Dean

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) offers a world-class program in media education with degree programs in journalism and in communication built on a strong foundation of liberal arts. NU-Q is one of six schools from leading American universities that have established campuses in Education City, Doha, as a result of collaborative agreements between the universities and the Qatar Foundation. Each of the American universities brings to Qatar educational programs for which those institutions are especially renowned. The agreement reflects Northwestern University’s commitment to global engagement and to supporting Qatar’s embrace of quality higher education, human development and growing media and communication capacities. Building on the strong foundation established when the school was launched in 2008, NU-Q now seeks a new dean to advance its institutional trajectory, achieve its academic mission and play an important role in the continued development and transformation of Qatar.

 

The school’s achievements are displayed in its graduates—nearly 300 of them who have compiled a record of remarkable distinction. They hold important positions in media, government, industry, education and non-governmental organizations, and some 30 percent have gone on for advanced degrees at some of the world’s greatest universities. Along the way, they have produced thoughtful and award-winning journalism, documentary films and research studies. This year’s 68 graduates represent 17 countries with nearly half of the group Qatari, making it the largest and most diverse graduating class to date. Together, the students speak a total of 12 languages and more than 70 percent are women. Students engage closely with
NU-Q faculty, a diverse and distinguished mix of scholars and practitioners who are deeply committed to NU-Q's teaching, research and cultural exchange mission.

 

Having recently moved into an extraordinary state-of-the-art building with extensive capacity for future expansion, NU-Q is poised for significant growth. Collaborating closely with academic leaders and faculty in Doha as well as Evanston, the new dean will continue to build programs and recruit faculty; work toward the further collaboration between Education City branch campuses in the realization of Qatar Foundation’s educational mission; build and nurture strong working relationships with groups and individuals in Qatar and the Middle East, in Evanston and within the NU-Q community; and work closely with Northwestern's leaders to articulate and realize NU-Q's strategic role as part of the university's global vision.

 

To achieve these ambitions the dean must first and foremost embrace the mission of NU-Q, “to give students an education unique in the world and worthy of a great university.” The dean should also bring substantial experience and distinguished intellectual accomplishments in at least one of the two program areas; appreciation of liberal arts-based university education; strong leadership and management experience including a collaborative style and commitment to shared governance; and personal qualities including diplomacy, intercultural sensitivity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Some background in the cultures of the Middle East and the Muslim world are preferred. The new dean must meet the standards for tenure in one of Northwestern’s schools. Terminal degree preferred, though not required.

 

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Interested individuals should provide a letter addressing the themes in the leadership profile available at www.wittkieffer.com, a curriculum vitae and the names of five references, with contact information; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission. This packet should be sent electronically via e-mail to Northwestern’s consultants, Robin Mamlet and Elizabeth Bohan, to NUQDean@wittkieffer.com. The consultants can also be contacted by phone at (630) 575-6178.

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by no later than November 1, 2019. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The appointment of the new dean will be effective in July 2020 or as soon thereafter as possible.

 

 

Northwestern University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.