Director, Academic Appointments - Office of Academic Appointments

Job Number

2025-15033

Position Summary

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Director of Academic Appointments reporting to the Executive Director of Office of Academic Appointments.

The Director of the Office of Academic Appointments (OAA) provides strategic and day-to-day operational leadership of the office.

This role is responsible for all academic appointment processes, faculty lifecycle activities, and must ensure related operations are delivered with accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with NYUAD, NYU, and UAE regulations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director is responsible for operationalizing the institutional strategy while adhering to applicable policies.The Director provides authoritative guidance to academic divisions and administrative partners, oversees daily faculty appointment processes, and ensures effective collaboration between OAA and other institutional stakeholders.

The Director supervises the functional leads in Research Appointments, Academic Recruitment, and Academic Appointments.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership and Team Oversight

• Provide oversight and direction for the three assigned OAA units: Recruitment, Academic Appointments Partnerships, and Research Appointments
• Directly supervise senior leads (Associate Directors and/or Appointments Partners). Cultivate a collaborative and innovative work environment among unit stakeholders to ensure alignment with the University's long-term mission and the specific objectives of academic divisions

Faculty Lifecycle Management

• Oversee all operational aspects of the faculty lifecycle—including recruitment, onboarding, promotion, tenure, and leaves—to ensure processes are timely, accurate, and compliant
• Oversee the coordination of complex immigration and relocation processes for all academic and research appointments in partnership with HR/Immigration, ensuring a seamless transition for faculty from diverse global backgrounds

Institutional Policy Expertise and Compliance

• Serve as the primary and operational point of contact for Deans, Associate Deans, and other NYUAD/NYU offices on faculty/ research appointment matters
• Interpret and apply established NYU/NYUAD academic and HR policies, providing expert guidance to ensure clarity and consistency in application across all academic functions
• Contribute to the update and development of related policies

Complex Problem Resolution and High-Level Stakeholder Consulting

• Provide advanced problem-solving assistance and consultancy to resolve escalated, high-priority cases involving compliance, faculty transitions, and international HR complexities
• Serve as a pivotal liaison between academic divisions and central departments (HR, Immigration, Payroll, Benefits) to ensure effective resolution and minimize obstacles for faculty
• Lead critical review processes and provide comprehensive support for faculty reclassification and compensation-related matters

Data Integrity and Reporting, Data Governance and Strategic Reporting

• Ensure accurate maintenance of faculty records and data systems (e.g., Workday). In collaboration with and guided by Institutional Research, produce strategic summary reports and insights for Deans and senior leadership to inform decision-making and enhance operational effectiveness

Annual Academic Planning and Resource Allocation

• Collaborate closely with the Office of Academic Resource Management & Fiscal Affairs and Academic Divisions to establish and ensure timely submission of essential planning data, critical for the accurate development and proactive forecasting and monitoring of the annual faculty budget and headcount. Monitor resource utilization to ensure operational efficiency

Continuous Process Improvement

• Champion continuous process improvement by researching and integrating cutting-edge HR and AI-powered solutions into academic recruitment, review, and onboarding workflows

Required Education:

• Master’s Degree in Administration or related field
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field

Required Experience:

• More than 10 years of work experience in providing comprehensive client-focused HR services in the Higher Education sector or similar role
• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in navigating ambiguity and embracing change within a dynamic academic environment
• Exceptional consultancy and influencing abilities to collaborate with effectively stakeholders and drive strategic initiatives forward
• Proficiency in crafting clear and concise written and verbal communications, capable of delivering complex information promptly and effectively
• Proven operational management experience in faculty or HR administration
• Strong understanding of academic appointment processes and compliance frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and coordination across diverse teams and departments
• Proven track record of complex problem-solving capabilities and a commitment to teamwork and delivering exceptional customer service
• Effective time management and prioritization skills to efficiently handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday) and data analysis tools

Preferred Experience:

• Professional Certification (CIPD/SHRM)