About the University
The university is a newly established private higher-education institution in Bahrain, owned by Ahmed Alqaed Group, a diversified regional group with a long-standing presence across hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate.
The institution is being developed in academic collaboration with a reputable British university and will deliver internationally recognised programmes aligned with global academic standards, with a strong focus on academic quality, employability, and regional relevance.
This is a rare opportunity to lead the creation of a university from inception.
Role Overview
The Founding President – will serve as the chief executive and academic leader of the institution, responsible for the full establishment, licensing, strategic direction, and operational readiness of the university.
Working closely with the Board and the owners, the Founding President will lead regulatory engagement, academic governance, institutional planning, and senior leadership recruitment, ensuring a successful launch and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Provide overall leadership and strategic vision for the university during its establishment and launch phase
- Develop the institutional mission, strategic plan, and performance framework
- Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors and the owners
Regulatory & Accreditation
- Lead all engagement with the Higher Education Council (HEC), Bahrain as well as Coordinate with the UK partner university.
- Oversee institutional licensing, programme approvals, and quality assurance processes
- Ensure compliance with national and international academic standards
Academic Governance
- Establish academic governance structures, committees, and policies
- Coordinate with the UK partner university on curriculum, quality assurance, and academic oversight
- Lead faculty recruitment strategy and academic staffing plans
Operational & Institutional Setup
- Oversee organisational structure, administrative systems, and policies
- Guide early-stage budgeting, facilities planning, and operational readiness
- Ensure institutional preparedness for student recruitment and commencement of teaching
External Relations
- Represent the university with regulators, partner institutions, industry stakeholders, and the wider academic community
- Support marketing, admissions, and external engagement initiatives
Candidate Profile:
Essential
- Senior leadership experience in higher education (President, Vice-President, Provost, Dean, Registrar, COO, or equivalent)
- Demonstrated experience with university accreditation, licensing, or academic quality frameworks
- Strong understanding of academic governance and institutional management
- Proven ability to lead complex institutional initiatives
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Desirable
- Experience establishing a new university, campus, or academic entity
- Experience working with international academic partners
- Familiarity with British or international quality assurance frameworks
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to define and lead a new university from inception
- Strong backing from an established ownership group
- Significant strategic autonomy and leadership influence
- Live and work in Bahrain, a stable, welcoming and internationally connected GCC hub
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter outlining relevant leadership and establishment experience