Program Leader – Theater

About Us:

A dynamic and exciting startup initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a higher education institution specialized in arts and creativity, the first of its kind in the region. This initiative aims to significantly expand opportunities across all artistic and creative sectors. The institution will offer a comprehensive range of creative academic programs, from vocational courses to doctoral degrees, through various modes of learning.

With an innovative outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, the institution will play a central role in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders and practitioners who will join a dynamic and growing hub for arts and creativity. It will also focus on fostering values, social responsibility, and cultural enrichment, playing an important role in celebrating the Kingdom’s rich heritage and contributing to shaping its future.

We are currently seeking an outstanding, enthusiastic, and committed individual to join us and contribute to the transformation of arts and creative education across the Kingdom. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey toward an exceptional beginning.

Job Roles and Key Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities

• Maintain strong connections within the theater industry to leverage professional relationships for program development and opportunities.
• Develop and sustain a professional network within the theater field to support collaboration, faculty engagement, and industry partnerships.
• Provide academic and administrative leadership for the Theater program, ensuring effective management and coordination of all program activities.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for the program’s development, delivery, and continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure the program aligns with RUA’s mission, values, and institutional standards.
• Represent the program in internal and external university forums, committees, and stakeholder engagements.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive academic environment that promotes student success and faculty development.

Academic Responsibilities

• Lead the design and review of the Theater curriculum to ensure quality, relevance, and compliance with NQF and accreditation standards
• Collaborate with external and international partners to enhance the program’s profile and relevance, without reliance on them.
• Support student recruitment strategies by liaising with Marketing, Admissions, and Recruitment teams to meet enrollment targets.
• Drive initiatives that contribute to the university’s broader strategic goals, including innovation, excellence, and international alignment.
• Contribute to shaping a future-oriented academic vision within the College.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of Theater program delivery, including teaching schedules, resource planning, budget oversight, and use of production and stage equipment.
• Monitor teaching quality, learning outcomes, and assessment practices in the Theater program to ensure continuous quality enhancement.
• Provide academic guidance and line-management support to faculty members involved in the Theater program.
• Analyze student performance and feedback data in the Theater program to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare comprehensive program reports and documentation required for internal quality reviews and external accreditation bodies.

Management capabilities

• Oversee curriculum planning, management, and execution for the Theater program.
• Experienced in planning and managing resources, including staff, time, facilities, and budgets within the Theater program.
• Proficient in analyzing student performance and feedback to inform program adjustments and improvements.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and support faculty and administrative staff involved in the Theater program.

Desired Skills and Experience

Interpersonal skills

• Clear, concise, and effective communication, both written and verbal, with students, faculty, and theater professionals.
• Collaboration and teamwork with faculty, production crew, and external theater partners.
• Demonstrates ethical leadership, accountability, and a high level of personal and professional integrity.
• Negotiation skills for productions, partnerships, and resource management.
• Ability to guide students and faculty in stagecraft, technical theater equipment, and performance practices.
• Networking and relationship-building within the local and international theater industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree minimum in Theater, Performing Arts, or a relevant field; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Proven experience in academic program design, teaching, and quality assurance within the theater or performing arts sector.
• Knowledge of theater education standards and relevant Accreditation Standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage stage productions, technical equipment, and performance logistics.
• Commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement in theater education and practice.