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.
Academic Leadership and Administration:
- Develop and implement 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 academic programs, policies, and procedures in Performing and Production Arts.
- Ensure academic programs meet the highest standards of excellence and accreditation requirements.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and the Dean of Music as necessary.
- Foster a culture of academic rigor, creativity, and innovation among faculty and students.
- Support faculty in their professional development, research, and teaching efforts.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Performing and Production Arts College, including budgeting, resource allocation, and facility management in alignment with the Academy’s overall resources.
- 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 organizations, extracurricular activities, and performances.
- Ensure a supportive and enriching learning environment for students.
- Address student concerns and grievances promptly and effectively.
Curriculum and Academic Affairs:
- Oversee the development and revision of performing and production arts programs to maintain quality, rigor, and relevance.
- Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and requirements.
- Promote interdisciplinary and cross-departmental collaborations.
Research and Creative Activities:
In collaboration with the Dean of Music:
- 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:
In collaboration with the Dean of Music:
- Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, and community organizations.
- 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:
In collaboration with the Dean of Music:
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the College.
- Implement initiatives to promote an inclusive environment for all members of the College and SPAA.
Essential Qualifications:
- 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 also be considered.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in music education, including at least 5 years in a leadership or administrative role, such as department chair, associate dean, or similar positions.
- Proven track record in curriculum development, program 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 programs 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 Qualifications:
- Engagement with the broader performing and production arts community, including participation in professional organizations or festivals.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies and their applications in performing and production arts education and performance.
- Experience with online learning platforms and digital tools for performing and production arts creation and distribution.
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 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.
- The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including those related to Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality.
- This is a full-time position based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy in University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- The Faculty Handbook serves as an important resource that outlines the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position may request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.
What's great about working at SPAA?
- Join a talented team in a supportive and collaborative environment
- No unnecessary bureaucracy, no pointless tools, and flexible working hours
- Focus on meaningful work with real responsibilities and autonomy
- Enhance your expertise across diverse aspects of the performing arts industry
- Contribute to creating impactful content that supports our community daily
- Embrace real challenges and responsibilities in a dynamic, rapidly evolving academy
Our Facilities
What We Offer
At SPAA, every employee has the opportunity to see the direct impact of their work and make a meaningful contribution to our success. We also believe in fostering a strong community, with a variety of activities organized throughout the year, including weekly sports sessions, team-building events, monthly gatherings, and much more.