Dean of Arts and Sciences

Reports to

Provost Introduction
Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, Aga Khan University (AKU) has grown into a multi-disciplinary, international institution spanning education, research, and public service across Asia, Africa, and Europe. From its origins in Karachi, AKU now operates in Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom, and is recognized among leading universities in its regions. Its academic portfolio is led by health sciences, where AKU is a regional leader in education, research, and care, and spans education, media and communications, the study of Muslim civilisations, and most recently the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS)
AKU educates 3,900+ students and counts 18,000+ alumni in leadership roles worldwide. Its health system, seven hospitals and 350 outreach clinics caring for over two million patients annually, anchors teaching, research, and service. Alongside health, strengths in the social sciences, humanities, data science, and environmental studies are expanding to support interdisciplinary learning and impact
Established as an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), AKU is mission-driven: improving quality of life through high-quality teaching, research, and service; partnering with diverse communities; and modeling pluralism and ethical leadership. With FAS extending liberal arts and sciences across programmes, AKU’s next chapter integrates health, society, and scholarship at scale
An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a dynamic leader to join AKU as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The Dean is a member of the University’s senior academic team and the Faculty’s primary ambassador and spokesperson; an academic entrepreneur leading with vision and innovation The Role
The Dean role shapes AKU’s arts and sciences strategy and direction while strengthening and expanding programmes and research. By championing collaboration across departments, schools, and external partners, the Dean fosters integrated, transdisciplinary teaching and research, catalysing academic ecosystems that cross traditional boundaries and amplify institutional impact. The Dean is accountable for creating and implementing the Faculty’s strategic plans, including comprehensive budget and financial management to deliver outcomes. In collaboration with senior colleagues, the Dean promotes the Faculty through visibility at local, regional, national, and international events, and oversees fundraising, communications, alumni engagement, and consultation with internal and external stakeholders Key Responsibilities

• Working to realise the vision and guidance of the AKU Chancellor and Board of Trustees, embodied in the mission and founding principles established for FAS.
• Developing an institutional culture within FAS and AKU, defined by innovation, sensitivity, flexibility, creativity, academic excellence, professionalism, ethics, social responsibility, synergy, confidence, and energy.
• Building an open student-centered culture, including enhancing academic and extracurrirular activities, mentorship and inclusivity for a diverse student body, student mental health and wellness, and opportunities for work-integrated learning.
• Operating efficiently within specified time frames and budgets, with rigorous attention to ensuring long-term financial sustainability, including through philanthropy.
• Internationally strengthening the wider reputation, reach and priorities of the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Development Network to which it belongs, including building high-level exchanges for faculty and opportunities for students.
• Collaborating with AKU’s East Africa campuses and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations based in London.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven record of scholarly achievement in a relevant field, significant administrative and leadership experience, as well as a passion for advancing education, research and scholarship.
• Experience or exposure to countries with developing economies is an asset.
• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field is required, with preference given to candidates eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor upon selection.
• Proven experience in the role of Dean in an international institution within higher education environment
• Leadership and Vision: Demonstrated success as a leader in higher education, with the ability to inspire and mobilise others to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes in education, research, and scholarship.
• Research Excellence: Foster a vibrant research culture in FAS for faculty and students that is relevant to AKU regions and impactful for communities.
• Governance and Administration: Experience in establishing and applying principles of good governance and leading the management of an entity within a complex and dynamic academic environment, including recruiting and mentoring faculty for success through the tenure and promotion process, focused on research, education, and service.
• Student-Centered Culture: Commitment to building a student-focused culture that promotes excellence in student learning, graduate student training, and the overall student experience, including mental health and extracurricular opportunities.
• External, Donor, and Alumni Relations: Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with external organisations and to effectively represent the faculty’s interests regionally and internationally. Commitment to fund-raising activities that support the growth of both the Faculty and the University’s resource base.

By committing to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, AKU is demonstrating leadership in addressing climate change as the most urgent issue of our time.
Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.