Director of Student Affairs

About Riyadh University of Arts

Riyadh University of Arts (جامعة الرياض للفنون) is an institution focused on cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation in the Middle East. The university aims to foster ideas that inspire progress and transform society through industry and academic collaboration, while cultivating a space for global ideas within a culturally inspiring environment. Its vision is to be a beacon of knowledge, integrating culture and arts to empower students and foster creativity and cultural exchange. The mission is to cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering programs that enrich both Saudi and global communities.

The Role of Director of Student Affairs

The Director of Student Affairs will lead the Student Affairs function to deliver an integrated student experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role focuses on supporting student well-being, belonging, and successful progression, while improving employability outcomes. The Director will achieve this through structured career services, strong employer and alumni engagement, effective student governance, end-to-end oversight of the student journey, and data-driven continuous improvement. The position requires over 10 years of relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the Admissions, Registrar & Student Affairs department’s business plan from a Student Affairs perspective.
• Develop and implement the operational plan for the Student Affairs section.
• Lead the design and implementation of Student Affairs policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and alignment with RUA's requirements.
• Participate in the identification and recruitment of key talent, guiding and mentoring direct reports.
• Lead and guide project management teams for functional or organizational projects, ensuring adherence to guidelines.
• Oversee the entire student journey from application to graduation, enhancing student satisfaction and engagement.
• Direct career services programs, including employability training, CV/interview clinics, and placement tracking.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of employer and alumni partnerships for internships, mentoring, and recruitment.
• Manage advising workflows, service standards, and escalation paths for academic, personal, and financial student cases.
• Oversee counseling, grievance resolution, mediation, and disciplinary case management.
• Direct safeguarding, welfare escalation, and crisis response for students at risk.
• Oversee club governance, funding allocation, and compliance with policies.
• Direct the planning and coordination of career fairs, company presentations, student-life activities, and graduation ceremonies.
• Oversee student representation, including the student council, fostering dialogue and ensuring student voice in decision-making.
• Drive KPI reporting, feedback analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in student affairs or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic planning and operational execution.
• Experience in budget management and policy implementation.
• Proven leadership skills in people management, including recruitment, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
• Strong background in project management, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Expertise in student journey oversight, career services, and employability programs.
• Experience in student support, advising, and case management, including crisis response.
• Familiarity with student life activities, club governance, and event coordination.
• Proficiency in compliance, policy reviews, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within a forward-thinking institution dedicated to cross-cultural arts education. The role involves working in an environment that fosters creativity, cultural exchange, and innovation, contributing to the cultural ecosystem and creative economy of Saudi Arabia in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Application Process

Candidates interested in this role are invited to apply. The salary for this position will be discussed during the interview process.