Head of the Department of Art and Design

The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Department of Art and Design. Recognized for excellence in design education, CAAD is entering an exciting period of growth, expanding its commitment to creative inquiry, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We seek a distinguished leader in design education or practice who brings intellectual and creative accomplishment, a commitment to mentorship, and demonstrated capacity for collaborative academic leadership.

The Department of Art and Design comprises 16 faculty members and approximately 250 undergraduate students. It offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Design Management, Film and New Media Design, and Graphic Design. In 2026, the department welcomed its inaugural cohort in the Master of Fine Arts in Transdisciplinary Design.

Leadership Responsibilities and Qualifications

Reporting to the Dean and supported by administrative staff, the Head provides collaborative academic leadership and strategic direction for the department. Responsibilities include advancing academic programs and curricula; mentoring and evaluating faculty; supporting excellence in teaching, scholarship, and creative practice; managing personnel, budgets, and facilities; and fostering a collegial, accountable, and ambitious academic environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate distinguished achievement in education, scholarship, or professional practice, together with the experience and capacity to lead an academic department. Accomplished practitioners, including firm principals and creative leaders with meaningful engagement in higher education, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a terminal degree in a relevant art or design discipline, typically an MFA or PhD, and be eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. Familiarity with the North American model of higher education is desirable.

Appointment and Benefits

In addition to leading the department, the Head teaches nine credit hours annually, maintains an active record of scholarship or creative practice, and contributes service to the college, university, and broader community.

The position is a twelve-month appointment with an initial three-year term, renewable following review in accordance with university policy. AUS offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, together with a comprehensive benefits package that includes university-provided housing, retirement contributions, health insurance support, educational benefits for dependent children, and travel benefits. The successful candidate is expected to assume duties in August 2027. For additional information, please visit Working at AUS.

Application Procedure

Review of applications will begin on January 7, 2027.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. A letter of application outlining their leadership experience, academic or professional accomplishments, vision for the department, and suitability for the position, including the names and contact information of three referees.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A digital portfolio documenting scholarly, professional, creative, and teaching activities.

All materials must be combined into a single PDF file not exceeding 50 pages or 80 MB.

Applications should be submitted in confidence through https://tinyurl.com/DES-HOD-27 A Google account is required to access the application portal.

About CAAD, AUS, and Sharjah

CAAD is internationally recognized for excellence in design education. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings  by Subject, AUS ranked first in the UAE for Arts and Humanities. Its graduates pursue advanced study at leading institutions and contribute to creative industries and professional practice internationally. Recent investments in graduate education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration are expanding opportunities for faculty and students.

Central to CAAD's academic culture is a commitment to learning through making, experimentation, and creative inquiry. CAAD Labs provides extensive facilities for digital fabrication, woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, photography, video, sound, and printmaking, supporting teaching, research, and creative production across disciplines.

Founded in 1997 by the Ruler of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah is an independent, nonprofit university offering American-model higher education in an internationally diverse, English-language academic environment. AUS is licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the UAE's Commission for Academic Accreditation. The university has also been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States since 2004.

Located near Dubai, Sharjah is renowned for its cultural institutions, educational investment, and vibrant international community. The university offers a welcoming campus environment in a region known for its safety, stability, and opportunities for professional and family life.