Director of Foundation Year

Our client is  looking for a visionary Director of Foundation Year to lead and manage a comprehensive programme designed to prepare students for successful undergraduate study. The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic direction, academic quality, and operational effectiveness of the programme. This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering a unique opportunity to shape the academic journey of students within a leading institution.

Responsibilities
 

• Provide strategic leadership and academic oversight for the Foundation Year programme, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission and goals.
• Lead the development, review, and enhancement of the curriculum to maintain the highest academic standards and ensure relevance to undergraduate pathways.
• Manage, mentor, and support a team of academic and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the programme, including student admissions, timetabling, assessment, and progression.
• Develop and manage the programme's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Implement and monitor quality assurance processes to drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal faculties, university partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure a positive and supportive learning environment that enhances the overall student experience.

Qualifications
 

• A Master's degree in Education, Academic Management, or a relevant discipline is required; a PhD is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in higher education, with at least 3–5 years in an academic leadership or programme director role.
• Substantial experience in a senior academic leadership role, preferably within a university foundation or pathway programme setting.
• Demonstrable expertise in curriculum design, quality assurance, and academic programme management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a diverse team of academic professionals.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a student-centred focus.
• Prior experience working in the Middle East or in an international higher education context is highly advantageous.