Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic

Role Purpose

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Academic, plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the academic direction and strategies of the university. The DVC will be responsible for ensuring the excellence and continuous improvement of academic programmes, teaching quality, research, and student experience. The role will involve collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders to drive the university's academic vision and uphold its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. He/she is also responsible for the top line and bottom-line of the Schools and Centres to ensure self-sustainability and growth as expected by the shareholders.

Principal Accountabilities

Academic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the university’s academic activities and initiatives.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of academic programmes across various faculties and disciplines.
• Foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
• Ensure alignment of academic programmes with national education policies, industry needs, and global academic trends.
• Promote a research-led teaching environment, encouraging faculty to integrate research and scholarship into the learning process.
• Lead faculty and fulfill teaching and learning delivery across a multi-campus teaching and clinical setting.

Curriculum and Programme Development

• Lead the development and review of academic curricula and programme offerings to ensure they meet international standards and the evolving needs of students and employers
• Work with faculty deans and department heads to ensure effective implementation and periodic review of academic programmes.
• Champion initiatives to introduce new academic programmes, innovative teaching methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to learning.

Teaching and Learning, Quality Assurance and Reputation

• Oversee Teaching and Learning policies, adult and professional learning portfolios with the assistance of Pro VC (Education).
• Establish and maintain robust academic quality assurance processes to monitor and evaluate academic performance.
• Ensure the university meets accreditation standards set by local and international accrediting bodies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting academic assessments and feedback mechanisms for both staff and students.
• Coordinate with the Vice Chancellor’s Office and the Quality and Improvement Unit for academic standards compliance, quality assurance, submissions for rankings and reputation indicators, to boost overall global reputation.
• Coordinate with the Schools and the International Office to deliver and grow our Partner Model of credit transfer and student mobility as well as international student enrolment.

Research and Innovation

• Coordinate initiatives with DVC (Research) to enhance the university’s research profile and foster a research-driven academic environment.
• Promote cross-disciplinary research collaboration and partnerships with industry, government, and international academic institutions.
• Support faculty and researchers in securing funding for research projects and disseminating research outcomes through high-quality publications and conferences.

Student Experience and Engagement

• Oversee the development and implementation of student support services that enhance academic success, well-being, and career development.
• Promote student engagement in academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular activities that enrich the learning experience
• Lead faculty initiatives on pastoral care, mentoring and student learning to reduce attrition and enhance graduate outcomes.
• Address and resolve academic issues and concerns raised by students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinate with enabling units including the Offices of the Registrar, Facilities Management, IT, Finance, Corporate Communications, Community Engagement, Alumni and Advancement, and Industry Partnerships to drive growth and enhance student outcomes in a multi-campus university setting.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Provide mentorship and leadership to academic staff, promoting a professional development culture that enhances teaching and research capabilities.
• Lead recruitment efforts for academic staff, ensuring high standards of academic qualifications, expertise, and teaching competence.
• Foster a collaborative environment where academic staff are empowered to contribute to the university’s academic mission.
• Develop an academic talent pipeline for succession planning for high potentials and nurture staff development.

Strategic Planning and University Representation

• Contribute to the development of the university’s strategic academic plan, aligning it with the institution's long-term goals and vision.
• Represent the university at academic conferences, forums, and meetings with stakeholders, including government agencies, accrediting bodies, industry partners, and the academic community.
• Actively contribute to the university’s efforts in internationalization, partnerships, and collaborations.

Student Enrollment & Financial Viability

• Collaborate with marketing, recruitment, and admissions teams to create initiatives that enhance the university’s visibility and appeal to prospective students both domestically and internationally.
• Monitor trends in student demographics and academic interests, adjusting programme offerings and marketing strategies to align with demand and market expectations.
• Work closely with the Vice Chancellor and senior management team to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the university’s academic operations.
• Identify and explore alternative revenue streams for academic departments, including online courses, research grants, industry partnerships, and continuing education programmes.

