Executive Dean - New Cairo, Egypt Excelon Associates has been retained to conduct an executive search for an exceptional academic and institutional leader to serve as Executive Dean of an international university campus in Egypt. This is a CEO-level appointment with comprehensive responsibility for the performance, reputation, and long-term sustainability of the campus.The Executive Dean will serve as the senior leader of the institution in-country, working alongside a Chief Operating Officer who manages day-to-day operations. This role carries full strategic and performance accountability across academic quality, student outcomes, revenue growth, external positioning, and institutional development.This is a rare and significant leadership opportunity for a Professorial academic with genuine CEO-level instincts, someone equally at home shaping research culture and academic strategy as they are driving enrollment growth, managing budgets, and cultivating government and industry relationships.Role Overview: Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & VisionProvide strategic direction for the campus, ensuring alignment with the institution's global priorities and Vision 2028Lead long-term planning across academic development, research strategy, workforce planning, and portfolio growthFoster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvementServe as an active member of the University Executive BoardCollaborate with Executive Deans, Vice-Chancellors, and senior leaders to ensure integrated institutional deliveryAcademic Portfolio, Teaching & Student SuccessLead curriculum development and build future-focused academic programs, with emphasis on postgraduate and MBA provisionDrive excellence in teaching quality, assessment, and learning supportDeliver measurable improvements in student satisfaction, progression, retention, and graduate employabilityChampion academic integrity, quality assurance, and regulatory complianceResearch, Enterprise & Knowledge ExchangeBuild and strengthen research culture, performance, and international reputationPromote interdisciplinary research, income generation, and high-impact publicationsLead enterprise activity including consultancy, continuing professional development (CPD), commercial partnerships, and knowledge exchangeExternal Engagement & PartnershipsBuild and maintain strategic relationships with government bodies, regulators, employers, industry associations, and academic networks in Egypt and the broader MENA regionRepresent the campus nationally and internationally at senior levelsEngage regional and global stakeholders to enhance institutional visibility and influence policyOperational & Financial LeadershipHold end-to-end accountability for campus performance, including academic outcomes, financial targets, and growth objectivesLead annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance managementEnsure financial sustainability through enrollment growth, diversified income streams, research funding, and enterprise activityWork through the COO structure for operational delivery while maintaining overall leadership accountabilityPeople & CultureLead, inspire, and develop academic and professional services staff across the campusFoster a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, wellbeing, and professional developmentChampion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and anti-racist commitments in all aspects of campus lifeEmbed EDI within curriculum, institutional practice, and staff cultureCandidate Profile and Requirements: Excelon Associates is seeking to identify a high-caliber Professorial academic leader who combines genuine scholarly standing with the strategic instincts and commercial awareness of a senior executive.Academic Credibility & Institutional Standing, Non-Negotiable Candidates must hold a current Professorial appointment at the time of application.PhD from a highly credible institution, including UK or US universities or leading Egyptian institutions (Cairo, Ain Shams, Alexandria)A sustained track record of senior academic leadership at the level of Dean, Associate Dean, Head of School, or equivalentNo prescribed disciplinary requirement; however, a background in business, management, or a closely related field is strongly preferred — particularly where the candidate has experience developing or leading postgraduate and MBA programsMust be capable of establishing immediate academic credibility for the campus upon appointmentCEO-Level Leadership & Performance Accountability, Non-NegotiableThis role requires full performance accountability, not solely academic leadership.Demonstrable experience holding end-to-end responsibility for organizational, faculty, or campus-level performanceA clear track record of delivering against growth, financial, and academic quality objectivesThe ability to lead across academic, operational, and external domains, working effectively through others including a COO structureStrong commercial awareness and the ability to translate strategy into deliverable outcomesExternal, Government & Institutional EngagementProven experience operating within national higher education and regulatory systems, ideally in Egypt or comparable environmentsEstablished credibility with government bodies, regulators, and academic partnersDeep knowledge of the Egyptian and broader MENA higher education landscapeAbility to represent the institution effectively at the most senior external levelsFluency in Arabic, both spoken and writtenDelivery Capability in a Start-Up EnvironmentThis is a campus in active development. The successful candidate must be comfortable building, shaping, and delivering simultaneously without a large existing staffing base.Demonstrable experience working within a new, developing, or resource-constrained environmentEvidence of contributing to institutional growth, new program development, or organizational build-outAbility to operate with pace, pragmatism, and sound judgment in an evolving institutional contextCultural Alignment & Values, Non-NegotiableCultural alignment will be assessed with equal rigor as academic standing.Commitment to the institution's Vision 2028 and Global Campus strategyA careers-first, inclusive, and impact-driven approach to educationStrong, evidenced commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), including delivering measurable improvements in student access and outcomes, leading inclusive academic and staff cultures, and embedding EDI within curriculum and institutional practiceThe ability to operate within a collaborative, accountable, and delivery-focused leadership cultureQualifications RequiredCurrent Professorial appointment (non-negotiable)Doctorate (PhD or Professional Doctorate) from a recognized institution of strong academic standingEvidence of significant academic achievement, research profile, and/or professional recognition appropriate for senior academic leadershipPreferredSenior or Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or equivalent international recognitionExecutive leadership or advanced management trainingBackground in business, management, or a closely related field with postgraduate and MBA program development experienceAbout Excelon Associates:Excelon Associates is a retained executive search firm specializing in higher education leadership placement. We work exclusively with universities, colleges, and higher education institutions to identify and place senior academic and executive leaders across the UK, MENA region, and internationally.We are committed to conducting searches with rigor, discretion, and an evidence-based approach to candidate assessment. We partner closely with our clients to ensure every placement reflects both institutional need and long-term strategic fit.www.excelonassociates.com#excelonassociatesExcelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.