Director - Student Affairs

About the role

Dubai Medical University is looking for a Director of Student Affairs in Dubai. The role sets the strategy, policies and day-to-day delivery of student services, from conduct and wellbeing to career education, counselling and safeguarding, while leading the Student Union and clubs.

Key responsibilities

• Set the Student Affairs strategy, KPIs and annual plan, aligned with the university's mission, professional standards and UAE cultural values.
• Own policies on conduct, wellbeing, clubs, events, residence and transport touchpoints and publications, and run cyclical reviews.
• Represent student interests on executive and academic bodies and embed student voice and due process in decisions.
• Charter and oversee the Student Union and clubs, including elections, leader training, inclusivity, risk and major events.
• Deliver career education, coaching, internships and placements, employer engagement and fairs, and keep alumni engagement and mentoring active.
• Ensure timely counselling access, case management, crisis response and health-promotion programmes.
• Set service standards, SLAs, workflows and calendars, and keep student-facing content up to date.
• Coordinate orientation, advising and study-skills signposting, early-alert case conferences, onboarding and enrolment transitions.
• Secure safe transport and residence arrangements, budgets, procurement and HSE compliance.
• Maintain the Student Handbook and handle grievances, appeals and academic/behavioural integrity with transparent procedures.
• Ensure equitable access for students of determination and other at-risk groups, and monitor accommodations and outcomes.
• Evidence compliance with internal regulations and external standards, close audit gaps and feed into self-studies, programme reviews and site visits.
• Govern data for KPIs, satisfaction and incidents, publish dashboards and redesign services on feedback.
• Lead risk and wellbeing reviews, safeguarding training and event risk assessments, and emergency protocols.
• Structure the Deanship, recruit, mentor and appraise staff, manage budgets and contracts, and commission outsourced services.
• Oversee planning and communications for graduation and recognition events with the Registrar.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Psychology, Public Health or a related field (doctorate preferred).
• At least 8-10 years of experience in higher education, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in a medical or health sciences institution is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strategic leadership, decision-making and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of higher education governance and compliance frameworks.
• Organizational, analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.