Director - Center of Continuing Education

Department: Center of Continuing Education

Reports to: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Scope and Purpose:

The Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) is a strategic leadership role responsible for expanding the center’s impact through high-quality professional training programs targeted at individuals, corporations, and government entities. The Director will lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of executive and vocational training initiatives aligned with global professional certification standards.

The successful candidate will oversee strategic planning, partnership development, and program innovation to respond to evolving industry needs across sectors such as education, financial services, marketing, human resources, hospitality, and food & beverage, as well as additional fields aligned with current market demands and national upskilling initiatives. This includes but is not limited to technology and digital transformation, healthcare and medical services, logistics and supply chain management, government administration, entrepreneurship and business development, sustainability practices, leadership and project management, and customer service excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute the CCE’s strategic plan to ensure relevance, growth, and sustainability.
• Lead the design and expansion of training programs that respond to evolving market trends, including industry-specific and cross-sector professional development offerings.
• Align CCE operations with international standards and qualifications frameworks (e.g., CFA, CISI, ACCA, PMP, CIPD, Lean Six Sigma, SHRM, hospitality certifications).

Program Development & Quality Assurance

• Design and manage specialized training programs tailored to corporate clients, government agencies, and individual professionals.
• Oversee curriculum design, instructor recruitment, and continuous improvement of program content.
• Integrate practical, industry-led learning approaches focused on employability, leadership development, and technical upskilling.

Industry & Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain partnerships with corporations, government entities, professional bodies, and certification providers.
• Represent the CCE in executive meetings, industry forums, and community initiatives to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Promote the centre’s training services to key stakeholders, supporting workforce development and lifelong learning initiatives.

Operational & Financial Management

• Manage program budgets, pricing frameworks, cost-efficiency models, and performance reporting mechanisms.
• Lead program impact assessments using KPIs such as enrolment, completion rates, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder ROI.
• Drive revenue growth through corporate training contracts, executive workshops, and accredited development pathways.

Team Leadership & Performance

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of trainers, program coordinators, and business development personnel.
• Promote a culture of innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement within the centre.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and client service standards.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven leadership experience in executive education, vocational training, or professional development.
• Demonstrated success in designing and delivering high-impact training programs for organizations and professionals.
• Expertise in strategic planning, partnership management, and business expansion.
• Strong understanding of professional development requirements across multiple industries.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and alignment with certification or regulatory standards.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Key Competencies

Strategic Visioning

• Ability to position the CCE as a regional leader in professional development and continuing education.

Program Innovation

• Skilled in designing market-driven learning solutions aligned with industry needs and certification standards.

Industry Engagement

• Strong track record of building partnerships with corporate, governmental, and community stakeholders.

Financial & Performance Management

• Capable of managing budgets, monitoring KPIs, and ensuring program profitability and growth.

Leadership & Team Development

• Ability to lead diverse teams and support instructor engagement and development.

Quality Assurance & Certification Alignment

• Knowledgeable in aligning training outcomes with international standards.

Performance Indicators

• Growth in program offerings and participant enrolments.
• Client satisfaction and repeat engagement levels.
• Certification success and international accreditation ratings.
• Financial performance and contribution to CCE sustainability.
• Strategic partnerships established and nurtured.
• Responsiveness to evolving industry and educational trends.

Reporting Line

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the American University of Kuwait (AUK).

Job Details

Preferred Candidate