Head of KAUST Gifted Students Program
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Saudi Arabia
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Collaborate with executive leadership to set annual priorities and identify opportunities in line with KAUST's national strategic objectives in talent, future workforce, and innovation infrastructure.
- Provide quarterly reports to KAUST leadership on the impact of the rapidly expanding program, including data-driven insights and recommendations for improvements and sustainability.
- Assess the KGSP's effectiveness as a talent pipeline for KAUST and its contribution to shaping Saudi Arabia's future knowledge economy.
- Identify and facilitate strategic opportunities within Saudi Arabia to reinforce and leverage KAUST's role as a creator and nurturer of talent.
- Enhance the program's brand recognition and strengthen its strategic positioning both within the Kingdom and abroad.
- Oversee the strategy, planning, and management of a complex, high-impact program serving 200 students annually with a $20 million budget. This includes full-lifecycle programmatic operations and delivery, from admissions to alumni services.
- Advise on national development programs and academic initiatives related to the KGSP.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive data on all program activities, and leverage this information to improve program outcomes and student learning experiences.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on the program and its related activities, including achievements, concerns, student progress, and partner performance.
- Oversee, in conjunction with support teams, the planning and implementation of all operational requirements, including budgeting and finance, contracting, staffing, IT, HR, and vendor relations.
- Oversee the planning and execution of multiple large-scale program events annually.
- Lead the development of branding and promotional materials.
- Lead and manage the teams responsible for all aspects of program delivery. This includes managing a team of staff in Saudi Arabia (recruiting, setting objectives, performance management, development, and motivation) and providing strategic guidance and oversight to administrative, operational, and programmatic service provider partners abroad.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with KAUST leadership and faculty to support program growth and impact.
- Manage strategic relationships and contracts with external partners, including Saudi missions abroad, the Saudi Ministry of Education, and international university admissions offices.
- Extensive strategic experience in educational, talent development, or scholarship administration, with demonstrated leadership experience.
- Proven ability to manage large, complex programs related to higher education, youth entrepreneurship, STEM initiatives, or national innovation through education and youth development.
- Significant international experience, ideally in the region.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage both direct and indirect reports to achieve program goals.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
- A deep understanding of the Saudi landscape and national priorities.
- Experience in communications and marketing, with strong writing skills.
- A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., international education administration, higher education administration, MBA/MPA) required. A PhD is preferred.
- Project management certification is a plus.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in higher education/international education administration, STEM program management, talent development program administration, or related fields.
- 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams and overseeing program budgets.
- Knowledge of the Saudi education system and national priorities.