Location: Myanmar
Reporting to: Group Leadership Committee
About the Role
Asia Strategic Holdings is seeking an experienced Executive Dean to lead and expand its tertiary education platform, anchored by Auston.
This role combines academic leadership with commercial and strategic oversight, and responsibility for shaping a scalable, internationally credible institution aligned with industry needs. The Executive Dean will define the long-term direction of the platform, strengthen academic and partner ecosystems, and drive expansion across Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
An established leadership team is in place to manage day-to-day academic and operational delivery. The role will focus on strategy, growth, and institutional development, ensuring the organisation is positioned for sustainable scale.
About Auston
Auston is a leading provider of tertiary education in Myanmar, specializing in Engineering and IT. Partnering with global universities (University of Wolverhampton, University College Birmingham) and educational institutions (Pearson, Wall Street English), we offer Pre-Foundation, Diploma and Bachelor degree programmes that blend world-class learning with industry-ready skills and strong international pathways. With campuses in Yangon and Mandalay, Auston empowers over 1,000 students to excel today and shape the future of tomorrow.
Key Responsibilities
1. Institutional Strategy & Growth
- Define and execute the long-term strategy for Asia Strategic’s tertiary education platform in Myanmar, with a view to regional expansion
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for growth, including new programs, campuses, delivery models, and AI enablement
- Develop scalable academic and operating models to support sustainable expansion
- Support the development of applied research and industry-linked academic initiatives
2. Academic Leadership & Partnerships
- Oversee the academic framework, ensuring clear progression pathways and alignment with international standards
- Lead the development of accreditation pathways and ensure alignment with international best-in-class academic standards
- Establish and manage partnerships with universities and education providers globally
- Ensure appropriate academic governance and quality assurance structures are in place
- Represent the institution in academic and external forums
3. Value Proposition & Commercial Oversight
- Refine the institution’s value proposition, with a strong focus on employability and student outcomes
- Oversee program portfolio, pricing strategy, and target market segments
- Oversee and ensure delivery of student recruitment and marketing strategy in collaboration with Group Shared Services
4. External Relations & Regulatory Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with regulators, accreditation bodies, employers, and relevant stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with local and international requirements for transnational education
- Develop partnerships with industry to strengthen graduate employability and institutional relevance
5. Organizational Leadership & Governance
- Lead and develop a high-potential local leadership team, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and performance standards
- Implement governance, reporting, and performance management frameworks
- Ensure the organisation has the capabilities, systems, and talent required to deliver tis services and support growth
Candidate Profile
Experience
- 15+ years of leadership experience in higher education, transnational education, or a related sector; STEM experience is an advantage
- Proven track record in building, scaling, or transforming education institutions or platforms
- Experience working with international academic partners and multi-stakeholder environments
- Exposure to emerging markets; Southeast Asia experience is an advantage
Capabilities
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to align academic offerings to market demand
- Deep understanding of academic structures, governance, and quality assurance
- Ability to operate effectively at senior leadership level, engaging with Board and external stakeholders
- Strong leadership and organisational development capability
Personal Attributes
- High level of ownership and accountability
- Ability to operate effectively in complex, evolving and volatile environments
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Balanced approach to academic integrity and commercial outcomes
Notes
While this description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role, the scope may evolve in line with the organisation’s growth and strategic priorities.