AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH
Position Description
Provost
Position Summary
The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer of the University and reports directly to the Chancellor. The
Provost provides vision, leadership, and operational direction for the Deans and Directors of the academic
support services. In so doing, the Provost ensures that the University’s curriculum and programs of
research and service continuously strive to improve in quality and content, consistent with the overall
mission of the institution.
Scope
The Provost directs the operations of the Academic Affairs division and oversees the following
organizational units and their sub-units: Office of the Provost; College of Arts and Sciences; College of
Architecture, Art and Design; School of Business Administration; College of Engineering; the Office of
the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction; the Office of Student Affairs; the Library;
the Office of Financial Grants and Scholarships; the International Exchange Office; the Office of
Enrollment Management; the Registrar’s Office and the Manager of Accreditation.
Representative Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provides leadership for all undergraduate and graduate academic programs and academic support
departments.
2. Guides long-term planning efforts for academic program and academic support departments to support
of the University’s mission.
3. Develops, administers, and monitors the academic budget.
4. Oversees the administration of the faculty organization plan for shared governance.
5. Responsible for enhancing the quality of the institution through faculty hiring, retention and
promotions.
6. Administers unit reviews to sustain the process of continuous quality improvement.
7. Chairs the Council of Deans to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the academic
administration.
8. Represents and acts on behalf of the Chancellor in the absence of the Chancellor.
9. Oversees the design, implementation, and analysis of academic and student assessment procedures.
10. Oversees and directs curricular development, assessment and pedagogical approaches, including
recommending the addition and deletion of programs of study to the Chancellor.
11. Advances the professional development of faculty and administrative staff within the academic areas
and the research and scholarly activities of faculty and students.
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12. Oversees and/or makes final decisions on academic policies, student appeals and faculty concerns.
13. Manages resources to support the academic programs of the University.
14. Works with external constituencies on academic issues and represents the university as needed.
15. Meets with the Board of Trustees (BOT) when called upon by the Chancellor to advise on academic
issues and serves as institutional liaison to the BOT Academic Affairs Committee.
16. Works with the Chief Research Officer to enhance the research efforts of AUS.
17. Works with the Chief Research Officer to ensure that external compensated activity undertaken by
faculty complies with University policies.
18. Works with the Chief Operations Officer to prioritize and monitor budgets and expenditures within
the academic units and to collaborate on operational and infrastructural elements that impact the
academic mission;
19. Works with the Chief Advancement Officer to optimize the advancement efforts of AUS and to
connect with AUS alumni.
20. Performs related duties as may be assigned by the Chancellor
Desirable Knowledge and Abilities
The Provost will have a history of relevant experience in managing a multifaceted organization,
preferably in the field of academic administration at an institution of comparable size and complexity to
AUS. Knowledge of the principles and practices of higher education leadership in an international setting
is essential, as is a history of identifying, evaluating, implementing, and assessing best practices in
management in a university setting. Experience in facilities development, in government and public
relations, in negotiating with external bodies and individuals, in dealing with complex legal and personnel
issues, and in presenting the case for the University and for higher education to a general public.
The Provost will be able to provide academic leadership that is responsive to the needs of current
constituencies—faculty, students, parents, alumni, trustees, colleagues within the administration, and
members of the wider University community. The Provost will be required to direct the development of
academic programs, to act upon and interpret Board of Trustees decisions and directives, to direct
innovative strategies for improving the quality and reputation of the University, and to function
effectively in a multicultural environment. The Provost should have a solid understanding of the complex
issues of budgeting in a university setting and be prepared to make difficult decisions necessary for
sustaining academic programs and academic support departments in tuition-dependent settings.
Required Qualifications
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A terminal degree in one of the disciplines represented at the university.
Experience as a tenured and full-time faculty member at an accredited college or university.
Five or more years of higher education administrative experience with progressively greater
responsibilities;
 A record of scholarly research and/or professional and scholarly achievements.
 A commitment to student learning and academic excellence.
 Leadership skills that will inspire, motivate and direct others toward the accomplishment of the
university’s mission.
 Experience in strategic planning, budgeting and operational management.
 Excellent writing and speaking skills.
 Experience with accreditation processes and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
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Five or more years of experience as a dean, vice provost or similar level academic position.
Ten or more years of higher education experience.
Experience in a privately funded international university.
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