"Strategic Management Office Director"

Strategic Planning Office Director

Job Title: Strategic Planning Office Director
Institution: University of Kalba
Location: Kalba, United Arab Emirates

About the University of Kalba

The University of Kalba is committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. As we enter a new phase of growth, we seek an accomplished leader to direct our Strategic Planning Office and shape the university’s long-term vision.

Position Summary

The Strategic Planning Office Director at UKB will lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the university’s strategic plan. The director will ensure alignment with national and international higher education trends, institutional priorities, and stakeholder expectations. The Director works closely with university leadership, academic units, and stakeholders to translate vision into actionable strategies and measurable results. This role requires a visionary leader with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills to drive institutional excellence and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Development
  • Lead the formulation, execution, and periodic review of the university’s 5–10-year strategic plan in collaboration with senior leadership.
  • Conduct environmental scanning (SWOT, PESTLE analysis) to identify opportunities and risks in higher education.
  • Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on institutional strategy, policy development, risk management, and resource allocation. Align strategic goals with national visions (e.g., UAE Vision 2031, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research directives).
  • Prepare high-quality reports and presentations for leadership and external agencies.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
  • Benchmark against regional and global universities to ensure competitiveness.
  • Facilitate strategic planning sessions and workshops with diverse university stakeholders.
  • Work closely with deans, department heads, faculty, and government entities to ensure buy-in for strategic initiatives.
  • Organize strategic retreats, workshops, and consultations to gather input and foster alignment.
• Policy Development & Process Improvement
  • Recommend policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Identify emerging trends (digital transformation, AI in education, sustainability) and integrate them into planning.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Develop metrics, dashboards, and regular reporting processes to measure progress.
  • Lead change management initiatives to support strategic shifts.
• Budgeting & Resource Allocation
  • Assist in budget planning to prioritize strategic projects.
  • Seek external funding and partnerships to support key initiatives.
  • Represent the university in national and international strategic forums.
  • Ensure effective alignment of academic, research, and operational initiatives with institutional goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, including at least 3 years in a leadership role—preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategy development, data analysis, process improvement, and project management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and cultivate stakeholder relationships.
• Fluency in English required.

Preferred Attributes

• Familiarity with UAE higher education regulations, accreditation standards, and local context.
• Experience in developing and implementing digital transformation or institutional change initiatives.
• Knowledge of best practices in quality assurance and institutional effectiveness.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit: a cover letter outlining relevant experience and vision for the role, a detailed CV, and contact details of three professional references. The University of Kalba is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment.