Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Director of Undergraduate Experience (UGX) is responsible for shaping and experiential core of MBZUAI’s undergraduate journey. The UGX program connects students with the world’s most visionary thinkers and innovators through high-impact talks, masterclasses, and real-world learning experiences that bridge academia, research, and industry. This role focuses on enhancing the undergraduate experience through learning enrichment and integrating cutting-edge educational resources, including state-of-the-art online learning materials, open research assets, and AI-driven tools that elevate student learning and creativity. The Director serves as a curator of ideas ensuring UGX evolves into a globally recognized platform that inspires, challenges, and prepares MBZUAI undergraduates to lead the future of AI.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Framework Development
- Design and implement the Undergraduate Experience (UGX) Framework as a signature pillar of MBZUAI’s undergraduate ecosystem linking thought leadership, research immersion, and industry collaboration.
- Position UGX as a model for how leading AI universities connect education, innovation, and societal impact, showcasing MBZUAI’s commitment to holistic student development.
- Ensure alignment of UGX objectives with UAE Vision 2030, national innovation priorities, and MBZUAI’s mission to advance AI for positive global and societal outcomes.
- Develop and oversee strategic plans, policies, and annual performance indicators for the UGX function to ensure measurable, sustainable impact.
Experiential Learning and Research Integration
- Integrate exposure to frontier AI research, global industry challenges, and the ethical, creative, and entrepreneurial dimensions of artificial intelligence into the student experience.
- Design “Industry Immersion” modules that translate classroom theory into practical applications, connecting students with real-world AI deployments across sectors.
- Collaborate with research centers, government entities, and private industry partners to embed applied projects and research opportunities into the undergraduate journey.
- Foster multidisciplinary exploration, encouraging students to link AI with areas such as sustainability, design, policy, and ethics.
Global Engagement and Partnerships
- Create inbound and outbound engagement opportunities by bringing world-class experts, innovators, and entrepreneurs to campus and enabling students to participate in international challenges, conferences, and exchange programs.
- Build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and technology leaders to enhance cross-institutional collaboration and visibility.
- Represent UGX and MBZUAI at global forums to strengthen the University’s presence as a hub of AI education and thought leadership.
Thought Leadership, Events, and Community Building
- Identify and engage distinguished speakers, researchers, and practitioners from AI, science, design, entrepreneurship, and policy domains.
- Curate annual UGX Signature Events including summits, symposia, and thematic series—bringing together global leaders from technology, science, and society to explore the future of AI.
- Design and manage a diverse portfolio of UGX events (keynotes, fireside chats, workshops, innovation labs) that foster dialogue, creativity, and reflective learning among students and faculty.
- Develop and maintain a dynamic UGX digital platform that archives talks, masterclasses, and curated learning resources to support continuous student engagement.
Communications, Branding, and Global Positioning
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to position UGX as a globally recognized forum for AI, innovation, and human progress.
- Develop a consistent UGX narrative, brand identity, and visual language that reflect MBZUAI’s leadership in the intersection of AI, education, and societal advancement.
- Showcase UGX programs, partnerships, and student achievements through global campaigns, publications, and media channels.
- Capture and disseminate UGX activities through high-quality media, reinforcing MBZUAI’s visibility as a center of excellence and innovation.
Performance, Analytics, and Impact Measurement
- Establish measurable indicators to assess student engagement, learning outcomes, and partnership impact across UGX initiatives.
- Use data analytics to evaluate participation trends, feedback, and outcomes, generating actionable insights for continuous enhancement.
- Produce regular performance reports and strategic recommendations for senior leadership, ensuring alignment between UGX outcomes and institutional priorities.
Other Duties
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Education, Communications, Innovation Management, or related field.
- A doctoral degree is preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in higher education, innovation ecosystems, or global engagement.
- Strong grasp of undergraduate academic policies, teaching practices, and student success frameworks, with proven leadership in academic advising, teaching enhancement, and experiential learning.
- Demonstrated ability to build academic–industry partnerships and thought leadership platforms integrating research, innovation, and education.
- Deep understanding of AI, emerging technologies, and global education trends, connecting them to undergraduate learning and institutional strategy.
- Proven record in program design, storytelling, and partnership development, delivering high-impact academic and community initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
- Experience fostering inclusive, globally minded learning environments and supporting diverse student populations.
- Skilled in KPI reporting, quality assurance, and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
- Adaptable, results-oriented leader able to drive excellence, innovation, and collaboration in dynamic environments.
Preferred
- Experience working within higher education and innovation ecosystems in the Gulf region, particularly within the UAE.
- Proficiency in Arabic and strong cultural awareness of the regional education landscape.
