Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) Director

Opportunity

Zayed University is seeking a Director to lead its Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) function. This role is responsible for shaping strategy, driving programme development and delivery, growing business opportunities, overseeing the training catalogue, and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The position exists to ensure PaCE offerings stay aligned with market needs, client expectations, and university policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and financial stewardship

• Set the department’s direction, track execution against the plan, and keep it aligned with Zayed University’s wider strategic goals so that operations run effectively and efficiently.
• Monitor departmental performance against KPIs and targets, and regularly identify improvements that help advance the University’s strategy.
• Manage the department budget allocation and ensure spending follows approved plans, addressing any variances without delay.
• Contribute consolidated budget inputs to the relevant organisational unit so departmental needs are reflected in overall budgeting.

Operational leadership

• Create and implement business development plans that grow professional training services for both organisations and individual learners in line with University objectives.
• Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders to support revenue growth, increase reach, and strengthen programme viability.
• Develop tailored proposals and promotional approaches that position PaCE as a preferred provider.
• Oversee the planning, development, and internal coordination of both full-scale and customised training programmes, ensuring strategic fit, efficient use of resources, and successful delivery.
• Guide the creation and delivery of professional education offerings such as short courses, certifications, and blended learning programmes to respond to changing market demand.
• Work with external subject-matter experts to ensure high standards in content development and programme delivery.
• Maintain a central training catalogue and digital learning infrastructure, including LMS platforms, so current and upcoming programmes remain easy to access.
• Ensure institutional compliance by putting in place proper documentation, reporting, and quality assurance across all PaCE activities.
• Lead initiatives that encourage faculty and student involvement in entrepreneurial training, venture creation, and business incubation programmes run by the PaCE department.
• Carry out additional duties related to the role as assigned by the direct supervisor.

People management

• Review workforce planning reports, recruitment strategies, and department-level budgets to confirm adequate staffing for smooth operations, and submit them to the relevant authority for approval.
• Define performance objectives for direct reports and complete mid-year and year-end performance reviews.
• Identify future leaders for key roles to support succession planning and business continuity.
• Support reporting managers with people management matters.
• Lead the organisational units within the department and provide strong direction for effective human capital management.

Requirements

• A master’s degree is required.
• Candidates should bring at least 15 years of professional experience, including 10 years or more in a managerial role.
• A certification in a relevant discipline is preferred.

Benefits

Zayed University offers a competitive benefits package that includes tax-free pay in the UAE, housing support in cash, annual vacation air tickets for the employee and immediate family, children’s education subsidies, and medical coverage for the employee and sponsored family members.

Application Instructions

Applicants must complete the online application and submit a cover letter, an updated CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. For queries, candidates may reach out to the Recruitment team by email.