COMPANY OVERVIEW: HRSI is leading executive search on behalf of the INDUS VALLEY SCHOOL OF ART & ARCHITECTURE (IVS), Karachi, to identify an accomplished academic leader to serve as its Dean & Executive Director.

ROLE PURPOSE: Lead the School's academic and management functions, translating the Board of Governors' mission to make IVS the premier school of Art, Architecture & Design in the region. The mandate is to lead IVS as an academically distinguished, well-governed and effectively managed institution, strengthening faculty excellence, research, student development, institutional performance and long-term sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Academic Leadership: Uphold and enhance academic standards, curriculum quality, teaching and learning, assessment and programme relevance. Promote innovation, interdisciplinary learning, creativity and continuous academic improvement.
• Strategic Leadership and Execution: Translate institutional strategy and approved policies into clear priorities, operational plans and measurable outcomes. Lead effective day-to-day academic and management operations.
• Governance and Accountability: Work closely with the Executive Committee (EC) and its Chair to implement agreed priorities, monitor performance and provide timely reporting on academic outcomes, institutional progress, finances and risks. Operate within the IVS Charter and delegated authority. To work in close cooperation with the statutory boards of the school.
• Faculty and People Development: Attract, develop and retain high-quality faculty and professional staff. Foster a culture of merit, collaboration, accountability, inclusion and continuous professional development.
• Student Development and Wellbeing: Champion student learning, creativity, professional readiness and wellbeing. Promote a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment that supports student development and engagement.
• Financial Stewardship and Compliance: Contribute to institutional planning, budgeting and resource allocation; ensure prudent use of resources and compliance with the IVS Charter, applicable regulations, policies and ethical standards.
• External Engagement and Institutional Reputation: Strengthen relationships with academic institutions, industry, alumni, donors and other stakeholders; build partnerships and enhance IVS's national and international standing.

EDUCATION:

Strong academic background, normally including a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE

• Higher education: Substantial experience in higher education, with a sound understanding of academic institutions and the specific context of art, design or architecture education.
• Academic leadership: Demonstrated leadership in academic administration, faculty management, curriculum development, quality assurance and institutional development.
• Delivery: Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, translate strategy into action and deliver measurable results.
• Governance: A sound understanding of institutional governance, accountability and effective engagement with governing bodies.
• Stakeholder relations: A track record of building constructive relationships with faculty, students, alumni and external stakeholders.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

• Academic credibility
• Strategic vision for the school and strong execution
• Sound judgement and integrity
• Collaborative leadership
• Inspiring faculty and engaging students
• Working constructively with all the Committees set up by the Board.
• Balancing academic and institutional priorities

REPORTING & GOVERNANCE

• Reports to the Chair of the Board of Governors
• Works closely with the Executive Committee and its Chair
• Operates within the IVS Charter and delegated authority
• Appointment in accordance with the IVS Charter

If you have the required experience and qualifications to take up this leadership role, you are requested to apply at: https://hrsi.careers-page.com/. All applications must be submitted by 15th November 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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