About De Montfort University Dubai
De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai) is the University's international campus in the heart of Dubai Internet City, one of the region's leading centres for technology, business and innovation. Surrounded by global organisations including Google, HP, LinkedIn, Microsoft and Meta, the campus is uniquely positioned to connect higher education with industry, innovation and international opportunity.
DMU Dubai's academic provision spans four faculties, covering technology, computing, engineering and media; business and law; health and life sciences; and technology, arts and culture. Across these disciplines, the University combines teaching, research and industry engagement, with a strong focus on equipping students with the knowledge, skills and experience required to succeed in a changing global economy. Employability is central to the student experience, with the Dubai campus working closely with employers and academic colleagues to create opportunities for careers, internships, work experience and sector-specific engagement.
The Opportunity
This is a senior institutional leadership appointment, with overall executive accountability for the academic, operational, financial and strategic performance of DMU Dubai. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation, the Provost will lead the Dubai senior leadership team and work closely with colleagues across the University to deliver an ambitious strategy for a dynamic international campus at the heart of one of the world's most ambitious global education ecosystems.
The Role
The Provost will provide strategic and institutional leadership across DMU Dubai, ensuring that academic excellence, student success, operational effectiveness and financial sustainability are aligned behind a clear and ambitious campus strategy. They will lead the Academic Director and Director of Operations, creating a cohesive and high-performing senior leadership team with clear accountability for delivery.
A key priority will be to develop Dubai as a strategic hub for transnational education and international engagement. The Provost will work with colleagues across De Montfort University to develop partnerships, new educational models, research and enterprise opportunities and international markets, leveraging Dubai's position as a global centre for business, innovation and talent.
The Provost will also serve as De Montfort University's senior representative in Dubai and the UAE, building trusted relationships with government and regulatory authorities, industry, education partners and other influential stakeholders. They will ensure the highest standards of governance, regulatory compliance and academic quality while strengthening the University's reputation and long-term impact in the region.
The Candidate
De Montfort University is seeking an established senior higher education leader with the strategic judgement, institutional credibility and breadth of experience required to lead a complex international campus.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of institutional leadership and improvement, including experience of delivering strategy, leading complex academic and professional teams, and holding meaningful accountability for organisational performance. They will demonstrate credibility across academic quality and student outcomes, growth, financial and resource management, and senior stakeholder engagement.
Experience in an international higher education or transnational education environment will be particularly relevant. A strong understanding of the UAE and/or wider GCC higher education landscape would be advantageous, alongside experience engaging effectively with government, regulators, industry and international partners.
This is an opportunity for an accomplished higher education leader to shape the next phase of DMU Dubai's development and its contribution to De Montfort University's wider international ambitions.
How to Apply
Applications should consist of a covering letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.
Closing date for applications is Monday 26 October at 10:00 GST.
For informal inquiries please contact May Charrat at May.Charrat@perrettlaver.com
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