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Dean, Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, London

Entity

Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Location

London, United Kingdom

Introduction

The Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) was established
in 2002 in London as an educational and research unit within the Aga Khan University (AKU). The Institute advances the University’s commitment to academic excellence and social development. As a research-grounded, non-denominational, liberal arts institute producing internationally recognised scholarship, education and outreach, AKU-ISMC is founded on a scholarly and pluralistic approach to, and understanding of, Islam and Muslim cultures. Its mission is to participate in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about Muslim societies in all their historic and present-day complexity and diversity. AKU-ISMC is a UK accredited university, a UK registered charity, and sits within the global framework of AKU and the AKDN. Today AKU-ISMC is part of an expansive university network, with thirteen campuses spread across three continents.

The Institute’s research into the literature, history, governance, pop culture and languages in Muslim
contexts, as well as the archaeology and art history of the Muslim cultures of the Indian Ocean, have
been the foundation from which its Master of Arts (MA) in Muslim Cultures has sprung and flourished.
Added to this is a successful programme of short courses, both in the UK and abroad, ranging in topics
from Muslim Family Law to Music in Islamic Contexts to Manuscripts in Arabic Script. The Institute
has also established collaborations and partnerships with a number of universities and other higher
education institutions around the world, including the recent launch of a dual MA degree with Columbia University in New York.

The AKU-ISMC is looking to appoint a new Dean who will be responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, fundraising and operational management of the Institute with a mandate to foster leading research and education in the study of Muslim cultures and contexts, aspiring to contribute and bring critical thinking to public discourse. This important role will drive long-term strategic planning, academic development and the collaborative management of the Institute’s financial, administrative and human resources.

Responsibilities

Serving as a member of the senior academic leadership team of AKU, the Dean will be responsible for:
  • Preparing a strategic plan for the AKU-ISMC that incorporates the objectives of the University Strategic Plan;
  • Directing the budgeting and planning for AKU-ISMC in accordance with the direction set out for the University;
  • Driving talent acquisition, retention, development and performance management of faculty and staff at AKU-ISMC in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures;
  • Providing leadership in the development of programmes and curricula of AKU-ISMC, including evolving curricula to ensure the Institute’s offerings remain timely, relevant and of the highest quality;
  • Acting as an ambassador for the study of Muslim civilisations both internally and internationally, and being a leader in engaging the public discourse regarding current issues related to the Muslim world;
  • Providing guidance and input in the design, development and delivery of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (AKU-FAS) curricula;
  • Developing and promoting an environment of academic excellence in research, teaching and scholarship;
  • Fostering a climate of scholarly activity and academic liveliness that adds to the intellectual capital of the University;
  • Ensuring the quality, relevance and impact of the graduate education and certificates at AKU-ISMC (MA in Muslim Cultures, dual degree with Columbia University, and PhD programme), including the evaluation and monitoring of such activities;
  • Developing and providing leadership on strategies to generate external funding, in cooperation with senior colleagues;
  • Delivering a fundraising strategy in accordance with UK Charity Regulations and AKU University Advancement;
  • Providing leadership in the development of AKU-ISMC’s Centre for Digital Humanities;
  • Leading on developments in establishing AKU-ISMC in Lisbon, Portugal;
  • Establishing and maintaining links with other units of the University, and with other AKDNinstitutions;
  • Creating targeted links with universities, institutions and individuals in Muslim countries of relevance;
  • Establishing and maintaining links with a range of external stakeholders, including local and national governments, community groups and donors.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate evidence of the following skills, capabilities
and experience:

Experience
  • Organizational leadership/management experience in disciplines related to the Institute as Dean or Associate Dean, Chair of a significant department, or as Director of an Institute or Centre, with human resources and budget responsibilities;
  • Proven ability to effectively translate accumulated knowledge regarding Muslim civilizations, both historic and present, and to engage public discourse on the place of Muslim communities in the world today;
  • Demonstrated ability to build a well-respected academic environment;
  • Equivalent experience in a non-university setting is acceptable.
Education
  • Ph.D. or other appropriate terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
Research
  • An internationally recognized record of personal scholarly achievements;
  • Experience of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and is able to embrace diverse research and teaching approaches;
  • Ideally, has maintained a credible level of scholarly activity while holding an administrative position;
  • Eligible to be appointed as a full professor.
Strategic Vision
  • Possesses the ability to develop and garner support for an inspiring, shared sense of the Institute’s mission and vision;
  • Able to work with faculty to choose initiatives and manage priorities that reflect both the views and interests of the Institute’s faculty members and the overall vision of the university;
  • Can effectively communicate the Institute’s vision to the greater university and broader community.
Leadership
  • Able to provide strong leadership within a collegial structure;
  • Builds governance with openness and transparency whilst also able to make difficult decisions and move the Institute forward;
  • Is fair, consultative and strategic;
  • Able to cultivate an environment in which faculty, staff, and students thrive;
  • Demonstrates inclusiveness, strength of character, integrity and ethics.
Administrative Skills
  • Possesses strong organizational, administrative and financial skills, having dealt with a range of staffing and resourcing issues;
  • Can balance, contributing to a university-wide administrative perspective and direction, while actingas a strong advocate for the Institute.
Students
  • Has contributed to a culture where excellence and innovation in teaching is valued and rewarded;
  • Understands the importance of promoting the best student experience for a diverse student body with a focus on recruitment, retention and timely program completion;
  • Recognizes the importance of building a strong student community.
Interpersonal Skills
  • Builds and maintains positive, productive relationships with colleagues, staff, students, and faculty;
  • Is open, inclusive, respectful, collegial and collaborative;
  • Creates a strong team culture across the Institution.
External Relationships
  • Has an extensive network, with previous exposure to fund raising, faculty and student recruitment and alumni affairs;
  • Has the required communication skills and cultural sensitivity to attract partnerships and resources by building stronger links with the broader community, including media and communications organizations, industry, educational and research institutions, and government bodies;
  • Able to closely engage with and manage relationships with senior high-stake donors and supporters of AKU-ISMC.

To Apply

​Applications should consist of:

  • A concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification;
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae;
  • Names and contact details of three referees (referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission).
Please submit your application documents to hr.recruitment@aku.edu with the position title in the subject line. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in March 2023. 

Applications should be submitted latest by March 3, 2023