VP of Legal

RUA is a forward-thinking institution for cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation in the Middle East that fosters bold ideas that inspire progress and transform society by cultivating industry and academic collaboration and rethinking creative education, all while creating a space for global ideas to flourish in a culturally inspiring environment.

Our Vision

To be an inspiring beacon of knowledge for future generations, integrating culture and arts, empowering students to discover passions and develop talents while fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

Our Mission

To cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering cutting-edge programs that foster cultural and artistic engagement, enriching both the Saudi and global communities.

Our Aspirations

• The leading cultural university across the Middle East and North Africa.
• Ranked among top 50 universities worldwide specializing in cultural education.
• A global hub for cultural education and knowledge exchange.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Legal Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the University's legal strategy in alignment with institutional objectives.
• Advise executive leadership and the Board on high-impact legal, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Act as a trusted legal partner in strategic initiatives, including expansion, partnerships, and new academic programs.

Legal Advisory & Governance

• Provide expert legal counsel across a wide range of areas including education law, labor law, commercial law, and regulatory compliance.
• Support corporate governance practices, including Board and committee matters, policies, and charters.
• Ensure the University operates within applicable Saudi laws and regulatory frameworks.

Contracts & Transactions

• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex agreements, including:
• Academic and research collaborations
• International partnerships and MOUs
• Establish contract management frameworks and approval processes.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with local laws, including regulations issued by: Ministry of Education Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development Other relevant authorities
• Develop and implement compliance policies and monitoring systems.
• Oversee all disputes, claims, and litigation involving the University.
• Manage relationships with external law firms and legal advisors.
• Develop dispute mitigation and resolution strategies.
• Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Establish internal controls and legal risk frameworks.
• Provide proactive legal guidance to prevent potential disputes.

Policy Development

• Develop, review, and update internal legal policies and procedures.
• Ensure alignment with governance standards and best practices.

Skills Requirements

• Advanced legal drafting and contract negotiation skills.
• Deep knowledge of Saudi legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong expertise in corporate, commercial, and employment law.
• Specialized knowledge in intellectual property law (highly critical).
• Familiarity with higher education regulations is a strong advantage.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Executive-level communication and influencing skills.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and professional judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB); Master's (LLM) preferred.
• 15-20 years of legal experience.
• Strong expertise in contracts, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
• Experience in education, government, or large organizations is preferred.

RUA represents a platform for discovery, a space where talent is nurtured, and a gateway for Saudi art and culture to the world. We welcome you to join us on this exceptional journey. Together, we will shape the ambitious cultural future of the Kingdom and inspire the world.

As the first of its kind in the MENA region, RUA serves as a center of creativity, knowledge, and innovation, contributing to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's cultural ecosystem and creative economy, driving the growth of Saudi Arabia's cultural sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.