Dean, NAFA Graduate School (3-year contract)

Dean, NAFA Graduate School (3-year contract)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the NAFA Graduate School in shaping postgraduate education and research excellence.
  • Company: NAFA, a leader in arts education, committed to innovation and quality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape future arts education.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in a vibrant academic environment.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of postgraduate arts education and make a lasting impact.
  • Qualifications: Doctoral degree in arts and proven leadership in higher education.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

The establishment of the NAFA Graduate School responds to the increasing demand for high-quality postgraduate education and research excellence across all disciplines in the arts. The role is essential to ensure coherence, quality assurance, and strategic alignment across all postgraduate offerings, and to position NAFA as a leader in postgraduate arts education regionally and globally.

Role Summary

The Dean of the NAFA Graduate School will serve as the academic and administrative leader responsible for the strategic development, operationalization, and ongoing excellence of postgraduate education at NAFA. This role encompasses the oversight of curriculum design, research initiatives, faculty development, and interdisciplinary collaboration across all master’s programmes and doctoral programmes. The Dean will lead the Graduate School in alignment with NAFA’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem for advanced learning and innovation. As the Graduate School is a new entity, the Dean will play a pivotal role in shaping its foundational structure, governance, and academic culture.

  • Translating the Graduate School Steering Committee’s recommendations into actionable strategies and institutional frameworks.
  • Providing leadership in academic planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of the Graduate School and its programmes.
  • Championing transdisciplinary approach and elective options that reflect contemporary practices and future‑oriented thinking in the arts.

In addition to leading the Graduate School, the Dean will champion interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and collaborate closely with the Research Division, research centres, institutes, and labs to ensure the curriculum remains current with emerging developments, while providing graduate students with opportunities to engage in cutting‑edge research alongside faculty members.

Requirements

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

  • A doctoral degree or equivalent terminal qualification in a relevant discipline in the arts, performing arts, or other creative practices.
  • A distinguished record of academic leadership, teaching, and research in higher education.

Experience and Expertise:

  • Proven experience in developing and managing postgraduate programmes in the arts and creative fields.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and work collaboratively across disciplines, departments, and institutions.
  • Familiarity with curriculum design, programme development, assessment, education policy, accreditation processes, and quality assurance frameworks.
  • Experience in financial planning, resource management, stakeholder engagement, and institutional governance.
  • Experience in global academic affairs with extensive international network with universities and industries, showing a deep understanding of diverse socio‑cultural contexts and evidence of forming sustainable partnerships.

Leadership and Vision:

  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire faculty, staff, and students.
  • Visionary thinking with a commitment to innovation, interdisciplinarity, and global engagement.
  • Ability to represent the Graduate School within NAFA, UAS and to external stakeholders, including academic partners, industry collaborators, and funding bodies.

Dean, NAFA Graduate School (3-year contract) employer: NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

NAFA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the newly established Graduate School in a vibrant and innovative environment. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Located in a dynamic arts hub, NAFA provides access to a rich network of industry partners and resources, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of postgraduate education in the arts.

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Contact Detail:

NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Dean, NAFA Graduate School (3-year contract)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in academic leadership and programme development. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a conversation starter to demonstrate your vision for postgraduate education.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research institutions like NAFA and reach out directly to express your interest in contributing to their mission. A well-timed email can make all the difference!

Tip Number 4

Stay updated on trends in the arts and education. Follow industry news, engage in discussions, and be ready to share your insights during interviews. This shows you’re not just qualified but also passionate about shaping the future of postgraduate education.

We think you need these skills to ace Dean, NAFA Graduate School (3-year contract)

Academic Leadership
Curriculum Design
Postgraduate Programme Development
Strategic Initiative Management
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Quality Assurance Frameworks
Financial Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Arts:When writing your application, let your love for the arts shine through! We want to see how your experiences and vision align with our mission at NAFA. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to postgraduate education and research excellence.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Dean role. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so highlight your relevant experience in academic leadership and programme development. Don’t just send a generic CV!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out and ensure we can easily see your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there, which can help you craft a stronger application.

How to prepare for a job interview at NANYANG ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of postgraduate education and the arts. Familiarise yourself with NAFA’s mission and vision, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the institution's direction.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in academic settings. Think about times when you’ve successfully led initiatives or managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire faculty and students alike, as this role is all about leadership and vision.

Engage with Interdisciplinary Ideas

Since the role emphasises a transdisciplinary approach, come prepared with ideas on how to foster collaboration across different fields. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve successfully integrated diverse disciplines into your work, and how you envision doing this at NAFA.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Graduate School’s future, its challenges, and how you can contribute. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.