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.