Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Position summary:
The American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit institution delivering an American-style, technology-enhanced education that prepares graduates for meaningful careers and leadership. The College of Engineering invites applications from experienced academic leaders for the role of Associate Dean for Academic Operations and Accreditation.
Acting as the Dean’s principal deputy for day-to-day academic operations, the Associate Dean translates the Dean’s strategic direction into executable program schedules and quality processes across the College’s five degree programs: Computer Engineering & AI, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. The role chairs the College Curriculum Committee, leads the ABET self-study process, and manages academic quality workflows.
Full-time, 12-month faculty appointment with supplemental administrative assignment.
Ideal candidate profile:
A dual appointment: Faculty first, with an administrative assignment.
The successful candidate will hold a primary faculty appointment at AUIB, with the rank commensurate with their qualifications and academic record. The Associate Dean responsibilities are added on top of the primary faculty contract (with appropriate course release) as a supplemental administrative appointment - a secondary, time-bound assignment rather than a separate or standalone job. Academic leaders concluding or transitioning out of an administrative assignment return to their permanent, full-time faculty track with no impact on their faculty contract, rank, or accumulated years of service.
Essential duties & responsibilities:
- Curriculum management and academic quality assurance
Maintain current program specifications, syllabi, and course learning outcomes for all five CoE programs in compliance with ABET EAC criteria.
Manage new course proposals, course modifications, and credit-load changes through the College Curriculum Committee; present final recommendations to the Dean for approval.
Lead the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) cycle: collect course-level assessment data, compile program-level outcome reports, identify curricular gaps, and draft action plans for Dean review.
Ensure Course Assessment Records (CARs) are completed each semester and systematically filed for the ABET self-study portfolio (target submission cycle: 2029).
Prepare and maintain the ABET EAC self-study documentation package under the Dean’s oversight.
- Scheduling and course delivery operations:
Produce Fall, Spring, and Summer courses offering plans for all CoE programs; assign instructors to sections in coordination with Department Chairs.
Build and publish the master timetable; manage room requests, laboratory slot bookings, and co-requisite pairings.
Monitor section enrollments; manage waitlists and resolve scheduling conflicts in a timely manner.
Ensure full instructor and course coverage for each semester before the registration deadline; resolve all unfilled course slots.
Coordinate with the Registrar’s office on academic calendar compliance, grade submission deadlines, and catalog accuracy.
- Student success and academic advising oversight:
Supervise CoE academic advisors; set advising standards, caseload targets, and escalation procedures.
Maintain accurate degree-plan audits and four-year plan templates for each CoE program.
Monitor at-risk students (e.g., GPA below threshold, overdue capstone milestones, excessive pending registrations) and coordinate targeted interventions.
Oversee graduation clearance checks; confirm all degree requirements are met before the Registrar issues clearance.
Adjudicate student petitions for course substitutions, prerequisite waivers, and credit transfers; escalate to the Dean only where policy exceptions are required.
- Faculty operational support and people management:
Directly supervise Department Chairs, Program Coordinators, academic advisors, and the CoE scheduling officer; conduct annual operational performance reviews for these direct reports.
Coordinate faculty orientation, onboarding logistics, and teaching mentorship for new hires in collaboration with the Dean.
Compile faculty teaching-load records each semester; flag under- or over-load situations to the Dean for resolution.
Support the Dean’s faculty evaluation and Promotion & Tenure processes by gathering teaching portfolios, course evaluation summaries, and peer observation reports.
Facilitate approved professional development activities — workshops, pedagogical training, ABET assessor certification — within budgets approved by the Dean.
Education and experience:
Earned Ph.D. in Electrical, Automation/Control, or Petroleum Engineering from an accredited institution; closely related sub-disciplines may be considered.
Academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the candidate’s field of expertise.
Minimum five (5) years of full-time university teaching experience in an engineering programme.
Minimum three (3) years in a formal academic-leadership role (Head of Department, Chair, Program Director, Associate Dean, or equivalent).
Active research portfolio with peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the rank; experience supervising postgraduate students preferred.
Why AUIB?
Diversity and inclusivity: At AUIB, we champion diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of campus life. Our vibrant community is a tapestry of cultures, ideas, and dreams, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone through fair and equal policies.
Competitive benefits: AUIB offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and generous leave policies, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our staff.
Professional development: With numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development, AUIB is the ideal place to enhance your skills and advance your career.
A thriving community: Our expatriate faculty and staff enjoy comfortable on-campus accommodations, and a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an expansive library, modern classrooms, and recreational amenities.
A legacy of excellence: Situated in Baghdad, AUIB is dedicated to reviving the city’s historic legacy of learning and culture. Joining AUIB means being part of a prestigious project envisioned by prominent figures in business, government, and education.
Application requirements:
To be considered for any role at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB), applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Cover letter: Detail how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you are applying for.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date resume or CV.
Identification: A valid national ID or passport is required for the application process.
Please note that applications missing any of these components will not be considered.
Candidates shortlisted for an interview:
If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:
Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.
References: Provide contact details for three references who have either worked with you or supervised your work.