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Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT) Jobs

Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT)

RIT Kosovo, Dean of Faculty

Kosovo

Closes:

781

Rochester Institute of Technology

Pristina, Kosovo

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – a dynamic, globally connected private research university known for technical innovation and creativity, with global locations in Rochester, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo – seeks a strategic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of Faculty at RIT-Kosovo (A.U.K.). The position is based in Pristina, Kosovo with direct responsibility for academic oversight of faculty and academic programs in both Kosovo and Albania. As the chief academic affairs officer, the Dean of Faculty is responsible for leading the development and implementation of RIT undergraduate and graduate degree programs at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

The position reports directly to RIT’s Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs. Working in collaboration with the Provost, Associate Provost of International Education and Global Programs, Academic Deans and Department Chairs in Rochester, NY, this position is also responsible for advancing new academic programs and implementing robust co-curricular student experiences, including summer programs, professional and career development opportunities, study abroad experiences, and undergraduate research. The position will also ensure compliance with institutional policies; ensure academic quality; oversee outcomes assessment and support pedagogy and student success. It is anticipated that much of the future academic program growth will be in science, technology, engineering (STEM) and related disciplines. The ideal candidate would have a doctoral degree in a STEM discipline and familiarity with STEM programs and accreditation.

Founded in 2003, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) offers RIT undergraduate degrees in Computing and Information Technology (CIT), Electrical Engineering Technology, and Individualized Studies, as well as a Master of Science in Professional Studies in Data Analytics. The institution has grown substantially since its founding and currently enrolls over 750 students. It employs approximately forty-five full- and part-time faculty. Please visit https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/ for more information including degree offerings. In addition to the Pristina location, RIT Kosovo has recently launched programs in Tirana, Albania in partnership with the American Academy of Technology, Tirana.

A full position profile can be found on the RIT Global website: https://apptrkr.com/7115730

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Proof of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

While few candidates will possess all the characteristics the search committee is seeking, the ideal qualifications are listed below.

Ideal Characteristics

An experienced leader with a clear, focused commitment to teaching, learning and academic excellence to promote student success

A creative, visionary leader who will inspire staff, students, and the community

Innovative thinker and analytical person with outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

Highly ethical, trustworthy, credible, and is respectful of diverse views and opinions

Flexible, interculturally competent, collegial, and approachable

Delegates responsibility and authority while maintaining accountability

Fosters cohesion and a sense of working together for the good of the University

Minimum Qualifications

An earned doctorate from an accredited institution with a record of teaching and scholarship at a level consistent with attaining associate professor or professor rank in the United States; demonstrated leadership and administrative experience within a US accredited academic setting working with faculty and students; teaching experience within a US accredited institution with a demonstrated student-centered philosophy of education; an understanding of RIT’s mission and programs. A strong record of research and/or a strong track record of pedagogical and related activities in a discipline aligned with the work of the faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree in engineering, computer science or the sciences preferably from a higher education institution in North America or at least five years of work experience within a U.S. accredited institution; knowledge of curricular design, pedagogy, experiential education, and academic program assessment; experience living and working outside North America; at least five years of relevant experience at the college or university level. Knowledge and experience with STEM programs and related accreditation standards and confidence in working with government and private sector organizations.

POSITION REPORTING AND LOCATION

The RIT Dean of Faculty position reports directly to the Provost and Sr. VP for Academic Affairs at RIT Rochester. The position has additional reporting responsibilities and consults with the President of RIT Kosovo. This position requires relocation to Kosovo.

COMPENSATION

Commensurate with experience and will be highly competitive within the Kosovo/Balkan Region. The expected salary range for this role begins at $130,000.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Expected start date for the position is Jan 2027. Full position summary is posted to the https://apptrkr.com/7115730. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically to:

Lyndsey McGrath

Director, Global Programs and International Partnerships

Lyndsey.McGrath@rit.edu

RITGlobal@rit.edu

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the anticipated starting salary for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.

RIT does not discriminate. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

This document has been prepared based on the information provided by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and information provided by RIT would supersede any conflicting information in this document.

Job details

Title
RIT Kosovo, Dean of Faculty
Employer
Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT)
Location
Kosovo
Published
May 5, 2026
Closes:
Jun 4, 2026
Job type
Full time, Executive
Field
Computer Science, Dean (Department / Faculty Heads)

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Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT) Jobs

Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT)

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Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo (RIT Kosovo), offers a dynamic environment for career growth, emphasizing innovation, global education, and community engagement.

