Dean, School of Computing – Horizon University Dubai

Job Description

Dean, School of Computing – Horizon University, Dubai

Location: Dubai, UAE | Employment Type: Full Time – Renewable Contract | Institution: Horizon University

About the Role

Horizon University in Dubai is seeking a Dean, School of Computing, to provide strategic academic leadership across the School’s programs, faculty, research, and operations. This Dean, School of Computing role carries responsibility for academic quality, curriculum development, research strategy, faculty leadership, and institutional accreditation, ensuring the School’s continued growth and reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Academic Management

• Provide strategic leadership for the School of Computing in alignment with the university’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives
• Develop, implement, monitor, and review the School’s strategic and annual operational plans, budgets, and performance targets
• Lead the academic planning, development, and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Ensure achievement of enrollment, retention, progression, and graduation targets for the School
• Oversee the effective implementation and periodic review of academic policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Promote a culture of academic excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Lead faculty and staff in achieving institutional goals through effective planning, resource allocation, and performance management
• Participate in institutional strategic planning, risk management, budgeting, and policy development initiatives

Academic Quality & Curriculum Development

• Ensure the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of academic programs through Outcome-Based Education Framework (OBEF) principles and best practices
• Oversee curriculum design, review, and enhancement to meet accreditation standards, industry requirements, and emerging technological trends
• Monitor the implementation of course syllabi, learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and assurance of learning processes
• Chair and support program reviews, curriculum committees, and quality assurance initiatives
• Ensure the availability and effective utilization of learning resources and educational technologies
• Promote innovative teaching, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary approaches across programs

Research, Innovation & Industry Engagement

• Develop and implement research and innovation strategies aligned with institutional priorities
• Foster a vibrant research culture through high-quality publications, funded projects, and scholarly collaborations
• Encourage faculty participation in research, innovation, consultancy, and knowledge-transfer activities
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with industry, government entities, professional bodies, and research organizations
• Support the development of industry-driven projects, internships, entrepreneurship initiatives, and applied research opportunities
• Promote external funding opportunities and strategic collaborations that enhance the School’s research impact and visibility

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Lead faculty recruitment, onboarding, retention, mentoring, and professional development initiatives
• Oversee faculty workload allocation, performance evaluation, peer review, and career development processes
• Support faculty excellence in teaching, research, service, and community engagement
• Facilitate faculty development programs focused on innovative pedagogy, emerging technologies, and research excellence
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance academic environment

Student Success & Academic Support

• Ensure effective academic advising, student support, and engagement initiatives
• Monitor student performance, progression, retention, and learning outcomes
• Address student grievances and academic concerns in coordination with relevant committees and university departments
• Promote student participation in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and extracurricular activities
• Support initiatives that enhance employability, career readiness, and lifelong learning

Quality Assurance & Accreditation

• Lead accreditation, quality assurance, and institutional effectiveness activities within the School
• Ensure compliance with national and international accreditation requirements, regulatory frameworks, and university standards
• Monitor academic performance indicators and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Prepare and present academic reports, performance reviews, and institutional documentation as required
• Support internal and external audits, assessments, and accreditation reviews

External Relations & Community Engagement

• Represent the School and the university in academic, professional, industry, and community forums
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, professional associations, industry partners, and other stakeholders
• Promote community engagement, consultancy services, and outreach initiatives that support the university’s mission
• Enhance the School’s reputation, visibility, and contribution to regional and international academic communities

Teaching & Scholarly Contributions

• Undertake teaching responsibilities in accordance with university policies and workload requirements
• Deliver high-quality teaching and assessment aligned with program learning outcomes
• Maintain an active scholarly profile through research publications, conference participation, and professional engagement
• Supervise student research projects, dissertations, and scholarly activities where appropriate

Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the School
• Ensure timely completion of academic and administrative processes, reports, records, and compliance requirements
• Maintain effective coordination with university leadership, academic support units, and administrative departments
• Prepare and manage School budgets and resources efficiently and responsibly
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Vice President – Academic Operations or university management in support of institutional objectives

Qualifications Required

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computing, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution
• Full Professor rank with a minimum of 10 years of academic experience, including significant experience in senior academic leadership roles
• Demonstrated record of academic administration, strategic leadership, and institutional development
• Strong track record of scholarly research and publications in reputable international journals
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource management

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead diverse and multicultural academic teams
• Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and change management capabilities
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
• Commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills

Research & Industry Engagement

• Active research profile with publications in reputable international journals and conferences
• Experience securing external research funding, grants, and industry-sponsored projects
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and academic institutions

Academic & Professional Skills

• Experience in accreditation, quality assurance, and institutional effectiveness processes
• Strong understanding of outcome-based education and contemporary higher education practices
• Experience leveraging emerging technologies and AI-enabled solutions in higher education
• Ability to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Experience working effectively with diverse faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders

Other Requirements

• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the university
• Commitment to student success, academic quality, and institutional excellence
• Ability to represent the university professionally at local, regional, and international levels
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, inclusivity, and professional integrity

Salary and Benefits

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Package

Interested candidates should submit the following to careers@hu.ac.ae:

• Letter of Interest outlining leadership philosophy and vision for the School
• Updated CV with full publication list in APA format (reverse chronological order)
• Research and Innovation Statement (maximum two pages)
• Contact details of three senior professional referees

Job Summary