Job Description
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change. Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!ROLE OVERVIEWLearning, research, discovery, and innovation across disciplines will provide the fabric for the mission of NEOM U. NEOM U’s Colleges, Schools, Divisions, Institutes will be interwoven into this fabric. The Founding Dean of Technology and Design will be a passionate, visionary, and inspirational leader who believes in the value and the opportunities offered by convergent learning and research, and will be ready, in close collaboration with the President, the Provost, the other Deans and the Directors of the Research Institutes of the Education, Research, and Innovation (ERI) Sector of NEOM, to design and launch NEOM U.More specifically, the Founding Dean will lead and oversee the establishment of partnerships with select international institutions to help launch the academic programs in their College. From the hiring of talented and driven faculty eager to rethink and advance the way we learn, discover, and innovate, to the design of the NEOM U facilities and spaces for their College, to the development of close partnerships with the NEOM Sectors, THE LINE, and all stakeholders relevant to the mission of their units, the Founding Dean will provide the inspiration, academic leadership and management expertise necessary for the founding of the College. This is a career-defining opportunity for an academic leader who wishes to leave a prominent, lasting, and unprecedented mark on the higher education landscape.Groundbreaking advances in technology, computing, data science, and AI are fusing our physical and digital worlds in ways that hold the promise to advance the world’s safety, well-being, and prosperity, and to help us look after the regeneration and sustainability of our planet. Advances in quantum science and information technologies, new materials, robotics, autonomous systems, human-machine interfaces, cognitive environments, urban infrastructure systems, renewable energy systems, mobility, biotechnology, are some of the priorities that will inform the education and research programs and initiatives of the College of Technology and Design in direct alignment with the mission of NEOM and its sectors. The Founding Dean will be a visionary leader, passionate about the compelling opportunities technology makes possible for humankind. Embracing NEOM’s bold and progressive ethos, the Founding Dean will assemble, inspire, and nurture a community of learners, researchers, creators, and innovators, committed to advancing the human-centric, cross-disciplinary learning, discovery, and innovation the world needs for its safe, healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future.REQUIREMENTS SUMMARYAn entrepreneurial mindset and strong orientation towards disruptive education and novel approaches to learning.A strong pioneering instinct, leadership courage combined with curiosity and an ability to understand, appreciate, and embrace new cultures.Unwavering resilience and ability to get things done, building things up starting with a clean slate.Significant administrative experience with increasing managerial responsibilities at the Dean or Chair/Department Head/Major Academic Institute Director level and a proven track record of success at each leadership stage.Demonstrated leadership and expertise across a range of key issues and opportunities in the discipline/focus area of the college.A vision for the continued growth of the college, including expansion of programs and research in accordance with the vision of NEOM as a vibrant, evolving academic and technological hub.Experience working in innovative university environments, fostering a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie with faculty, colleagues, and administrators.Strong experience in technology-driven, interdisciplinary research, including a history of scholarship and sponsored research, a demonstrated ability to successfully facilitate the development and growth of research faculty and programs and a desire to expand the research portfolio of the college.Experience with accreditation bodies and the nuances of the accreditation process.Strong business and financial acumen and experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES The Dean - Technology Design's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:Develop academic programs that prepare students to be successful engineers with a digital mindset, design orientation, be aware of the social implications of their advances. Develop research and educational programs where faculty participate in multidisciplinary teaching and research activities where the metric of success is impact. Design and establish the research enterprise of the college within the context of NEOM’s unique living-laboratory environment, fostering research on the design and deployment of innovative technologies on a large scale.Be responsible for financial planning and budgeting, administration of the College, for hiring and advancing the careers of faculty and staff, for developing new and impactful collaborations, and be an active participant and collaborator in the university's leadership team, guiding and formulating academic strategy and policy.Take a hands-on role in the recruitment, hiring and retention of a world-class faculty who embrace the college's pursuit of exceptional education, research and innovation.Be a visible, collaborative and confident leader, ensuring faculty and staff receive the necessary support and guidance on their development.Oversee and ensure student success from enrolment through graduation and beyond, bearing in mind the institution's broad ambitions to sustain a culture of life-long learning.EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills and Experience15+ years experience in Academia Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of individuals.A renowned scholar in their field, with outstanding credentials in research, teaching, curriculum innovation, new venture creation that qualify them for the rank of full professor.High levels of creativity in innovation and technology development.Ability and willingness to undertake global travel when necessary.Proven track record of leading in Academic Settings.Strong ability to analyse and resolve complex issues, both logical and interpersonal.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent ability to comprehend complex, technical subjects.Desire and ability to be a strong team player that motivates and educates other team members and leads by example.QualificationsBachelor's degree