VICE PRESIDENT - ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

American University of Iraq, Sulaimani

VICE PRESIDENT - ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Sulaimani, Iraq

The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) invites inquiries, applicants and nominees for Vice President-Academic Affairs (VPAA). Founded in 2007 for the public benefit of all Iraq, AUIS is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, English-speaking liberal arts college in the secure cultural capital of the Kurdish region in Iraq. In 2011, AUIS moved to its new 418-acre marble-and-glass campus overlooking historic Sulaimani, a thriving economic center of more than one million people. The campus has 50 classrooms, high-tech IT and engineering labs, an expansive library, auditoriums, dining facilities, and sports courts and fields. The Board of Trustees, reorganized in 2012  with a US Chair, is made up of prominent Iraqi and American academic, business, and government leaders, including the AUIS Founder and current President of Iraq, Dr. Barham Salih.

The international faculty of 70 from 20 countries provides a student-centered, American-style education combining liberal arts and pre-professional courses to 1,500 students of diverse ethnicities, religions, and nationalities from throughout Iraq and the wider region. In addition to the core curriculum, students may select a major from Business Administration, Engineering, English-Literature, Information Technology, International Studies, Law, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Software Engineering, and Translation as well as an EMBA. A dual-degree undergraduate engineering program with the University of Arizona is under consideration. AUIS also has established partnerships with several universities including the American University of Beirut, Stanford Law School, UCLA, Missouri State University, the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Universita Ca’Foscari Venezia. The University’s acclaimed English-language preparatory program is the first in Iraq to receive US accreditation. AUIS is in the early stages of pursuing US regional accreditation.  A detailed profile of AUIS and its agenda is available at www.auis.edu.krd.  

The Vice President-Academic Affairs, reporting to President Bruce Ferguson, is chief academic officer of the University and responsible for the administration, coordination and development of the University’s academic departments, research centers, Professional Development Institute, and academic foundation and experiential learning programs. The VPAA also supervises administrative departments including Admissions, Registrar, Student Affairs, and Library. Important responsibilities include developing innovative academic programs, research opportunities and learning methodologies, faculty recruitment and development, and expanding the University’s US-accredited course offerings.

Qualifications include administrative experience at the level of dean or equivalent in an accredited university, familiarity with US liberal arts core curricula, skills in academic and resource management, program development, fiscal and strategic planning, regional and program accreditation, fluency in English and a terminal degree. Kurdish or Arabic language ability is not required. Experience working in an international/multicultural environment and ability in a second language are preferred. Compensation and benefits are competitive. A candidate from a country that taxes worldwide income, such as the US, may be eligible for favorable tax treatment. The successful candidate will begin work by September 2019.

Korn Ferry, on behalf of the AUIS Board of Trustees and the President, invites confidential inquiries, applications and nominations for the VPAA. All communications will be held in strict confidence. Applications, including a CV and letter explaining interest and relevant experience, should be sent to VPAAauis@kornferry.com. References will be requested later in the process. AUIS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

KORN FERRY

John Kuhnle, Global Education, Washington, DC

Suellen Tomlinson, Senior Client Partner, Dubai, UAE