President

Dohok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The American University of Kurdistan (AUK), a private English-language non-profit coeducational university, seeks applications and nominations for President. Founded in 2014 and graduating its first class in 2019, AUK offers US-model liberal arts and professional education. The university is in historic trade center Duhok in the northern oil-rich autonomous Kurdish region of 6 million inhabitants.

The search committee includes the presidents of the American universities in Beirut (AUB) and Paris (AUP), and the former president of American University, Washington, DC. AUK is governed by an international board of distinguished academic, business, diplomatic, and governmental leaders. Accredited by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, AUK is in the early stages of accreditation by the New England Association of College and Universities. The university is funded by student tuitions, donations, grants, contracts, and the AUK Foundation.

The modern 90-acre campus hosts more than 600 students of diverse economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds from Iraq and neighboring countries. Through its international faculty, AUK offers bachelor’s degrees in the colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, International Studies, and Nursing. Plans for graduate programs and expansion of the student body are underway. The university also hosts the English Language Institute and the Center for Peace & Human Security. Campus photographs and additional information are available at www.auk.edu.krd.

Qualifications include an earned doctorate or terminal degree; administrative experience at the dean level or above at an English-language US-model university; and fluency in English. Kurdish or Arabic language is not required. Experience in strategic planning, accreditation, and resource development is preferred. International experience and knowledge of the region are pluses. Compensation, including housing, is competitive. A citizen of a country that taxes world-wide income, such as the US, may be eligible for favorable tax treatment; there are no local taxes. The position is available beginning September 2020.

Korn Ferry, which is assisting in this search, invites applications, nominations and inquiries. All communications will be held in confidence. Applications, including a CV and letter explaining interest and relevant experience, should be sent to AUKpresident@kornferry.com.