Associate Dean, Academic

The Aga Khan University
Graduate School of Media and Communications

The Aga Khan University’s new Graduate School of Media & Communications (GSMC) seeks a dynamic and accomplished leader to create and oversee the School’s academic affairs function, completing the development of curriculum, recruiting a faculty, and directing academic operations as the School prepares for its opening.

Dedicated to strengthening wider media ecosystems in East Africa and the developing world, GSMC will occupy a distinctive place in the global media and communications education landscape. Internationally connected but regionally relevant, it will focus on graduate education, professional training, curricular innovation, and research. Several strategic elements will distinguish the School from other programmes in the region, extending its geographic and demographic reach and contributing to constructive engagement between media and all sectors of society. These strategic elements include cross-cutting emphasis on multimedia integration and innovation, a dedicated center for media management and entrepreneurship, close working relationships with the media sector, and a strong commitment to executive, professional, and continuing education.

In pursuing its mission, GSMC will draw on the unique strengths of the Aga Khan University as well as on the resources of the Aga Khan Development Network and industry connections with The Nation Media Group, the leading multi-media house in East Africa.

The Associate Dean, Academic will contribute to the completion of GSMC’s facilities including the design of technology resources needed for teaching and learning. As a member of the faculty, he/she will also contribute to the programme delivery as an instructor.

The Associate Dean will have the stature to be seen as a leader in the field of journalism and media education. As the chief academic officer of a School within the Aga Khan University, the Associate Dean will understand and advance the academic mission of the School and of the University, and will draw on appropriate experience in academic leadership and administration to provide effective and efficient direction in support of the Dean. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of current trends in professional education and research and scholarship in journalism, media, and communications and have a track record of innovation in areas such as curriculum design and development, training and professional development programmes, or adopting technology into professional practice or curriculum; should possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism and/or media-communications education, including relevant experience in academic administration; must show creativity, energy, discipline, tact, and a talent for managing programmes and people; and must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (required) along with a PhD or other advanced/terminal degree (strongly preferred). For more information about The Aga Khan University, visit www.aku.edu.

The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Regional and international travel will be required. Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Terms of employment include conference leave and sabbatical leave, comprehensive benefits, and relocation support.

Please email applications (resume/cv and cover letter), inquiries, and nominations to:

Craig Smith, PhD, Partner or Courtney Smith, PhD, Consultant
Opus Search Partners
craig.smith@opuspartners.net / courtney.smith@opuspartners.net