Managing Director, Center for Executive and Professional Education

Job Number

2025-14553

Position Summary

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply 

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Managing Director, Center for Executive and Professional Education reporting to the Chief Operating Officer for NYUAD.

Building on the success of the Office of Executive Education, NYUAD is now looking to expand its portfolio of credit and non-credit bearing programs in the space of executive and professional education by launching a Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE). The CEPE will be home to executive and professional degree and non-degree programs and will also serve as the coordinating unit for all executive and professional education programs for NYUAD and NYU units / schools in the UAE and the GCC region. 

The CEPE will be led by a Managing Director who will set the vision for and oversee all the operations and strategic activities of CEPE. The Managing Director is accountable and responsible for leading all executive, professional, and continuing education activities for NYUAD. This includes conceptualizing and implementing strategies for successful degree and non-degree executive and professional education programs both locally and regionally. The role also involves developing business and financial models, establishing new programs in the UAE and the GCC region, identifying and developing future markets and leading a high performing core team and extended network of professional and practical educators to ensure excellence in program delivery.

The Managing Director will drive the expansion and impact of NYUAD’s executive and professional education portfolio by fostering strong relationships with government entities, corporate leaders, industry stakeholders and leading educators.. The incumbent will work collaboratively across NYUAD, including Stern@NYUAD and the greater NYU global network  to develop programs aligned with institutional priorities and market demands, ensuring sustainable revenue growth and long-term success.

The Managing Director will review the existing staffing structure, conduct an assessment of organizational needs and resources and effectively organize the staffing of the Center based on the strategic goals agreed with the COO and other senior leaders at NYUAD. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and execute NYUAD’s executive and professional education strategy in collaboration with academic leaders at NYUAD and NYU.
• Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of executive, professional, and continuing education programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and industry needs.
• Define annual revenue growth targets and establish a framework for evaluating program impact, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Champion lifelong learning and workforce transformation by creating programs that address upskilling, reskilling, and talent development needs.
• Expand programs in the MENA region leveraging market research and industry partnerships to drive sustainable program expansion.
• Develop summer high school programs for students in the UAE and the region. 

Business Development & Industry Engagement

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with government agencies, corporate executives, and industry leaders to position NYUAD as a leader in executive education.
• Lead consultative discussions with potential and existing partners to develop programs tailored to workforce development challenges.
• Conduct market research and leverage data analytics to identify emerging trends and opportunities for new program development in the UAE, KSA, and beyond.
• Expand NYUAD’s global presence by forming strategic alliances and partnerships beyond the region.

Operational Excellence & Financial Sustainability

• Work closely with the COO to oversee revenue-generating agreements, business models, and financial sustainability of executive education programs.
• Develop economic and operational frameworks that support the scalable and sustainable growth of customized and existing programs.
• Ensure seamless collaboration with internal teams, including marketing, technology, and finance, to enhance program execution and visibility.
• Supervise a team of five professionals responsible for the coordination, planning, and execution of executive education programs

Cross-functional Collaboration & Academic Engagement

• Partner with faculty and academic units in Abu Dhabi and New York to design and deliver high-impact educational programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between CEPE and Stern@NYUAD, fostering collaboration to enhance program offerings, attract top-tier candidates, and expand the overall executive education portfolio
• Partner with local high schools to develop bridge programs that connect secondary education with executive education, fostering early exposure to leadership and professional development opportunities.
• Align executive education initiatives with NYUAD’s research priorities, leveraging faculty expertise to create innovative, evidence-based learning experiences.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders, translating industry needs into actionable learning solutions.
• Represent NYUAD’s executive and professional education initiatives at global industry events and conferences, positioning the university as a thought leader in the field.

Thought Leadership & Future-Forward Strategy

• Stay ahead of trends in workforce development and lifelong learning to ensure NYUAD remains at the forefront of executive education.
• Advocate for innovation in executive education, incorporating emerging technologies and new pedagogical approaches to enhance learning outcomes.
• Mentor and develop the executive education team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Actively contribute to university-wide leadership initiatives and training programs to ensure an equitable and inclusive work environment.

Required Education:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Education (M.Ed., Ed.M.), Higher Education Administration, Leadership, Organizational Development, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or related qualifications

Preferred Education: 

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or DBA) in Education, Business Administration, Leadership, or a related discipline

Required Experience:

• 10–15 years experience in executive education, higher education administration, corporate training, or professional development, with a strong ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
• Proven track record in designing, launching, and managing executive education programs, expanding into new markets, and leveraging digital transformation in education.
• Expertise in building partnerships with government agencies, multinational corporations, and industry leaders, as well as negotiating strategic collaborations with universities and research institutions.
• Strong background in business development, financial planning, and P&L management, ensuring program sustainability and revenue growth.
• Experience leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams in multicultural environments, working with faculty, industry leaders, and corporate executives to enhance learning outcome
• Strong ability to develop and implement growth strategies, financial models, and sustainable revenue plans for executive education programs.
• Deep knowledge of executive and professional education, adult learning principles, online learning platforms, and innovative program delivery methods.
• Exceptional ability to build partnerships with government agencies, corporations, and academic institutions, along with strong public speaking and negotiation skills.
• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing financial operations, and optimizing program delivery in a multicultural, international setting.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in a higher education environment in the UAE or MENASA region, with knowledge of relevant overarching government policies and visions
• Experience leading corporate leadership programs, government training initiatives, or customized executive education solutions.
• Deep knowledge of executive education market trends, industry workforce development needs, and regional economic priorities.