Director of Academic Affairs

Director of Academic Affairs / Registrar (Academic Operations Launch Director)

Location: Bahrain

Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership

Industry: Higher Education / University Establishment

Start Date: Immediate

About the Role

We are establishing a new international university in Bahrain in collaboration with a leading UK institution. We are seeking an experienced Director of Academic Affairs / Registrar to lead the academic operational setup required for a successful university launch.

This position will oversee the development of academic policies, quality assurance frameworks, program readiness, faculty recruitment, student records, timetabling, assessment procedures, and alignment with UK academic standards.

The role is ideal for a senior academic operations professional who has experience building academic systems and delivering institutional readiness from the ground up.

Key ResponsibilitiesAcademic Operations & Institutional Setup

• Lead the establishment of all academic administrative structures for the university.
• Develop academic policies, procedures, and governance frameworks aligned with UK higher education standards.
• Oversee creation and implementation of timetables, academic calendars, and assessment schedules.
• Coordinate curriculum setup, program validation, and delivery readiness.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation

• Ensure compliance with national quality and regulatory requirements in Bahrain.
• Manage academic submissions, program documentation, and accreditation processes.
• Implement quality assurance procedures including assessment regulations, moderation practices, and academic integrity standards.
• Collaborate with the UK partner university to ensure alignment across all academic frameworks.

Registrar & Student Records Management

• Establish and manage the Student Information System (SIS) and all student administrative processes.
• Oversee student registration, course enrolment, transcripts, progression, and graduation requirements.
• Ensure data accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with academic policies.

Faculty Recruitment & Academic Staffing

• Support recruitment of faculty and academic support staff.
• Oversee onboarding of teaching staff and ensure alignment with program requirements.
• Coordinate workload planning, teaching allocations, and academic staffing models.

Academic Services & Student Support

• Build and lead key academic support units such as:
• Advising services
• Examinations office
• Academic success and support centers
• Establish policies for student advising, appeals, academic probation, and support pathways.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the COO, Marketing & Admissions, and Finance to ensure seamless launch readiness.
• Advise the Executive Team and contribute to institutional planning and strategic decision-making.

Qualifications & ExperienceEssential

• Significant senior leadership experience within Academic Affairs, Registrar's Office, or academic operations in a university setting.
• Strong understanding of higher education regulations, quality assurance, and accreditation processes.
• Experience with UK or international higher education systems.
• Proven ability to build academic systems and policies from inception.
• Experience with student records systems and academic administration technology.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and policy development skills.

Preferred

• Experience launching a new college, university program, or international branch campus.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in Bahrain or the GCC.
• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

Key Competencies

• Academic policy and governance expertise
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to lead teams and manage complex workflows
• High attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity
• Strong collaboration and cross-department communication

What We Offer

• Executive role in shaping the academic foundation of a new international university.
• Opportunity to build academic systems and policies from the ground up.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Collaborative environment with international partners.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter explaining your academic leadership experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

Job Type: Full-time