Job Description

Scope of the Job

Reporting to: Executive Director

Responsible for: Programme Leaders, Library and Student Affairs

Works Closely with: Academic and Admin Senior Teams

Job Purpose

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy is seeking an accomplished and visionary Dean of Performing and Production Arts to oversee the academic performance, administration and student affairs of the newly formed Performing and Production Arts College. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in performing and production arts education, leadership, and a passion for fostering the artistic and academic growth of students. This role will integrate the existing programmes and disciplines in performing and production arts to create a unified and dynamic educational environment.

The Dean of the Performing and Production Arts College is a senior academic administrator responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, and administration of the College under Sharjah Performing Arts Academy. The Dean will ensure the highest standards of excellence in education, research, and creative activities are achieved within the College. The role involves collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to advance the mission and vision of the Performing and Production Arts College and of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy as a whole.

Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Leadership and Administration:

Develop and implements the strategic visions, goals and direction for the Performing and Production Arts College within the strategic plan of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.

Oversee the design, development and delivery of the academic programmes, policies, and procedures in Performing and Production Arts.

Ensure the academic programmes meet the highest standards of excellence and accreditation requirements.

Work closely and collaboratively with the Executive Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and the Dean of Music as required.

Foster a culture of academic rigor, creativity, and innovation within the faculty and student body.

Support Faculty in their professional development, research, and teaching efforts.

Manage the day-to-day operation of the Performing and Production Arts College, including budgeting, resource allocation, and facility management in line with the Academy's overall budgets, resources and facilities.

Promote a culture of conservatoire excellence, inclusivity and collaboration throughout SPAA.

Collaborate with other departments and leadership teams within SPAA to align objectives and initiatives.

Lead recruitment efforts for Faculty and Staff, ensuring a diverse and highly qualified team.

Oversee the preparation of reports, proposals, and documentation related to the College's activities.

Student Success:

Oversee and enhance student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives.

Promote and support student engagement through student organisations, extracurricular activities, and performances.

Ensure a supportive and enriching learning environment for students.

Address student concerns and grievances in a timely and effective manner.

Curriculum and Academic Affairs:

Oversee the development and revision of the performing and production arts programmes to maintain quality, rigour and relevance.

Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and requirements.

Promote interdisciplinary and cross-departmental collaborations.

Research and Creative Activities:

•Work with the Dean of Music to;•

Encourage and support faculty and student research and creative projects.

Secure funding and resources for research initiatives.

Promote the dissemination of research findings and creative works.

External Relations and Fundraising:

•Work with the Dean of Music to;•

Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, and community organisations.

Lead fundraising efforts and secure grants to support the College's initiatives.

Represent the Performing and Production Arts College at professional conferences, events, and public forums.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

•Work with the Dean of Music to:•

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the college.

Implement initiatives to promote an inclusive environment for all members of the college and SPAA.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

A doctoral degree (preferably a PhD or DMA) in performing or production arts or a related field; a master's degree with significant professional experience will be considered.

A minimum of 10 years of experience in music education, with at least 5 years in a leadership or administrative role. Such as department chair/lead, associate dean, or similar positions.

Demonstrated success in curriculum development, programme accreditation, and academic administration.

Comprehensive knowledge of various performance and production disciplines.

Experience in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation.

Ability to oversee curriculum development and ensure academic programmes meet the highest standards.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse community of faculty, staff and students.

Desirable:

Involvement in the broader performing and production arts community, such as participation in professional organisations or festivals.

Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in performing and production arts education and performance.

Experience with online learning platforms and digital tools for performing and production arts creation and distribution.

Context

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is an independent Academy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to address a growing demand in the UAE and MENA region for formal education and quality professional training in the performing and production arts sector. SPAA is the only performing and arts conservatoire in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes taught in English. The purpose-built Academy includes a 432-seat theatre, two fully equipped studio performance spaces, TV/recording studios, twelve sprung rehearsal studios, 12 singing tutorial spaces, resource library, gymnasium and cafe.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy specialises in training graduates for work in the international professional performing and production arts industry. The SPAA faculty are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The focus of the Academy is practical rather than academic. The Academy's primary goal is to equip graduates with the highest level of practical skills in their field, along with the tools necessary for successfully creating their own work or practice. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of artists, scholars, and leaders who will shape the future of the performing arts on a global stage, offering a vibrant and dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

Salaries and Benefits

Salaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates dirhams. Faculty members receive a competitive benefits package that includes: accommodation, private medical insurance, and a residency visa, which extends to cover dependent family members. The Academy will cover the cost of education expenses for eligible dependent children under the age of 18.

Employees and eligible dependents are entitled to an annual return ticket to their home country.

Additional Information

• The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies.
• This position is full-time based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy , University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
• The •Faculty Handbook • is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position can request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.

How to Apply

Please send a maximum two (2) page cover letter and current CV to careers@spaa.ae. Please place 'Dean of Performing and Production Arts' in the email subject line.

•(Applicants should ensure that their cover letter explicitly discusses the required qualifications detailed in this job description for this position)•

Note: Candidates offered positions at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy are required to undergo a comprehensive background screening and police check, prior to finalising their employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Experience:

• various performance and production disciplines: 10 years (Required)