Job Title: Dean – College of Mass Communication

College: Mass Communication

Job Purpose:

The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the College of Mass Communication, responsible for advancing high-quality teaching, research, and professional training in media, public relations, digital communication, and related disciplines. The Dean ensures that all academic programs delivered in Arabic and/or English meet national and international standards while fostering innovation, creativity, and strong industry engagement. The position aligns the College’s mission with the broader strategic direction of the University.

Supervision:

The Dean reports to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) and is responsible for:

• Ensuring the effective execution of all academic and administrative responsibilities.
• Leading the academic, financial, operational, and creative functions of the College.
• Cultivating strong relationships with media institutions, industry partners, governmental bodies, and the wider community.
• Promoting excellence in teaching and research; media practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and articulate a forward-looking strategic vision for the College aligned with industry trends in mass comm, media, digital content, and public relations.
• Lead the continuous enhancement of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring relevance to contemporary Arab and International media landscapes.
• Engage faculty, staff, and students in strategic planning, accreditation processes, and decision-making.

Academic Excellence:

• Oversee the design, delivery, and quality assurance of academic programs in Mass Communication.
• Ensure alignment with national and international accreditation standards for media and communication education.
• Promote innovative teaching practices, including digital media tools, creative production, and experiential learning.
• Support strong assessment processes, learning outcomes development, and continuous improvement based on stakeholder feedback.

Faculty and Staff Development:

• Recommend hiring, promotion, and retention of qualified faculty and media professionals to the VCAA.
• Ensure faculty competency in delivering instruction and practical media training.
• Encourage faculty development in research, creative production, digital media, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism.

Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the College’s annual budget in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of media production studios, labs, equipment, and technology infrastructure.
• Ensure that resources support modern media training, including broadcasting, filmmaking, new media, digital storytelling, and strategic communication.

Industry Engagement & External Relations:

• Build strong partnerships with media organizations, news agencies, governmental communication offices, creative industries, and advertising/public relations firms.
• Support internship programs, student media projects, and graduate employability initiatives.
• Facilitate research funding, fundraising opportunities, sponsorships, and professional collaborations.
• Represent the College at conferences, forums, and community events to enhance visibility and strengthen external networks.

Governance and Collaboration:

• Actively participate in the Council for Academic Affairs (CfAA) and other University committees.
• Collaborate with other colleges to promote interdisciplinary initiatives, joint programs, and research projects.
• Ensure the implementation of University-wide policies, regulations, and academic standards.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Mass Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or a related field from a reputable and accredited institution.
• Academic distinction with appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Demonstrated leadership experience (preferably as Dean, Associate Dean, or senior industry position) in a reputable Media or Mass Communication college or organization.
• Strong command of English and Arabic, both written and spoken, as required for instruction and administration.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, accreditation, media training, and academic quality assurance.
• Industry experience in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, filmmaking, advertising, or public relations is highly desirable.
• Experience in budget planning, faculty development, and resource management.

Key Attributes:

• Visionary leadership with the ability to guide the College toward excellence and innovation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills in both languages.
• Strong understanding of regional and global media trends.
• Commitment to promoting creativity, research, ethical media practices, and community engagement.
• Strategic thinker with effective decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• Dedication to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and diverse academic environment.