Job Requirement

Education and Experience

• A Doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field from a recognised institution.
• At least 20 years of relevant academic experience in higher education, with a proven track record in senior leadership roles such as Dean, Pro Vice-Chancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
• Global exposure. Experience in international universities and knowledge of global standards for academic excellence.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience in academic governance, strategic planning, and operational management of academic affairs.
• In-depth knowledge of the global higher education system, national and international academic accreditation standards, and quality assurance processes.
• A demonstrated commitment to research excellence and scholarly activity.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment, demonstrating respect for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Academic Leadership
  • Strong understanding of academic governance, university policies, and the academic landscape.
  • Ability to formulate, implement, and assess strategic academic plans.
  • Expertise in curriculum development and academic programme management, ensuring alignment with global best practices and local needs.
  
  
• Research Management
  • Proven ability to foster and promote research excellence, with a focus on securing funding, fostering interdisciplinary research, and building industry partnerships.
  • Knowledge of research quality assurance and metrics, including the publication process, conference participation, and the evaluation of research outcomes.
  
  
• Quality Assurance & Accreditation
  • In-depth knowledge of quality assurance frameworks, accreditation processes, and compliance with national and international academic standards.
  • Ability to design and implement continuous improvement initiatives for academic programmes, ensuring they meet or exceed industry and regulatory expectations.
  
  
• Educational Technology & Innovation
  • Familiarity with the latest trends in educational technology, including digital learning platforms, e-learning, and blended learning.
  • Ability to leverage technological tools to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
  
  
• Higher Education Policy and Governance
  • Deep understanding of local and international higher education policy, including government regulations, university autonomy, and academic freedom.
  • Knowledge of trends and challenges in the higher education sector.
  
  
• Financial Management in Academia
  • Competence in managing academic budgets, resource allocation, and financial planning for academic units and programmes.
  • Ability to optimise resource use in alignment with academic priorities.
  
  
• Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Expertise in using data analytics and performance metrics to assess academic outcomes, student satisfaction, and programme effectiveness.
  • Ability to translate data insights into actionable improvements and strategic decisions.
  
  
• Legal and Ethical Compliance
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to academic affairs, including intellectual property, academic integrity, and student rights.
  • Familiarity with regulations and compliance standards in private higher education institutions in Malaysia.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Vision
  • Ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision for the academic future of the university.
  • Proactively anticipate future academic trends, challenges, and opportunities, adapting strategies accordingly.
  
  
• Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work across various departments, faculty, and external partners.
  • Capacity to build and lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and mutual respect.
  
  
• Communication and Influence
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including the academic community, external stakeholders, and government agencies.
  • Ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, industry leaders, and accrediting bodies.
  
  
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex academic and operational challenges.
  • Capacity to make tough decisions based on evidence, while balancing academic, financial, and stakeholder interests.
  
  
• Change Management
  • Ability to lead and manage change initiatives, particularly in a fast-evolving educational landscape.
  • Flexibility and resilience in navigating periods of transformation, ensuring smooth transitions and continuous improvement.
  
  
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
  • Ability to create an inclusive academic environment that respects diversity in terms of culture, gender, and ideas.
  • Sensitivity to operating in a diverse student and faculty population.
  
  
• Emotional Intelligence
  • High levels of emotional intelligence to manage complex interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts, and understand the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
  • Empathy and understanding in addressing challenges and providing support to academic staff and students.
  
  
• Leadership and Motivation
  • Strong sense of integrity and professionalism in academic leadership and decision-making processes.
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback, set clear expectations, and create a positive, performance-driven academic culture.
  
  
• Ethical Leadership and Integrity
  • Strong sense of integrity and professionalism in academic leadership and decision-making processes.
  • Commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards in all academic and administrative activities.
  
  
• Student-Centric Focus
  • A strong commitment to enhancing the student learning experience and ensuring student success both academically and in their personal development.
  • Ability to listen to student concerns and take action to improve the overall student experience.