Director of Skills Development Center

About the University of Al Dhaid (UODH):
The UODH is strategically located in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates a hub of academic excellence and innovation. As the UAE’s “Cultural Capital,” Sharjah offers a vibrant ecosystem of universities and research institutions, fostering intellectual growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university was founded with a strategic vision to support the development of vital national sectors and to meet the evolving demands of the local and regional labor markets. The university is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Director of Skills Development Center.

Position Summary:
The University of Al Dhaid seeks a visionary and forward-thinking leader to serve as Director of the Skills Development Center, capable of designing, implementing, and overseeing high-impact programs that strengthen the competencies of students, professionals, and the broader community. The Director will provide academic and strategic leadership in the development and delivery of skills development initiatives, including lifelong learning programs and professional development pathways. A central responsibility of this role is to ensure that the Center’s offerings are aligned with national priorities and evolving industry needs, positioning the University of Al Dhaid as a regional leader in applied learning and continuous education.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Leadership:
• Formulate and implement a strategic vision for the Skills Development Center that is fully aligned with the University’s mission, values, and institutional priorities.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations to enrich programmatic offerings and expand learning opportunities across diverse professional sectors.
• Advance the University’s reputation as a regional leader in lifelong learning, professional development, and skills-based education through innovative initiatives and impactful community engagement.
Program Development and Management:
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative skills development and continuous education programs tailored to the evolving needs of students, professionals, and the broader community.
• Foster strategic collaboration with academic departments, industry stakeholders, and governmental entities to identify emerging skills gaps and develop relevant training programs aligned with current and future workforce demands.
• Oversee the accreditation processes, quality assurance mechanisms, and ongoing enhancement of all offerings.
Stakeholders Engagement:
• Foster and sustain robust partnerships with industry leaders, employers, and professional associations to ensure the relevance, responsiveness, and impact of the Center’s programs in alignment with labor market needs.
• Collaborate actively with faculty, staff, and students to identify and advance opportunities for skills enhancement, experiential learning, and career development pathways.
• Engage alumni and community stakeholders in the co-creation and promotion of continuous education initiatives, thereby broadening the Center’s reach and societal impact.
• Represent the university in regional and international forums on continuous education.
Operational Oversight:
• Provide strategic oversight of the Center’s financial planning, resource allocation, and human capital management to ensure operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead the development and execution of targeted outreach and marketing strategies to promote programs and attract a diverse and inclusive cohort of learners.
• Establish robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, leveraging data analytics to inform continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
Innovation and Technology Integration:
• Adopt and integrate emerging educational technologies to design and deliver flexible, accessible, and inclusive learning modalities including online, and hybrid formats to support personalized, learner-centered and competency-based learning pathways that align with global best practices in skills development.
• Remain continuously informed of global trends in education, workforce development, and technological innovation to ensure that the University maintains its leadership in future-focused skills development and remains responsive to the dynamic needs of learners and industries.

Additional Requirements:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic is required.
• Ability to collaborate within multicultural and interdisciplinary environments, fostering mutual respect and collegiality.
• Extensive experience in developing and delivering professional and skills development programs for diverse learners.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning and working environment that values diversity and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
• A Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred.
Experience:
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in education, training, or workforce development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful skills development or continuous education programs.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
• Updated CV.
• Cover Letter detailing relevant experience and vision for the role.
• Contact information of three professional references.