Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) Director

About the role

The Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) Director will lead Zayed University’s PaCE portfolio, shaping strategy, expanding market reach and ensuring high‑quality delivery of professional training programmes. Reporting to senior university leadership, the role combines strategic planning, business development and stakeholder engagement to align offerings with market demand.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and monitor the department’s strategic plan, aligning it with university objectives and KPIs.
• Allocate and control the departmental budget, ensuring compliance with approved financial plans.
• Design and execute business development strategies for B2B and B2C professional training services.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with industry, government and community organisations.
• Lead the creation of tailored proposals and promotional campaigns to position PaCE as a market leader.
• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of full‑scale and customised training programmes.
• Manage the development and delivery of short courses, certifications and hybrid learning models.
• Engage external subject‑matter experts to maintain high‑quality content.
• Maintain a centralised training catalogue and digital infrastructure, including LMS platforms.

Required profile

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in professional or continuing education, preferably in a higher‑education setting.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and change‑management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Required skills

• LMS platforms
• Hybrid learning models
• Content development