Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Director of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs plays a critical leadership role in advancing MBZUAI’s mission to deliver world-class graduate education and to support the academic and professional success of its graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Reporting to the Senior Director of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Director oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies, programs, and services related to the graduate and postdoctoral experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Program Development:
- Lead institutional initiatives that enhance the graduate and postdoctoral experience across the full lifecycle—from onboarding to graduation or departure.
- Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and administrative units to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across all graduate programs.
- Support institutional priorities in graduate education, including diversity, equity, inclusion, student well-being, and academic integrity.
- Provide strategic input on the development of new graduate programs and training opportunities, including interdisciplinary initiatives.
Graduate Student Support:
- Oversee all aspects of the graduate student experience, including academic advising, student life, and professional development.
- Support onboarding and orientation for all graduate students, including international and visiting graduate students.
- Ensure clear communication and enforcement of academic policies related to graduate student status, progression, and standing.
- Address student concerns and serve as a resource for resolving academic or administrative issues in collaboration with departments.
- Manage graduate student housing assignments and related policies, working closely with campus operations and facilities.
- Maintain and improve services tailored to the needs of visiting graduate students, ensuring smooth integration into the MBZUAI community.
Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs:
- Lead the development and oversight of institutional policies and resources for postdoctoral scholars.
- Support onboarding, professional development, and career planning services for postdocs in collaboration with faculty, Academic Appointments and HR.
- Serve as a central point of contact for postdocs, ensuring a positive experience and helping to resolve administrative or academic concerns.
- Promote community-building and networking opportunities for postdoctoral scholars within the university and with external partners.
- Monitor compliance with institutional policies, visa requirements, and funding guidelines relevant to postdocs.
Data, Assessment, and Compliance:
- Oversee data collection, reporting, and analysis related to graduate and postdoctoral programs, including enrollment, progress, and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and institutional policies.
- Prepare materials for institutional and external reviews, including self-studies and performance reports.
- Use data to inform program planning, student support strategies, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
- Cultivate strong partnerships across departments to ensure coordinated support for students and postdocs.
- Represent the Senior Director and the office in internal committees and external forums related to graduate and postdoctoral affairs.
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional working groups on graduate education strategy, policy development, and student services innovation.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s degree required; PhD or EdD strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in graduate education, academic administration, or student affairs at a research-intensive university.
- Deep understanding of graduate student and postdoctoral issues, including academic policies, housing, onboarding, and support services.
- Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Familiarity with data systems and analytics for student success is an advantage.
Preferred:
- Experience in a STEM-focused or AI-related academic environment.
- Global mindset and cross-cultural fluency, with experience supporting international students and scholars.
- Commitment to continuous improvement in graduate education and institutional excellence.
- Experience with accreditation processes and compliance in higher education.
