximately 30% teaching as part of the overall academic leadership portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum design and programme development in cultural management and creative industries
• Support strategic partnerships with cultural institutions and industry stakeholders
• Oversee programme delivery, faculty coordination, and academic quality processes
• Support student recruitment, engagement, and career readiness initiatives
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration across RUA
• Participate in institutional planning and external engagement activities

Academic Leadership

• Ensure alignment with accreditation and quality assurance requirements
• Support innovative and industry-relevant teaching approaches
• Foster connections between academia, the creative economy, and cultural institutions
• Mentor faculty and contribute to academic development initiatives
• Support the development of an internationally engaged cultural management programme

Operations and Management

• Coordinate scheduling, faculty support, and operational planning
• Monitor programme effectiveness through assessment and student feedback
• Prepare reports and documentation for institutional review processes
• Assist with resource planning and programme administration

Ideal Experience and Skills

• PhD in Cultural Management, Arts Administration, Cultural Policy, Creative Industries, or a related field
• Experience in higher education leadership and curriculum development
• Knowledge of cultural institutions, arts management, and creative sector ecosystems
• Strong industry engagement and partnership-building experience
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• International experience and interdisciplinary engagement preferred
• Familiarity with cultural policy, heritage, and creative sector development within Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, or the broader Arab world is highly desirable
• Arabic language skills are considered an advantage

Compensation and Benefits

The University offers a competitive, tax-free compensation package in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The package includes a base salary, housing allowance, education allowance (where applicable), and relocation support, along with additional benefits in line with University policy and international best practices.

To Apply

• A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role
• Curriculum vitae
• A portfolio including a maximum of 3–5 examples of relevant academic, professional, creative industries, cultural leadership, policy, or arts management work

Applications should be submitted to: FacultyCareer@rua.edu.sa

Applicants are requested to include the position title in the subject line of the application email.