Director of Administration
University of the Arts Sharjah · Sharjah, Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeStart Date: 2 January 2027
The post-holder will ensure that the University’s professional services, campus operations, administrative policies and enabling systems are structured to support academic excellence, institutional growth, regulatory compliance and an outstanding experience for students, staff, faculty and visitors.Working directly with the President and senior leadership, the role provides high-level oversight of administrative strategy, institutional coordination, service delivery, governance processes, facilities administration, vendor performance, resource planning and cross-functional operational priorities. The successful candidate will be expected to bring a university-wide perspective, anticipate operational risk, strengthen systems and standards, and build a responsive administrative platform capable of supporting a dynamic arts university across multiple campuses and disciplines.The position requires a senior administrator with proven experience in complex institutional environments, sound judgement, political acuity, strong people leadership, financial awareness, and the ability to translate strategic priorities into clear operating models, service standards, governance mechanisms and measurable outcomes.Duties and Responsibilities1. Administrative LeadershipSet the strategic direction for administrative services and establish an operating model that supports the University’s academic mission, institutional priorities and long-term growth.Lead the development, implementation and review of administrative policies, procedures, systems, service standards and governance controls.Ensure administrative processes are efficient, consistent, compliant, transparent, customer-focused and aligned with recognised good practice in higher education.Define clear accountabilities, workflows, decision rights and escalation routes across administrative functions.Use evidence, data and stakeholder insight to identify opportunities to improve service quality, operational resilience and institutional effectiveness.Provide high-quality reports, risk assessments, business cases, dashboards and recommendations to the President and senior leadership.2. Institutional SupportProvide senior administrative support and coordination for the President, senior leadership, executive management and key institutional committees.Oversee the preparation, circulation and follow-up of agendas, minutes, correspondence, reports, decisions and management actions where required.Ensure institutional decisions are translated into practical delivery plans with clear ownership, milestones and reporting mechanisms.Coordinate across academic schools, professional services and external partners to remove operational barriers and support integrated institutional delivery.Oversee the provision of effective administrative support to the University's senior leadership and key committees.3. Policies, Procedures and ComplianceLead the development, review and implementation of administrative policies, procedures and delegations in line with University requirements, UAE regulations and relevant governance expectations.Strengthen institutional compliance by ensuring administrative practices are properly documented, auditable and consistently applied.Maintain robust systems for institutional records, document control, confidentiality and information governance.Support internal reviews, audits, inspections, accreditation-related activities and regulatory submissions as required.Identify administrative risks and develop proportionate controls, improvement plans and monitoring arrangements.4. Facilities and Campus AdministrationProvide senior coordination of campus administration, facilities readiness, maintenance, security, cleaning, transportation, access control and other essential support services.Ensure service levels, response times, health and safety requirements, and operational issues are monitored, escalated and resolved effectively.Oversee campus readiness for teaching, learning, rehearsals, exhibitions, performances, public programmes, institutional events and official functions.Oversee campus facilities and related administrative services, including maintenance, security, cleaning, transportation, access control, and other administrative services.Contribute to space planning, campus utilisation, operational continuity and longer-term facilities improvement planning.5. Supplier and Contract CoordinationProvide administrative oversight of key service providers, outsourced functions and supplier relationships in partnership with Procurement, Finance and relevant departments.Support the preparation of specifications, quotations, tenders, contracts, renewals and service-level agreements in accordance with University procedures.Monitor supplier performance, value for money, compliance, risk, service quality and contract deliverables.Maintain accurate records relating to contracts, supplier performance, approvals, service issues and administrative expenditure.Recommend improvements to supplier management, procurement planning and service delivery arrangements.6. Budget and Resource ManagementLead the planning, preparation, monitoring and responsible management of the Administration Department’s annual budget in partnership with Finance.Ensure administrative resources are allocated effectively to support institutional priorities, operational continuity and service quality.Identify opportunities for cost efficiency, consolidation, better procurement and improved resource utilisation without compromising standards.Provide senior leadership with timely financial updates, budget forecasts, operational requirements and recommendations for investment or corrective action.Maintain appropriate controls over approvals, expenditure, assets and administrative resources.7. Team LeadershipLead, motivate and develop the administrative team, ensuring that staff understand institutional priorities, service expectations and individual accountabilities.Establish clear objectives, performance measures, reporting arrangements and professional standards for administrative staff.Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and support succession planning, capability building and professional development.Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, responsiveness, discretion, continuous improvement and service excellence.Ensure appropriate staffing structures, workload management and resource allocation across administrative functions.8. Stakeholder ManagementBuild effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, senior management, government entities, suppliers, and other stakeholders.Act as a key point of contact for administrative matters.Handle sensitive and confidential matters professionally and appropriately.Represent the University professionally in dealings with external stakeholders when required.9. Events and Special ProjectsCoordinate administrative requirements for University events, conferences, exhibitions, ceremonies, visits, and official functions.Support senior leadership with special projects and institutional initiatives.Take responsibility for assigned cross-functional projects and ensure timely completion.10. Continuous Improvement and Digital TransformationIdentify opportunities to streamline administrative processes through technology and automation.Support the implementation of digital administrative systems and document-management solutions.Establish service standards and measurable performance indicators.Regularly review administrative processes and recommend improvements.Qualifications & ExperienceEssentialBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Education Administration or a related discipline.A minimum of 10–12 years of relevant administrative management experience, including significant experience in a leadership position, preferably within a university, higher-education institution, government entity or large organisation.Strong knowledge of administrative operations, policies, procedures, facilities coordination and organisational support.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic.Strong interpersonal, organisational and problem-solving skills.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with senior stakeholders.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant administrative systems.DesirableMaster’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Higher Education Administration or a related field.Previous experience in a UAE university or higher-education environment.Knowledge of UAE government procedures and institutional compliance requirements.Experience with accreditation, quality assurance, or institutional governance processes.Experience in managing facilities, vendors, contracts, and administrative budgets.Core CompetenciesStrategic leadership and institutional judgementOperational excellence and systems thinkingGovernance, compliance and risk awarenessSenior stakeholder engagement and influencingPeople leadership, coaching and performance managementPolicy development and process improvementFinancial stewardship and resource planningData-informed decision-making and performance reportingConfidentiality, discretion and professional integrityChange management, adaptability and digital fluencyKey Performance IndicatorsPerformance may be assessed against:Measurable improvement in the efficiency, quality and consistency of administrative services.Successful delivery of departmental objectives, service standards and institutional operating priorities.Timely completion of management actions, strategic administrative initiatives and cross-functional projects.Positive stakeholder feedback from senior leadership, faculty, staff, students and external partners.Effective budget management, resource utilisation and demonstrable value for money.Compliance with University policies, UAE requirements, audit expectations and agreed governance controls.Improved supplier, contractor and service-provider performance against defined standards.Successful administrative delivery of University events, visits, exhibitions and official functions.Strong staff performance, engagement, retention, capability development and succession readiness.Implementation of process improvements, digital solutions and administrative systems that strengthen institutional effectiveness.Nationality RequirementThis position is open to UAE Nationals only.The University is committed to developing and empowering UAE national talent and providing opportunities for professional growth within the higher-education sector.ContextUniversity of the Arts Sharjah (UAS) brings together the creative communities of the performing and visual arts under one academic institution. Established under the vision and commitment of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, UAS further advances Sharjah’s dedication to art, culture, and education.The University comprises two academies, the Academy of Performing Arts and the Academy of Visual Arts, each located on its own campus in University City, Sharjah. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the fields of performing and visual arts. UAS is positioned to redefine the performing and visual arts, reflecting cultural identity while promoting artistic excellence and global engagement.University of the Arts Sharjah specialises in preparing graduates for professional practice in the international performing and visual arts industries. Faculty members at UAS are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The University’s focus is practical as well as academic, with an emphasis on equipping graduates with advanced practical skills and the tools to generate their own work or practise successfully.ComplexityUniversity of the Arts Sharjah encompasses both the performing and visual arts and operates with a high level of organisational complexity. Effective coordination across departments and academic programmes is essential to ensure the efficient sharing of resources and the consistent delivery of high-quality teaching and learning across the University.Salaries and BenefitsSalaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates dirhams. Staff members receive a competitive benefits package that includes: private medical insurance, a residency visa and an annual return ticket to their home country.Additionally, eligible staff members, subject to role and salary grade, may receive education allowance support and annual return tickets to their home country for eligible dependants.Additional InformationThe individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all UAS policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies.This position is full-time based at the University of the Arts (UAS), University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.The Staff Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Selected candidates for this position may request the Staff Handbook, which will be sent to them by email.How to ApplyPlease send a cover letter of no more than two pages and a current CV to President.office@uas.ac.ae. Please place ‘Director of Administration’ in the email subject line.Applicants should ensure that their cover letter explicitly addresses the required qualifications and experience detailed in this job description. Note: Candidates offered positions at UAS are required to undergo comprehensive background screening and a security clearance check before their employment is finalised.