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.
