Confidential University focused on the arts and culture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is entering a new era through Vision 2030, with arts and culture at the center of its social and economic transformation. As part of this ambitious agenda, a new University has been established as the first in the MENA region dedicated entirely to arts and culture. This pioneering institution offers an unparalleled range of programs spanning theatre, film, music, literature, heritage, architecture, design, visual arts, and culinary arts — from vocational training through to doctoral research.
We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional academic leader as the inaugural Dean of the School of Arts and Design. This is a rare opportunity to play a founding role in shaping a School that will drive excellence in teaching, research, creative production, and public engagement. Reporting to the Provost and serving on the University Leadership Council, the Dean will provide executive and strategic leadership for the School, ensuring its growth and reputation align with the University’s mission and the ambitions of Vision 2030.
The Dean will lead the long-term academic and growth strategy for the School, developing interdisciplinary and future-ready programs across disciplines including visual arts, fashion, digital media, interior design, and creative technologies. The role carries responsibility for faculty affairs, curriculum oversight, student success initiatives, and partnerships with leading institutions and creative industries, both regionally and globally. The Dean will be accountable for academic governance and performance management, ensuring high standards of quality assurance and measurable impact across research, teaching, and public programming.
Candidates will bring a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in arts education, academic leadership, or senior roles within cultural institutions, with at least five years at Dean or Director level. They will demonstrate a track record of strategic academic leadership, including curriculum development, faculty governance, and industry engagement. Strong experience in institutional planning, budget oversight, and academic policy development is required, as is credibility with academic, creative, and governmental stakeholders.
Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in Arabic is desirable. The successful candidate will combine cultural agility with a collaborative, values-driven leadership style, capable of fostering high-performing, inclusive academic communities.
This appointment offers an extraordinary opportunity to establish a School of Arts and Design that will define new standards of excellence for arts education in the region while connecting Saudi creativity to global dialogues.
Job reference number is: 8050.
For informal inquiries please contact Isabela Betoret at isabela.betoret@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 7340 6248.
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