Director of Foundation Year

Job location: Riyadh

The Director will:

• Design and launch the entire Foundation Year programme from scratch.

• Ensure students are academically prepared for undergraduate studies.

• Align the programme with:

  • Arizona State University academic standards

  • Saudi accreditation bodies:

    • Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)

    • National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA)

Key Responsibilities

Academic & Programme Leadership

• Create curriculum, policies, assessments, and learning outcomes.

• Oversee subjects like English, General Education, Mathematics, and introductory tracks.

• Introduce modern teaching methods and student-focused learning.

Faculty & Team Management

• Recruit and manage instructors and coordinators.

• Conduct training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

• Build a strong academic culture.

Student Success

• Manage placement testing and student progression.

• Develop systems to support struggling students.

• Monitor attendance, performance, and retention.

Operations

• Handle scheduling, timetables, budgets, and LMS systems (Canvas preferred).

• Ensure smooth daily academic operations.

Accreditation & Quality Assurance

• Prepare the programme for ETEC and NCAAA accreditation from Day 1.

• Maintain documentation, reporting, and evidence tracking.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Coordinate with admissions, academic colleges, and ASU partners.

• Represent the Foundation Year in university committees and accreditation discussions.

Requirements

Education

• PhD/EdD in Education, Applied Linguistics, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field preferred.

• Strong Master’s candidates may also be considered.

Experience

• 8–10 years in higher education.

• 3–5 years in leadership/programme management roles.

• Experience with Foundation Year or pathway programmes required.

• International/U.S.-affiliated university experience preferred.

• Start-up university experience is a major advantage.

Skills Needed

• Curriculum design and accreditation knowledge.

• Leadership and stakeholder management.

• Data-driven decision making.

• LMS knowledge (especially Canvas).

• Strong English required; Arabic preferred.