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Related Reading

RIT Kosovo Dean of Faculty Position: Lead Academic Innovation in the Balkans

Strategic Leadership Opportunity at a Thriving International Campus

Exploring RIT Kosovo's Growing Influence in Higher Education

RIT Kosovo, formerly known as the American University in Kosovo (A.U.K.), stands as a beacon of American-style higher education in the heart of the Balkans. Established in 2003, this private nonprofit institution delivers degrees from the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a U.S.-based research university founded in 1829. Located in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, RIT Kosovo has evolved from its humble beginnings in temporary facilities to a vibrant 5.19-acre campus in the Gërmia neighborhood, complete with modern classrooms, labs, a cafeteria, and student dormitories. With over 750 students enrolled and approximately 45 full- and part-time faculty members, the institution is experiencing rapid growth, recently welcoming its largest freshman class of 220 students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This expansion reflects broader trends in the region, where higher education institutions are adapting to post-conflict recovery and economic development needs. Kosovo, Europe's youngest nation declared independent in 2008, faces unique challenges in building a robust educational system amid ethnic integration efforts, high youth unemployment, and the demand for skilled professionals in technology and business. RIT Kosovo addresses these by offering English-taught programs that emphasize practical skills, innovation, and global employability, preparing students for careers or further studies worldwide.

Academic Programs Driving Innovation and Employability

At the core of RIT Kosovo's offerings are flexible, career-oriented degrees accredited by RIT and recognized globally through the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. The Bachelor of Science in Individualized Program allows students to craft multidisciplinary studies combining professional areas like computing, engineering, and social sciences, with at least 15 credit hours in a thematic focus. This four-year program includes mandatory cooperative education—two paid work experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world application.

Complementing this is the Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies, tailored for the tech-savvy Balkans job market, and the Master of Science in Professional Studies, with a specialization in Data Analytics. These programs, accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), attract 20% international students and boast alumni networks exceeding 1,600 graduates who contribute across private, public, and global sectors.

Recent initiatives underscore the institution's commitment to cutting-edge education. In Spring 2026, the Faculty Development Center hosted workshops on Artificial Intelligence in higher education, fostering AI integration in teaching and assessment. Students like Etna Nura presented research on face recognition systems at international conferences, while teams excelled at the Imagine RIT Festival 2026 in Rochester, New York.

Recent Achievements and Community Impact

RIT Kosovo's momentum is evident in its 2025-2026 highlights. The campus hosted the International Cybersecurity Defense Challenge 2026, drawing over 200 participants, and launched the third cohort of its Alumni Mentorship Program, connecting seasoned graduates with current students for career guidance. New faculty hires, including experts in computer science, economics, and cybersecurity like Dr. Valon Raca and alumnus Robert Shala, bolster academic strength.

Student successes abound: Redon Istogu won the DTH Lab Challenge at Pristina's Innovate Healthcare Healathon, and Dalina Canhasi led cybersecurity training in Skopje. Erasmus+ projects like WE-MIND advance mental health support through digital tools, while partnerships with the Kosovo Central Election Commission develop civic education content. These efforts position RIT Kosovo as a hub for innovation, with alumni like Iliriana Bunjaku earning international military leadership awards and Sezgin Avci rising to Design Team Lead at Seawings in Dubai.

Expansion into Albania via partnership with the American Academy of Technology in Tirana signals ambitious regional growth, enhancing academic oversight needs.

The Critical Role of the Dean of Faculty

As RIT Kosovo scales its operations, the Dean of Faculty emerges as the chief academic officer, reporting directly to RIT's Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in Rochester. This leadership position oversees faculty, curricula, and student success across Kosovo and Albania campuses, collaborating with the RIT Kosovo President—recently announced as Dr. Albina Balidemaj Basha, effective July 1, 2026—and global academic leaders.

Key responsibilities include strategic program development, faculty recruitment and workload management, curricular assessment, budget oversight for academic resources, and forging ties with regional employers and advisory boards. The Dean drives compliance with RIT standards, pursues grants for research, and champions co-curricular initiatives like study abroad, undergraduate research, and summer programs. In a growing STEM-focused environment, this role ensures pedagogical excellence and student-centered innovation.

Learn more about the position's scope on the official RIT Global page.

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Qualifications and Ideal Profile for Success

Candidates must hold an earned doctorate from an accredited institution, with a scholarly record suitable for associate or full professor rank in the U.S. Essential experience encompasses leadership in U.S.-accredited settings, student-centered teaching, and alignment with RIT's experiential education model. U.S. work eligibility is required.

Preferred attributes include a doctorate in engineering, computer science, or sciences; five-plus years in higher education; international living experience; and familiarity with STEM accreditation and stakeholder engagement. The ideal Dean is a visionary collaborator—innovative, ethical, interculturally adept, and adept at delegation while fostering unity.

  • Proven administrative track record in faculty management and program assessment.
  • Commitment to experiential learning and co-op integration.
  • Strategic mindset for grant-seeking and regional partnerships.
  • Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.

