Call for Applications: Dean, Northwestern University in Qatar

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) offers a world-class program in media education with degree programs in journalism and in communication built on a strong foundation of liberal arts. NU-Q is one of six schools from leading American universities that have established campuses in Education City, Doha, as a result of collaborative agreements between the universities and the Qatar Foundation. The agreement reflects Northwestern University’s commitment to global engagement and to supporting Qatar’s embrace of quality higher education and growing media and communication capacities. Building on the strong foundation established when the school was launched in 2008, NU-Q now seeks a new dean to advance its institutional trajectory, achieve its academic mission and play an important role in the continued development and transformation of Qatar.

The school’s achievements are displayed in its graduates—nearly 300 of them who have compiled a record of remarkable distinction. They hold important positions in media, government, industry, education and non-governmental organizations. Along the way, they have produced thoughtful and award-winning journalism, documentary films and research studies. This year’s 68 graduates represent 17 countries with nearly half of the group Qatari, making it the largest and most diverse graduating class to date. Students engage closely with NU-Q faculty, a diverse and distinguished mix of scholars and practitioners who are deeply committed to NU-Q’s teaching, research and cultural exchange mission.

Having recently moved into an extraordinary state-of-the-art building with extensive capacity for future expansion, NU-Q is poised for significant growth. Collaborating closely with academic leaders and faculty in Doha as well as Evanston, the new dean will continue to build programs and recruit faculty; work toward the further collaboration between Education City branch campuses in the realization of Qatar Foundation’s educational mission; build and nurture strong working relationships with groups and individuals in Qatar and the Middle East, in Evanston and within the NU-Q community; and work closely with Northwestern’s leaders to articulate and realize NU-Q’s strategic role as part of the university’s global vision.

To achieve these ambitions the dean must embrace the mission of NU-Q, “to give students an education unique in the world and worthy of a great university.” The dean should also bring experience and accomplishments in at least one of the two program areas; appreciation of liberal arts education; strong leadership and management experience including a collaborative style and commitment to shared governance; and personal qualities including diplomacy, intercultural sensitivity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Some background in the cultures of the Middle East and the Muslim world are preferred. The new dean must meet the standards for tenure in one of Northwestern’s schools. Terminal degree preferred, though not required.

Interested individuals should send application materials to NUQDean@wittkieffer.com by November 1, 2019. Please visit www.wittkieffer.com for more information.

Northwestern University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.