Home Jobs Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Back to Jobs

Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist - Job Opportunity at American University In the Emirates (AUE)

Dubai, UAE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 21, 2025
On-site
AED 120,000 - 180,000 annually (USD 32,000 - 49,000), reflecting the UAE market rates for senior HR roles in higher education, with potential for additional benefits including housing allowances and professional development opportunities typical in the Emirates education sector

Benefits

Opportunity to work in Dubai International Academic City, providing exposure to a prestigious international educational environment
Access to professional development through collaboration with seven dynamic colleges and diverse academic programs
Career advancement opportunities within a growing SACSCOC-accredited institution with multiple prestigious accreditations
International work experience in the UAE's expanding higher education sector
Professional networking opportunities with academic and administrative leaders across multiple disciplines
Contribution to meaningful workforce development initiatives including Emiratization programs

Key Responsibilities

Drive comprehensive employer branding initiatives across multiple channels to position AUE as the premier employer of choice in the UAE higher education sector, directly impacting the university's ability to attract top-tier talent
Execute full-cycle recruitment operations for both academic and administrative positions, ensuring strategic alignment with university standards and directly contributing to institutional excellence through quality hiring decisions
Lead stakeholder collaboration efforts with academic departments and administrative units, providing strategic recruitment guidance that shapes departmental staffing strategies and supports long-term organizational goals
Develop and implement data-driven reporting systems that track critical hiring metrics and provide actionable insights to senior management, enabling evidence-based decision making for talent acquisition strategies
Formulate and execute comprehensive talent acquisition strategies aligned with AUE's institutional objectives, including diversity initiatives and Emiratization compliance that support national workforce development goals
Manage complex international recruitment processes including visa coordination, security clearances, and comprehensive onboarding programs that ensure seamless integration of new hires into the university community

Requirements

Education

Master's or bachelor's degree in HR, Business Management or a related field from an accredited university

Experience

At least 5 years of experience in a Talent Acquisition function and Onboarding process in a fast-paced environment

Required Skills

Hands-on experience working with Recruitment tools, Linkedin, and other Job Portals Extensive knowledge of effective recruitment practices and techniques Excellent planning and organizational skills Excellent interpersonal and communications skills Good presentation skills and public relation Preferably bilingual (speaks English and Arabic fluently) Knowledge of University programs and operations including Administrative and Academic affairs is preferred
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The UAE higher education sector is experiencing rapid expansion with increased focus on attracting international talent and achieving global accreditation standards, creating heightened demand for sophisticated talent acquisition professionals who can navigate complex international recruitment landscapes Higher education institutions in the Gulf region are increasingly emphasizing Emiratization initiatives and diversity programs, requiring talent acquisition specialists with deep understanding of local regulatory requirements and cultural competencies The post-pandemic education sector has witnessed a shift toward hybrid operational models and enhanced employer branding strategies, necessitating recruitment professionals who can leverage digital platforms and create compelling value propositions for academic and administrative talent

Role Significance

Likely leading a small specialized team of 2-4 recruitment coordinators and administrators, while collaborating extensively with HR leadership and serving as the primary liaison between hiring departments and senior management
This is a strategic senior-level position with significant autonomy and decision-making authority, responsible for shaping the university's talent acquisition strategy and directly impacting institutional quality through hiring decisions across all organizational levels

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive employer branding campaigns to enhance AUE's market position among academic and administrative talent pools Development and execution of diversity and Emiratization compliance strategies aligned with UAE national workforce development objectives Design and optimization of recruitment technology systems and data analytics platforms to improve hiring efficiency and candidate experience quality

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with academic leaders and administrative departments while balancing competing priorities and urgent hiring needs across multiple colleges and specialized programs Advanced analytical and reporting capabilities to translate recruitment data into strategic insights that inform institutional decision-making and support long-term workforce planning initiatives Cultural intelligence and bilingual communication skills to effectively engage with diverse candidate pools and navigate the complex regulatory environment of UAE higher education recruitment Strategic thinking capabilities to develop innovative recruitment approaches that differentiate AUE in the competitive Gulf region higher education market while maintaining compliance with multiple accreditation standards

Market Demand

High demand driven by the UAE's Vision 2071 educational excellence goals and the continuous expansion of international universities establishing operations in Dubai and other emirates, creating competitive market conditions for experienced talent acquisition professionals

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual communication capabilities in English and Arabic are essential for effectively engaging with local regulatory authorities, Emirati candidates for Emiratization initiatives, and the diverse international community that comprises Dubai's talent pool, while also enabling deep cultural understanding necessary for successful recruitment in the UAE market Advanced knowledge of recruitment technology platforms and data analytics is crucial for managing complex international hiring processes, tracking compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks, and providing the sophisticated reporting capabilities required by university administration and external accreditation bodies Deep understanding of higher education operations and academic affairs is fundamental to successfully recruiting faculty and administrative staff who meet the rigorous standards required for maintaining SACSCOC, AACSB, and other prestigious accreditations that differentiate AUE in the competitive regional market

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification or advanced training would enhance ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder recruitment initiatives across seven colleges with varying timelines and requirements Knowledge of international education trends and global talent mobility patterns would provide strategic insights for developing innovative recruitment approaches that anticipate future market conditions and candidate expectations Experience with employer branding and digital marketing strategies would strengthen ability to position AUE effectively against international competitors and attract high-quality candidates in an increasingly competitive global market for academic talent

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to both academic and administrative recruitment within a fully accredited American university operating in the strategically important UAE market, providing invaluable experience in international higher education talent acquisition
The position includes direct involvement in Emiratization initiatives and compliance with UAE national workforce development goals, offering specialized expertise in government relations and regulatory compliance that is highly valued across the Gulf region
The opportunity to work with seven distinct colleges each with specialized accreditation requirements provides comprehensive exposure to diverse academic disciplines and professional standards, creating a unique skill set in multi-disciplinary talent acquisition
The role combines traditional higher education recruitment with innovative employer branding and digital marketing strategies, reflecting the modern approach required to attract international talent to emerging educational markets in the Middle East

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to advance to director-level positions within the higher education sector, with accelerated progression possible given the rapid expansion of the UAE's educational landscape and increasing demand for experienced HR leadership

Potential Next Roles

HR Director or Associate Director positions within higher education institutions, leveraging deep expertise in academic recruitment and institutional strategy Regional Talent Acquisition Manager roles for multinational education companies expanding across the Middle East and North Africa region Executive search consultant specializing in higher education leadership recruitment, utilizing extensive knowledge of academic institutional needs and market dynamics

Company Overview

American University In the Emirates (AUE)

American University in the Emirates represents a significant player in Dubai's International Academic City ecosystem, distinguished by its SACSCOC accreditation and multiple specialized program accreditations including AACSB for business programs and ABET for computer science, positioning it as a legitimate American-style institution in the competitive Gulf higher education market

AUE maintains a solid regional position as an established American-accredited institution with seven colleges and growing enrollment, competing effectively with other international universities in Dubai through its diverse program offerings and strategic location in the emirate's dedicated academic zone
The university serves as an important bridge between American higher education standards and Middle Eastern market demands, with particular strength in business, technology, and design programs that align with Dubai's economic diversification goals and Vision 2071 educational objectives
The environment likely combines American academic traditions with Middle Eastern hospitality and international perspectives, offering a multicultural workplace that values innovation, academic excellence, and professional development within the dynamic context of Dubai's rapidly evolving education sector
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.