Job Purpose
The Head of the KGSP oversees Saudi Arabia's most important STEM scholarship for the nation's highest-performing students. The KGSP is not only a crucial strategic source of Saudi talent for KAUST but also the strongest pipeline of talented scientists, innovators, and thought leaders for Saudi Arabia during a time of unprecedented transformation.
Reporting to the KAUST Academy Director, the Head of KGSP oversees all aspects of the scholarship, including strategy, outreach, and management, while ensuring programmatic alignment with institutional and national priorities.
Major Accountabilities
Strategy
- 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.
Program Management
- 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.
People & Partnership Management
- 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.
Person Requirements
Competencies
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Experience
- 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.
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