The Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites applications for the position of Head of Department. The department seeks an experienced and engaged leader to guide its programs. The department is multidisciplinary, with two degree-granting programs, the Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The department also offers and administers the university’s general education writing program and teaches upward of 2,500 students a semester.

Required Qualifications

The following are minimum qualifications and should be addressed in the application letter:

• PhD in Literature, Linguistics, Rhetoric and Composition or highly related discipline
• A record of successful academic administrative leadership including personnel management, with a demonstrated ability to guide and lead faculty from diverse academic backgrounds
• Minimum rank of associate professor
• A record of highly effective teaching
• A distinguished record of relevant scholarship
• Experience in program accreditation and curriculum development
• Experience in faculty evaluation and mentoring
• Experience in supporting graduate programs and/or Writing Program Administration (WPA) 

Preferred Qualifications 

In addition to the above, the college will give preference to candidates with:

• Academic administrative experience at the level of program director, department chair or equivalent
• Experience working with a literature, linguistics, writing studies and/or TESOL degree program
• Experience working with a graduate program
• Experience in the North American style of higher education
• Awareness of diverse linguistic, cultural and historical contexts of the region
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative research 
• Demonstrated commitment to the development of quality teaching and learning
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion  
• A vision for the future development of the department that is consistent with the mission and strategic plan of the college and the university

Responsibilities

The Head of Department will:

• Lead a department of over 35 faculty members engaged in teaching literature, language and writing studies, and conducting research in diverse fields
• Recruit actively for the undergraduate degree program
• Promote, support and develop an interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum and a dynamic writing program
• Direct the MA TESOL program and commit to its development and growth
• Oversee accreditation processes and ensure compliance with accreditation standards
• Provide leadership in recruiting and retaining faculty and students
• Engage in effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Represent and advocate for the department within the college and university and to external agencies
• Participate in policy development and other service

Date of Commencement

The job commences mid-August 2025.

Setting

Situated nearby Sharjah International Airport in the expansive University City area, and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport, AUS is located in a dynamic and cosmopolitan area that includes abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive.

American University of Sharjah is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on American models but thoroughly grounded in Arab culture. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 5,800 students from approximately 90 nations. English is the language of instruction and the workplace. AUS has been ranked among the top 10 Arab universities by QS World University Rankings every year for the past 10 consecutive years.

AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. 

To Apply 

Application: Applicants should apply online at  

https://acg-apps1.aus.edu/cas/empapp/apply.php?p=ENG-DH-25-01

The application deadline is December 15, 2024, and the review of applications will begin shortly afterward, continuing until the position is filled. Applications should include a letter of application addressing qualifications, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Additional information can be found at www.aus.edu/cas/department-of-english or by contacting the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Ji Young Shim (jshim@aus.edu).