Deputy Dean, Postgraduate & Research (Faculty of Business)

Position Summary

The Deputy Dean (Postgraduate and Research) is a senior leadership role dedicated to advancing both the quality and global impact of our postgraduate programmes and research initiatives. Under the direct supervision of the Dean, the incumbent is responsible for leading the strategic planning, development, and operational management of postgraduate education and research activities. This role requires a proactive approach to fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Key responsibilities include ensuring adherence to academic quality standards (e.g., MQA), enhancing research outputs through robust grant applications and research collaborations, and facilitating the commercialization of research findings. Additionally, the Deputy Dean supports comprehensive academic, administrative, and student experience initiatives while contributing to marketing efforts, student recruitment, revenue generation, and the improvement of the University’s rankings.

1. Postgraduate Programme Development and Management

• Strategic Planning and Curriculum Development:
• Collaborate with academic leaders and programme directors to design and update cutting-edge postgraduate curricula that meet current industry trends and research advancements.
• Establish clear programme objectives and outcomes that align with the University's strategic vision and quality standards.
• Lead periodic curriculum reviews and benchmarking exercises against national and international standards to maintain programme relevance and competitiveness.
• Quality Assurance and Academic Support:
• Implement rigorous quality assurance mechanisms to monitor and improve postgraduate programme delivery.
• Work with teaching staff to integrate innovative pedagogical approaches, including blended learning, research-based assignments, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop and enforce policies aimed at reducing postgraduate student attrition and enhancing overall student performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Coordinate with industry experts, alumni, and current students to gather feedback and identify opportunities for programme enhancement.
• Serve as a liaison between postgraduate students, faculty, and external partners to address academic and career development needs.

2. Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

• Research Strategy and Programme Implementation:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive research strategy focused on generating high-quality, impactful research outcomes.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of research projects, ensuring timely delivery of research outputs such as publications, conference papers, and patents.
• Securing Research Grants and Funding:
• Actively pursue opportunities to secure research grants from external funding agencies and internal University sources.
• Mentor faculty and postgraduate students in grant writing and proposal development, fostering a competitive research environment.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary research teams to develop innovative proposals and manage award-winning projects.
• Commercialisation and Innovation:
• Facilitate the commercialisation of research by identifying marketable innovations and fostering spin-off initiatives.
• Develop strategies for intellectual property management, including patent applications, licensing agreements, and technology transfer.
• Establish a framework to support entrepreneurial ventures, including incubator programmes and partnerships with venture capitalists, industry experts, and government bodies.
• Promote an innovation ecosystem through research competitions, hackathons, and collaboration with external innovation hubs.
• Entrepreneurship and Collaborative Partnerships:
• Encourage entrepreneurship within the research community by integrating entrepreneurial training and mentorship into postgraduate programmes.
• Identify and nurture partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and research institutions to facilitate collaborative research projects.
• Lead efforts to formalise collaborative research agreements (e.g., MoU/MoA) with national and international universities, enhancing cross-disciplinary and cross-sector research opportunities.

3. Academic Affairs and Quality Enhancement

• Teaching and Learning Oversight:
• Monitor and enhance teaching and learning processes across all postgraduate and research courses to ensure compliance with MQA and other academic quality benchmarks.
• Provide guidance on pedagogical innovations, promoting evidence-based teaching methods and continuous improvement of academic delivery.
• Student Performance and Progress Monitoring:
• Establish systems to track academic progress and performance of postgraduate students, implementing proactive measures to support those at risk of underachievement.
• Collaborate with faculty to design support structures such as mentoring, tutoring, and academic counselling services.
• Internal and External Audits:
• Ensure that all programmes comply with internal and external audit requirements, addressing any discrepancies proactively.
• Prepare comprehensive reports to document academic performance, student outcomes, and quality assurance measures for review by regulatory bodies.

4. Administrative and Operational Management

• Data Management and Reporting:
• Oversee the collection, maintenance, and analysis of academic and research data required for statutory reporting (e.g., SETARA, MYRA).
• Develop and implement efficient processes for data accuracy and integrity in support of strategic decision-making.
• Faculty Meetings and Communication:
• Organise and chair regular meetings at the Faculty level to disseminate important updates, share best practices, and review performance metrics.
• Ensure effective internal communication channels that support timely and accurate information flow between departments.
• Staff Performance and Development:
• Monitor and manage staff performance through the establishment and tracking of KPIs, regular performance reviews, and the provision of targeted training programmes.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance environment by recognising individual and team achievements.

5. Enhancing Student Experience and Engagement

• Student Satisfaction and Support:
• Develop strategies to ensure high levels of student satisfaction through tailored academic support and engagement initiatives.
• Oversee student support services to facilitate a smooth transition for new students and sustain long-term academic and personal development.
• Extracurricular and Alumni Engagement:
• Coordinate initiatives to encourage student participation in extracurricular activities, research symposiums, and cultural events.
• Support the development of a strong alumni network by integrating postgraduate students into existing alumni programmes and activities.
• Tracking and Feedback:
• Implement systematic processes to track student progress, including tracer studies, employer surveys, and regular feedback loops.
• Use student feedback to drive continuous improvements in programme delivery and student services.

6. Marketing, Recruitment, and Revenue Generation

• Strategic Marketing and Recruitment:
• Collaborate closely with the marketing department to develop targeted strategies that promote postgraduate programmes and research excellence.
• Actively participate in open days, education fairs, and outreach events to attract prospective students from diverse backgrounds.
• Revenue Generation Initiatives:
• Develop and implement revenue-generating initiatives such as consultation programmes, executive education, and specialised training sessions.
• Monitor articulation pathways and ensure smooth transitions for students entering postgraduate programmes, maximising enrolment and revenue opportunities.
• Service Implementation and Monitoring:
• Oversee the deployment of various student and academic services that drive both enrolment numbers and institutional reputation.
• Regularly review marketing and revenue initiatives to ensure alignment with the University’s financial goals and strategic objectives.

Key Selection Criteria

• Educational Qualifications:
• Possession of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field; a doctoral degree or advanced qualifications in education or research management is preferred.
• Professional Experience:
• Extensive experience in academic management and operations within a higher education setting, with a demonstrable record in postgraduate programme development and research administration.
• Proven success in securing research grants, leading multidisciplinary research projects, and implementing commercialisation strategies.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Demonstrated strategic and visionary leadership with strong people management skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to balance multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and manage complex academic projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; capable of engaging effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to quality improvement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive, strategic decisions with discretion.
• Passion for driving innovation and a customer-focused approach to service delivery, committed to fostering a collaborative and high-performing academic environment.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the University Management to support the overall strategic objectives and continuous improvement of the Faculty.
• Act as an ambassador for the Faculty and the University at academic, research, and industry events, both locally and internationally.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM1,207.65 - RM3,275.17 per month

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Maternity leave
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend jobs

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 03/24/2025