Program Director - Heritage

About RUARUA is a forward-thinking institution for cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation in the Middle East that fosters bold ideas that inspire progress and transform society by cultivating industry and academic collaboration and rethinking creative education, all while creating a space for global ideas to flourish in a culturally inspiring environment.Our VisionTo be an inspiring beacon of knowledge for future generations, integrating culture and arts, empowering students to discover passions and develop talents while fostering creativity and cultural exchange.Our MissionTo cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering cutting-edge programs that foster cultural and artistic engagement, enriching both the Saudi and global communities.Our AspirationsThe leading cultural university across the Middle East and North Africa.Ranked among top 50 universities worldwide specializing in cultural education.A global hub for cultural education and knowledge exchange.About the RoleThe College of Heritage at RUA is seeking an experienced academic to join the faculty of Heritage at Associate or Full Professor level. This is a senior faculty appointment: teaching, research/practice, curriculum development, and student supervision form the core of the role for the duration of the appointment.Academic leadership at RUA is organised on a rotational model: senior faculty members (Associate and Full Professors) serve periodic terms as Programme Director for their programme, during which they receive 80% teaching release time and an additional academic leadership stipend, before rotating back to a full teaching and research load. Programme Director duty is therefore a recurring service responsibility of the senior faculty role, not a one-off promotion or a separate career track.The successful candidate will be appointed concurrently as the founding Programme Director for the College's Heritage programmes, for an initial term of two years with the possibility of renewal.The successful candidate will contribute to the establishment of a future-focused programme that reflects both local heritage traditions and international approaches to heritage studies, preservation, interpretation, and cultural sustainability.The postholder reports to the College Director in both capacities: as senior faculty, and as Programme Director for the Heritage programmes during the founding term.Core Faculty Responsibilities (continuing)Design, deliver, and continuously improve practice-based and theory teaching within the Heritage programmesEnsure teaching approaches, course materials, and assessment methods support approved learning outcomes and academic regulationsContribute to curriculum development and enhancement for the Heritage programmes and related programmesSupervise student research and projects, and support student progressionUndertake and disseminate high-quality research and/or professional practice, contributing to a strong research culture within the CollegeMentor and support junior faculty and contribute to academic development initiatives within the CollegeBuild relationships with heritage and cultural organisations, industry partners, and external academic collaboratorsContribute to interdisciplinary, practice-based learning initiatives across the College and UniversityAcademic Leadership Responsibilities (as founding Programme Director, initial two-year term)Lead academic delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of the Heritage programmes, including student recruitment and performance against enrolment, retention, progression, and completion metricsLead the development and review of curriculum and academic programming, and contribute to a future-oriented academic vision for the CollegeContribute to the College's business planning and provide budget input, including monitoring day-to-day programme expenditureManage the design and implementation of programme-level policies and procedures, and oversee day-to-day complianceEnsure programme structures, schedules, and delivery requirements are in place each term, coordinating with faculty and enabling functionsLead accreditation planning and quality assurance processes, and maintain audit-ready programme recordsFoster industry engagement and partnerships across the heritage and cultural sectorsRepresent the programme in interdisciplinary coordination with other Programme Directors and academic units, and in relevant academic and professional forumsIdeal Experience and SkillsPhD in Heritage, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, Public History, or a related fieldAppointable as either the Associate Professor or ProfessorAn established teaching record in heritage or a related field at higher education levelAn active and evidenced research and/or professional practice profileExperience in curriculum development, academic programme leadership, quality assurance, and accreditationStrong understanding of heritage practice, preservation, and cultural policyDemonstrated ability to build partnerships across academic and cultural sectorsEvidence of student supervision and mentoringStrong communication, leadership, and organisational skillsInternational academic and/or professional experience preferredExperience engaging with cultural and heritage practices within Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, or the broader Arab world is considered a strong assetArabic language skills are considered an advantageTo ApplyA cover letter addressing your suitability for the roleA detailed academic curriculum vitae, including: full employment history, dates and positions held; teaching experience; curriculum or course development experience; research, publications, exhibitions, or significant professional practice; student supervision or mentoring experience; any academic coordination, quality assurance, or leadership experience; relevant professional registrations, memberships, awards, and international experienceA portfolio including a maximum of 3–5 examples of relevant academic, professional, research, heritage, museum, curatorial, or cultural preservation workA statement of teaching, research, and programme development philosophy (max. 3 pages)Applications should be submitted to: FacultyCareer@rua.edu.sa. Applicants are requested to include the position title in the subject line of the application email.Why joining RUA:RUA represents a platform for discovery, a space where talent is nurtured, and a gateway for Saudi art and culture to the world. We welcome you to join us on this exceptional journey. Together, we will shape the ambitious cultural future of the Kingdom and inspire the world.As the first of its kind in the MENA region, RUA serves as a center of creativity, knowledge, and innovation, contributing to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem and creative economy, driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.