Dean, Saad Business School – American University of Iraq

Lead the Future of Business Education in Iraq

Are you an experienced academic leader ready to make a lasting impact?

The American University of Iraq – Sulaimani (AUIS) invites applications for the position of Dean of the Saad Business School. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead the transformation of one of Iraq's most promising business schools into a leading institution recognized across Iraq, the Middle East, and beyond.

AUIS is Iraq's first American-style liberal arts university. The University is committed to academic excellence, innovation, ethical leadership, and preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

As Dean, you will play a key role in shaping future business leaders while building strong academic programs, expanding partnerships, supporting faculty success, and strengthening the School's regional and international reputation.

About AUIS

Founded to promote critical thinking, professionalism, and world-class education, AUIS provides students with an American-style learning experience while remaining deeply connected to the needs of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

The Saad Business School is entering an exciting stage of growth. With expanding programs, committed faculty, industry partnerships, and growing student enrollment, the School offers an exceptional opportunity for visionary leadership.

Position Overview

The Dean of the Saad Business School provides strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the School of Business.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Dean works closely with:

• University President
• Provost
• MBA Director
• Undergraduate Business Chair
• AUIS Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (AEIC)
• Professional Development Institute (PDI)
• Faculty, students, alumni, and external partners

The Dean will help advance:

• Academic excellence
• Faculty development
• Student success
• Research and innovation
• Accreditation efforts
• Industry partnerships
• Executive education
• Resource stewardship
• Fundraising initiatives

This is more than a traditional dean position. It is an opportunity to build a premier business school that serves Iraq and the wider region.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Lead the School's academic vision and long-term strategy.
• Support undergraduate, MBA, and professional education programs.
• Guide curriculum development and program innovation.
• Promote academic quality and continuous improvement.
• Encourage experiential and industry-connected learning.

Faculty Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty.
• Support research, scholarship, and professional development.
• Foster collaboration, integrity, and shared governance.
• Encourage engagement with industry and executive education.

Research and Innovation

• Promote high-quality research.
• Build partnerships with business, government, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Encourage entrepreneurship and applied research.
• Support consulting and innovation initiatives.

Industry and External Partnerships

• Represent the School locally and internationally.
• Strengthen relationships with employers, alumni, advisory boards, and community partners.
• Expand executive education opportunities.
• Develop strategic collaborations that benefit students and faculty.

Financial and Administrative Leadership

• Oversee budgets and resource planning.
• Manage financial, human, and physical resources effectively.
• Support fundraising, grants, and donor engagement.
• Work closely with University leadership on strategic priorities.

Student Success

• Promote student-centered learning.
• Support internships and career readiness.
• Strengthen employer engagement.
• Improve graduate employability.
• Collaborate on enrollment, retention, and alumni initiatives.

Teaching Responsibilities

The Dean is expected to remain academically engaged by teaching two courses during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Courses may be offered within undergraduate or MBA programs.

Course release arrangements will be available during the first two years, with future adjustments based on the School's strategic needs.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Earned PhD or DBA in Business or a closely related field such as Finance, Accounting, or Economics from an accredited institution.
• Significant academic leadership experience.
• A strong record of university teaching.
• An established history of scholarly research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in academic service.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

• American-style or internationally accredited universities.
• MBA program leadership.
• Executive education or professional development.
• Internship and career development programs.
• Higher education in the Middle East or similar regions.
• Industry collaboration and corporate partnerships.
• Fundraising and external engagement.

Core Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strategic academic leadership
• Vision and innovation
• Program development
• Faculty engagement
• Financial stewardship
• Partnership building
• Organizational leadership
• Commitment to student success
• Strong communication skills
• Ethical leadership

Salary and Benefits

AUIS offers an internationally competitive compensation package based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Housing support
• Healthcare coverage
• Airfare benefits

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter addressing the required qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Brief professional portfolio

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references.

Please email your application with the subject line:

Dean, AUIS Saad Business School

to:

recruitment@auis.edu.krd

Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The American University of Iraq – Sulaimani is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer. AUIS values diversity and believes an inclusive academic community strengthens teaching, research, and learning.

Important Notice

If you decide to apply for this position, kindly mention that you found it on AcademyHire.