Higher Education Landscape in Kosovo and Opportunities

Kosovo's higher education sector grapples with post-conflict legacies: aligning curricula to labor markets, enhancing accreditation, and boosting graduate employability amid high dropout rates. Public spending lags, yet private institutions like RIT Kosovo thrive by offering globally recognized degrees that command premium job prospects.

Youth unemployment hovers around 25-30%, but tech and data sectors boom, creating demand for RIT's programs. Regional initiatives like Erasmus+ and INTRABUILD promote intrapreneurship and micro-credentials, positioning leaders to bridge local needs with international standards. For ambitious academics, this Dean role offers influence in nation-building through education.

RIT Kosovo's mission emphasizes societal advancement, aligning with these dynamics.

Compensation, Benefits, and Relocation to Pristina

The position offers a competitive salary starting at $130,000, benchmarked to the Kosovo/Balkans market yet reflecting U.S. standards, with comprehensive benefits through RIT. Based in Pristina—a youthful, affordable city with vibrant culture and proximity to Europe—relocation support eases the transition for international candidates.

Prishtina blends Ottoman heritage, modern cafes, and natural escapes like Germia Park, where the campus resides. With low living costs (rent ~$400-600/month), families enjoy high quality of life, international schools, and flights to major hubs under two hours.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications are reviewed ongoing, with a target start in January 2027. Submit CV, cover letter, and references to Lyndsey.McGrath@rit.edu or RITGlobal@rit.edu. Expect background checks; diversity and equity guide selections.

  1. Review position profile thoroughly.
  2. Tailor materials to highlight leadership and RIT alignment.
  3. Prepare for interviews with Provost and Kosovo stakeholders.
  4. Plan relocation logistics early.

This streamlined process suits proactive leaders ready to impact the Balkans.

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Future Outlook: Leading Expansion and Excellence

As RIT Kosovo eyes STEM growth, Albania integration, and research grants, the new Dean will shape a legacy of academic rigor and regional transformation. Amid global talent wars for higher ed leaders, this role promises professional fulfillment, network expansion via RIT's 136,000 alumni, and contributions to emerging economies.

Stakeholders—from faculty seeking mentorship to students craving co-ops—anticipate a leader who advances equity, innovation, and employability. With Kosovo's tech ecosystem surging and EU integrations looming, opportunities abound for visionary stewardship.

Stay updated via RIT Kosovo news on unfolding developments.

Why Pursue Leadership at RIT Kosovo Now?

For seasoned academics, this position transcends administration—it's a platform for cultural exchange, pedagogical evolution, and economic uplift. Join a close-knit team driving real change, from AI ethics workshops to cybersecurity challenges, in one of Europe's most dynamic frontiers. The blend of U.S. prestige, Balkan vitality, and competitive rewards makes it unparalleled.

Frequently Asked Questions

📚What is the role of the Dean of Faculty at RIT Kosovo?

The Dean serves as chief academic officer, overseeing faculty, curricula, assessment, and programs in Kosovo and Albania, reporting to RIT Provost.

🎓What qualifications are required for this position?

Required: Earned doctorate, U.S. teaching/scholarship record for associate professor rank, leadership experience in accredited U.S. settings, U.S. work eligibility.

💼What is the salary and location for the Dean role?

Starting at $130,000, based in Pristina, Kosovo with relocation; competitive for Balkans with RIT benefits.

🔬What programs does RIT Kosovo offer?

BS in Individualized Program, BS Computing & Information Technologies, MS Professional Studies (Data Analytics); all RIT degrees with co-op experience.

📈Why is RIT Kosovo expanding now?

Record 220 freshmen in 2025-26, Albania programs, AI/cybersecurity initiatives, Erasmus+ projects drive growth in post-conflict Kosovo tech sector.

📝How to apply for the Dean position?

Email CV/cover letter to Lyndsey.McGrath@rit.edu; screening ongoing, start Jan 2027.

🌍What makes RIT Kosovo unique?

Only English-taught private nonprofit in Kosovo offering U.S. RIT degrees, global accreditation, 20% internationals, strong alumni network.

🏆What are recent RIT Kosovo achievements?

AI workshops, cybersecurity challenges, student conference wins, new faculty hires, Erasmus+ mental health project.

⚠️What challenges does higher ed face in Kosovo?

Aligning skills to jobs, accreditation, youth unemployment; RIT counters with practical, accredited programs.

🚀What is the future for RIT Kosovo leadership?

STEM expansion, Albania growth, research grants, co-curricular enhancements under new Dean.

👥Who reports to the Dean of Faculty?

Academic Affairs Manager, all faculty, supports President; coordinates with RIT Rochester.