Vice Dean
Date: 2 Feb 2026
Location: Riyadh, SA
Company: KAPSARC
JOB DESCRIPTION
To support the development and effective implementation of KAPSARC School’s strategy; oversee operations across Executive Education, Academic Affairs, and Research; coordinate with relevant internal and external stakeholders; represent the Dean and KAPSARC School at events; and engage in internal committees while supporting the Dean as needed.
Responsibilities:
Strategy and Planning
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the vision, mission, and strategy of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy.
• Initiate and oversee the design and development of strategies for Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research functions in collaboration with KAPSARC School of Public Policy leadership.
• Oversee the establishment of performance objectives for Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research functions, and continuously monitor progress toward achieving those objectives.
• Advise the Board, Dean, and President on issues that strategically impact the KAPSARC School of Public Policy.
Budget Management
• Direct the overall budgeting cycle for Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research functions, and support the establishment of the budgeting process.
• Supervise overall operations to ensure effective delivery within budget, and report accurately on progress and challenges to the Board, Dean, and President.
• Review and assess budget enhancement requests from relevant functions and submit recommendations to the Board, Dean, and President accordingly.
Planning
• Support the Dean in developing KAPSARC School’s strategy and set direction for advancing education, research, and program development.
• Review functional plans and budget requests, and coordinate with relevant functions to apply necessary adjustments for final approval.
• Oversee the planning and execution of on-campus academic operations to ensure compliance with KAPSARC School’s strategy, procedures, and guidelines.
Operations Management
• Oversee the implementation of Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research activities within approved budgets and established calendars to avoid delays, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Lead communications with local and international universities to develop knowledge-sharing sessions and strengthen coordination in academic advancement, research, and program development.
• Lead the accreditation process and ensure the acquisition and retention of relevant accreditations to elevate KAPSARC School’s global standing and reputation.
• Review Academic Affairs decisions related to student matters, including registration, deferral, and termination of study, as well as faculty and staff affairs; provide required approvals and advise on appropriate actions.
• Advise on and oversee continuous coordination of the Research function with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including KAPSARC’s Knowledge and Analysis and Consulting functions, to enhance collaboration and research output.
• Oversee the implementation of regular quality checks to ensure program adherence to established quality standards, and recommend necessary actions.
• Manage the development of a database to safeguard sensitive, personal, and confidential information, and oversee its ongoing maintenance and updates.
• Promote and initiate coordination between Faculty Affairs and relevant functions to enhance and streamline operational efficiency.
Continuous Improvement
• Conduct regular meetings with directors of relevant KAPSARC School functions to provide timely responses to inquiries and address internal issues.
• Discuss concerns related to Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research functions with the Dean and relevant stakeholders, and identify corrective actions to enhance and enrich KAPSARC School’s academic offerings.
• Review periodic reports on performance, progress, and evaluation to assess program effectiveness and recommend adjustments when necessary.
• Review and approve draft agreements with academic partners and relevant stakeholders to enhance program offerings and student exchange initiatives.
• Encourage faculty and staff to participate in regional and international networking and development initiatives to promote KAPSARC School and support their ongoing professional growth.
Engagement
• Represent KAPSARC School at local and international conferences, seminars, and public events to strengthen its profile and showcase advancements across fields of study.
• Serve as the Dean’s representative during the Dean’s absence and provide support in addressing issues as needed.
• Participate in relevant school councils and committees to contribute to decisions affecting KAPSARC School’s strategy, objectives, operations, and guidelines.
• Perform any other duties as required by the organization.
Policies, Processes, and Procedures
• Oversee the transparent development and implementation of policies, processes, procedures, and controls for Academic Affairs, Executive Education, and Research, while delivering high-quality and cost-effective outcomes.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by overseeing the adoption of international standards, responding to changes in the business environment, and applying leading practices across functions.
• Ensure compliance with all School policies and regulations, including key policies and procedures related to academic and examination regulations.
• Ensure understanding and implementation of outputs from key regulatory documents, including the Regulation on Graduate Studies, the Unified Regulations for Postgraduate Studies, and the Regulations for Private Universities and Colleges.
• Oversee the resolution of escalated non-compliance cases and reduce non-compliance by ensuring the availability, communication, and enforcement of stipulated policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes, and practices, considering global standards, productivity improvements, and cost reduction.
People Management
• Promote a culture that reflects the values of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, and encourage and reward strong performance.
• Enhance employee engagement and empower team members to make decisions through effective delegation of authority, where applicable.
• Provide development opportunities for the team and ensure that career paths and succession plans are defined, reviewed, and updated.
• Set and communicate clear performance expectations, and provide coaching, support, and regular feedback to direct reports.
Reporting
• Analyze information and prepare reports and dashboards in a timely and accurate manner to meet established requirements, policies, and quality standards.
Qualifications and Experience:
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including a required 3 years and a preferred 7 years at the managerial level.
Education and Certifications
• A Ph.D., preferably in Public Policy or a related field, is required.