Director of Student Counseling Center

About the role

The Director of the Student Counseling Center reports to the Assistant Provost of Student Affairs and provides strategic direction and leadership for counseling, health clinics and wellness services across Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of student counseling centers, health clinics and wellness services, ensuring culturally‑sensitive, evidence‑based care.
• Develop and update job descriptions, assign duties, and manage professional development for clinical and administrative staff.
• Liaise with academic units, student groups and external partners to assess mental‑health needs and design appropriate programs.
• Lead crisis‑response systems, supervise clinical work, and ensure compliance with ethical standards and UAE health regulations.
• Manage budgeting, staffing, record‑keeping, policy development and quality‑assurance initiatives.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, preferably in higher‑education settings.
• Relevant licensure or ability to obtain a UAE license to practice and supervise.
• Fluency in English; Arabic preferred; strong knowledge of UAE culture.