Director of Institute of Private Training

Position: Director of Institute of Private Training

Classification: Senior Administrative and Academic Leadership- Director Level
Reports To: VP for university engagements

About The American International University

American International University (AIU) is a private institution in Kuwait, founded in 2019, offering undergraduate programs based on the American model of higher education. AIU provides degrees in Engineering, Architecture and Design, Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, and Education, with English as the language of instruction. The University is committed to fostering intellectual, cultural, and personal growth, preparing graduates for leadership roles in a global society.

AIU is executing its RISE Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year institutional transformation encompassing research development, international institutional accreditation, student success, and community engagement. A central strategic objective is establishing AIU's presence in international university rankings and benchmarking its performance against regional and global peers. The Director of Global Excellence and Benchmarking leads this agenda.

For more information, visit: www.aiu.edu.kw

Department Profile

The Institute for Private Training (IPT) is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering executive education, professional development, customized corporate training, consultancy services, and workforce development programmes. IPT collaborates with government entities, private sector organizations, international institutions, and professional associations to deliver high-quality learning solutions that address national priorities and industry needs.

The Institute plays a strategic role in strengthening AIU's engagement with external stakeholders, diversifying institutional revenue, enhancing professional education, and supporting the University's contribution to national human capital development.

Scope of Work

The Director of the Institute for Private Training (IPT) provides strategic leadership for AIU's executive education, professional development, and workforce development initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for University Engagements, the Director is responsible for developing and implementing the Institute's strategic vision, expanding its portfolio of professional training and executive education programmes, ensuring operational excellence, and driving sustainable business growth.

Working in close collaboration with the Partnership Office under the Office of the Vice President for University Engagements, the Director will identify, establish, and strengthen strategic partnerships with government entities, private sector organizations, international universities, professional associations, and industry leaders. These partnerships will support the co-development of executive education programmes, customized corporate training, professional certifications, consultancy services, applied research initiatives, and other collaborative activities that advance AIU's strategic objectives and contribute to Kuwait Vision 2035.

The Director will lead business development activities, identify emerging market opportunities, oversee programme quality and financial performance, promote innovation in executive education, and position IPT as a leading provider of professional training and lifelong learning within Kuwait and the GCC region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic plan for the Institute for Private Training in alignment with AIU's RISE Strategy and Kuwait Vision 2035.
• Lead the growth and development of executive education, professional development, customized corporate training, consultancy services, and lifelong learning initiatives.
• Develop sustainable business strategies to increase institutional revenue through executive education, corporate training, professional certification programmes, and strategic partnerships.
• Work closely with the Partnership Office to establish and strengthen collaborations with government entities, private sector organizations, international universities, accreditation bodies, and professional organizations.
• Identify emerging workforce development needs and design innovative programmes that respond to market demand.
• Lead the development, implementation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of executive education and professional training programmes.
• Expand AIU's portfolio of internationally recognized professional certifications and executive education offerings.
• Prepare annual business plans, operational plans, budgets, and key performance indicators to ensure sustainable institutional growth.
• Monitor programme quality, client satisfaction, financial performance, and operational effectiveness using measurable performance indicators.
• Promote innovation, digital learning, artificial intelligence applications, and emerging technologies within executive education and professional training.
• Represent AIU and IPT at national, regional, and international events, conferences, and professional forums to enhance institutional visibility and establish new strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate with AIU's academic schools, research centers, and administrative departments to develop interdisciplinary professional education programmes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant University policies and applicable regulatory and quality assurance requirements

Reporting Departments (If Applicable)

• Institute for Private Training (IPT) Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Business Administration, Management, Information Systems, Data Science, Organizational Development, Strategic Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in one of the above disciplines is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in executive education, professional training, higher education, organizational development, workforce development, consulting, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, business development, and institutional or organizational growth.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing partnerships with government entities, private sector organizations, international institutions, or professional associations.
• Experience in developing and delivering executive education, professional certification, customized training, or workforce development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, generating revenue, and achieving business growth objectives.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and working with senior executives, government officials, and external stakeholders.

Technical Knowledge

• Strategic planning and institutional development.
• Executive education and professional training management.
• Business development and partnership management.
• Programme design and quality assurance.
• Budgeting and financial management.
• Digital learning platforms and emerging educational technologies.
• Performance management and KPI development.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster a high-performance culture.
• Excellent knowledge of private training, professional development, and continuing education best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.
• Knowledge of workforce development trends, professional certifications, and industry training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Management, Information Systems, Data Science, Strategic Management, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Experience working with higher education institutions, executive education centers, or professional training organizations.
• Experience establishing strategic partnerships with government entities, private sector organizations, international institutions, or professional associations.
• Demonstrated success in business development, revenue generation, and expanding professional training or executive education services.
• Experience developing customized corporate training, executive education, consultancy, or professional certification programmes.
• Knowledge of Kuwait's higher education sector, workforce development priorities, and Kuwait Vision 2035.
• Experience managing international collaborations and cross-sector partnerships.
• Experience integrating digital technologies, AI-enabled solutions, or innovative learning approaches into professional training and executive education.
• Professional certifications in leadership, project management, quality management, executive education, or organizational development are considered an asset.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the Job Opportunities section on the AIU website and submit a complete application comprising:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining: (a) your experience submitting data to specific ranking agencies, name the agencies and describe your role; (b) a specific example of a benchmarking or ranking improvement you contributed to; and (c) why this role at AIU at this stage of its development is the right next step in your career
• Contact details for three professional referees at least one of whom supervised your ranking or institutional research work

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The University reserves the right to close the search at any time. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Submit application via: https://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs

The successful candidate is expected to commence employment at the earliest convenience, and no later than September 2026.

AIU is an equal opportunity employer committed to academic excellence, professional integrity, and the advancement of Kuwait as a regional center of knowledge and innovation.