Head of Career Development & Experiential Learning

Position Summary

The Head, Career Development & Experiential Learning is responsible for developing and leading KAUST’s comprehensive career development, internship, and industry engagement strategy to enhance student employability and strengthen pathways from education to meaningful career opportunities.

The role provides strategic leadership for career development services supporting Saudi and international students across KAUST’s graduate and academic programs, ensuring students are equipped with the skills, networks, and experiences required to successfully transition into industry, academia, entrepreneurship, and other professional pathways.

The Head will build and manage strategic relationships with Saudi industry, government entities, and key ecosystem partners to create opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and (working alongside the Office of Alumni and Graduate Employment) full-time employment for KAUST graduates. The role will also oversee visiting student engagement pathways, ensuring visiting students and participants have a high-quality KAUST experience and meaningful connections with the University.

Working collaboratively with Academic Divisions, Faculty, Student Affairs, Alumni Affairs and Graduate Employment, KAUST National Transformation Institute (NTI), and external partners, this role will position KAUST as a leading institution for developing STEM talent aligned with Kingdom priorities and Vision 2030.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive career development strategy aligned with KAUST’s institutional priorities, Vision 2030, and workforce development needs in Saudi Arabia.
• Lead the design and delivery of career development programs, resources, and initiatives that support Saudi and international students throughout their KAUST journey.
• Establish a structured career development framework including career coaching, professional skills development, industry preparation, networking, interview preparation, and employment readiness.
• Work with the Office of Alumni Affairs and Graduate Employment to develop and continuously improve career programming, including workshops, employer events, career academies, and professional development initiatives.
• Use data, student feedback, employer insights, and employment outcomes to measure impact and enhance career services.
• Alongside Alumni Affairs and Graduate Employment, develop and maintain strategic relationships with Saudi industries, corporations, government entities, research organizations, and innovation ecosystems to expand career and internship opportunities for KAUST students and graduates.
• Build a strong employer engagement strategy to increase internship placements, graduate recruitment pipelines, and industry collaboration.
• Identify emerging workforce needs and collaborate with academic leaders to ensure students develop relevant skills aligned with industry expectations.
• Create and manage partnerships that support graduate employment opportunities, including internships, research placements, and full-time career pathways.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive internship and experiential learning strategy for KAUST students.
• Establish processes, partnerships, and systems to increase access to high-quality internship opportunities in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
• Partner with faculty and and industry organizations to create meaningful applied learning experiences.
• Track internship participation, outcomes, employer satisfaction, and student career progression.
• Working with Recruitment and Admissions, lead the strategic development and management of visiting student engagement pathways, supporting both Saudi and international visiting students.
• Collaborate with academic divisions, admissions, student services, and external partners to ensure effective onboarding, engagement, and transition support.
• Work with Education & Advancement Operations Systems Team to establish career services metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to monitor engagement, internship outcomes, employment results, and employer partnerships.
• Prepare regular reports and recommendations for leadership regarding career outcomes and industry trends.
• Represent KAUST at external events, industry forums, and professional networks.
• Support student recruitment, orientation, commencement, and other major University activities as needed.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic career development and employability programs within a higher education environment.
• Strong knowledge of STEM career pathways, workforce trends, and industry talent needs.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi higher education, industry, and innovation ecosystem.
• Proven experience building and managing relationships with corporate, government, and institutional partners.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while managing complex programs and initiatives.
• Experience working with culturally diverse student populations and international environments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and measure impact.

Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in career services, higher education, industry partnerships, talent development, employer relations, alumni engagement, or a related field.
• Fluency in Arabic and English; familiar with the Saudi education ecosystem
• Demonstrated success developing partnerships with employers, industry organizations, or external stakeholders.
• Experience creating internship, professional development, or graduate employment programs.
• Experience working in a research-intensive university, STEM-focused institution, or innovation ecosystem preferred.