The Director of Business Development, Employer Relations and Community Engagement supports the university’s initiatives to attract businesses to retail spaces in the residence halls, to build collaborative relationships with employers of AURAK graduates and employers offering internships to AURAK students, and to realize the university’s Community Engagement Strategy. The Director actively seeks opportunities to promote AURAK amongst the community and expand enrollments through employer partnerships and scholarships, i.e., Business to Business Initiatives, and to lead fundraising efforts. The Director is expected to work collaboratively with AURAK’s Office of Operational Excellence and Financial Management and the Office of Student Affairs in attracting businesses to the AURAK campus.  The Director is also expected to collaborate with Deans, Department Chairs, faculty, administrators, and the Office of Student Life to facilitate the development and execution of projects and services involving external partners in the government and in for-profit and non-profit sectors. 

Director of Business Development, Employer Relations, and Community Engagement

American University of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah invites applications for the position of Director of Business Development, Employer Relations, and Community Engagement, with a start date of September 2023.  The Director of Business Development, Employer Relations and Community Engagement supports the university’s initiatives to attract businesses to retail spaces in the residence halls, to build collaborative relationships with employers of AURAK graduates and employers offering internships to AURAK students, and to realize the university’s Community Engagement Strategy. The Director actively seeks opportunities to promote AURAK amongst the community and expand enrollments through employer partnerships and scholarships, i.e., Business to Business Initiatives, and to lead fundraising efforts. The Director is expected to work collaboratively with AURAK’s Office of Operational Excellence and Financial Management and the Office of Student Affairs in attracting businesses to the AURAK campus.  The Director is also expected to collaborate with Deans, Department Chairs, faculty, administrators, and the Office of Student Life to facilitate the development and execution of projects and services involving external partners in the government and in for-profit and non-profit sectors. 

Qualifications for the position:

• Master’s degree;
• Project management training;
• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar position, preferably in a university following the American model of higher education;
• Fluency in both English and Arabic.

Description of AURAK: 

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public non-profit, independent, coeducation institution of higher education which delivers an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education with a strong focus on the local indigenous culture.  All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE. In addition, AURAK has recently achieved accreditation with the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and all of AURAK’s Engineering programs are now ABET accredited.  The American model of higher education employed at AURAK ensures not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. The multicultural student body at AURAK offers candidates the opportunity to teach and conduct research in one of the most diverse countries in the world. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites. Please visit: http://www.aurak.ac.ae.

Applying for the position:

Applicants for the position should submit the following:

• Letter of application describing how the candidate’s education and work experience address the requirements of the position;
• Current CV that includes the names of at least three professional references (who would only be contacted following notification to the candidate);
• Unofficial copies of transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework completed.

All applications must be submitted online at:  https://employment.aurak.ac.ae/account/register