KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) careers in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia – Gifted Student Program Development Manager

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About the job

The Manager of the KAUST Gifted Student Program 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, it is also the strongest pipeline of talented scientists, innovators and thought leaders for Saudi Arabia during a time of unprecedented transformation.

The KGSP supports 500 students annually as they obtain undergraduate degrees at top U.S. universities, prior to matriculating to KAUST for graduate study. Now in its 14th year, the program continues to grow in importance, scope and impact.

Reporting to the Director of Young Talent Development, the KGSP Manager oversees all aspects of the scholarship, including strategy, outreach, and management, while also ensuring programmatic alignment with institutional and national priorities.

The ideal candidate has a strong background leading educational, early career, and/or talent development initiatives within the context of supporting a larger institutional and/or national strategic mission; a proven history of partnership management and development; an ability to deliver under pressure and within tight timelines; excellent reporting and communication skills; and an appreciation for the mission of the Program.

Major Accountabilities

Strategy

Working with executive leadership, set annual priorities and identify opportunities in line with KAUST’s national strategic objectives in talent, future workforce and innovation infrastructure

Regularly report to KAUST leadership on impact of rapidly expanding program, providing advice and insight for improvements and sustainability; assess the Program as a pipeline to KAUST and as shaping Saudi Arabia’s future knowledge economy

Identify and facilitate strategic opportunities within Saudi Arabia to reinforce and leverage KAUST’s role and impact as a creator of and nurturer of talent

Grow the program’s brand recognition and strengthen its strategic positioning both in-Kingdom and abroad

Program Management

Oversee strategy, planning and management of complex, high-impact and highly visible program of 500 students annually, with $50 million budget, including full-lifecycle of programmatic operations and delivery from admissions through to alumni services.

Advise on a variety of national development programs and academic initiatives related to the KGSP

Develop and maintain comprehensive data on all related program activities, and apply this information to improve Program outcomes and learning experiences for its students.

Monitor, evaluate, and report on the Program and its related activities, including achievements and concerns; student progress; partner performance, etc.

Oversee, in conjunction with support teams, the planning and implementation of all operational requirements, including budgeting and finance, contracting, staffing, IT, HR, and vendor and service provider relations

Oversee delivery of multiple large Program events each year

Drive the development of branding and promotional material.

People & Partnership Management

Lead the various teams responsible all aspects of Program delivery: This includes managing a team of staff in Saudi Arabia (recruiting, setting individual objectives, managing performance, development, and motivation), as well as providing high-level strategic guidance and oversight to administrative, operational, and programmatic service provider partners in the US.

Manage internal relationships with KAUST leadership and faculty supporting program growth and impact

Manage strategic relationships and contracts with external international and national partners, including the Institute for International Education, MAWHIBA, Saudi missions abroad, the Saudi Ministry of Education, and 50+ US universities

Collaborate with faculty, institutions, and key industry partners to develop a wide range of learning experiences, specifically related to careers in STEM.

Person Requirements

Demonstrable Competencies

Extensive strategic experience in educational, talent development, and/or scholarship administration, or related role, some of which at the leadership level.

Adept at managing large, complex and transformative programs related to higher education, youth/early career entrepreneurship, STEM initiatives, or national innovation through large-scale education/youth development.

Significant international experience, ideally in the region. Experience working at a university is beneficial but not required.

Strong ability to lead teams, and the ability to deliver expected outcomes while working with both direct and indirect reports.

Experience in communications, ideally marketing; strong writing skills.

Skilled at relationship-building and working with diverse stakeholders at multiple levels

An understanding of the Saudi landscape and national priorities

Qualifications

PhD preferred; minimum of a master’s degree in relevant field (e.g, international or higher education administration, MBA/MPA, etc.)

Project management certification desirable but not required

Experience

10-15 years’ progressive experience in higher education/international education administration, STEM program or talent development program administration, or similar fields, at least some of which at the leadership level.

Company: KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

Vacancy Type: Full-time · Director 

Job Location: Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Application Deadline: N/A

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