Role & responsibilities The Dean School of Design will provide academic, strategic and institutional leadership to build the School of Design as a leading centre for design education, innovation, research and industry engagement.

The role will be responsible for developing the School's academic vision, strengthening programmes and faculty, enhancing student outcomes, fostering industry and international collaborations, and driving the School's growth in alignment with the University's strategic objectives.

The Dean is expected to bring a strong understanding of contemporary design education, emerging design disciplines, technology-enabled design, creative industries and evolving industry requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Leadership & Vision

- Develop and articulate the academic vision and strategic direction for the School of Design.
- Lead the development, review and enhancement of undergraduate, postgraduate and executive/continuing education programmes.
- Ensure curriculum remains contemporary, industry-relevant and aligned with global design education trends.
- Promote interdisciplinary learning across design, technology, business, humanities, architecture, media and other schools.
- Introduce emerging areas such as UX/UI, interaction design, service design, design technology, product innovation, digital design, sustainable design, animation, communication design and emerging technologies, as relevant to the University's strategy.
- Establish a culture of experimentation, creativity, critical thinking and design-led problem solving.
- Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, assessment and academic governance.

1. Faculty Leadership & Development

- Build and lead a high-quality team of academicians, practitioners, researchers and visiting faculty.
- Develop faculty recruitment strategies aligned with the School's academic priorities and growth plans.
- Mentor faculty and establish systems for career development, performance management and academic progression.
- Encourage faculty participation in research, publications, conferences, exhibitions, competitions and industry projects.
- Attract accomplished national and international design practitioners and thought leaders as visiting faculty and mentors.

1. Curriculum & Programme Development

- Lead the design and periodic review of curricula in line with industry needs and international benchmarks.
- Establish strong studio-based, experiential and project-based learning methodologies.
- Strengthen integration of live industry projects, internships, design challenges, field studies and portfolio development.
- Develop new programmes and specialisations based on market demand and future-of-work trends.
- Encourage integration of digital tools, AI, emerging technologies and contemporary design methodologies into teaching and learning.
- Ensure appropriate academic frameworks for studio practice, juries, critiques, exhibitions and portfolio assessment.

1. Research, Innovation & Knowledge Creation

- Develop a strong research and innovation culture within the School.
- Encourage interdisciplinary and applied research in design and related fields.
- Establish design research centres, labs, studios or innovation hubs where appropriate.




- Increase research publications, patents, design registrations, funded projects and industry-sponsored research.
- Encourage faculty and students to participate in national and international design competitions, exhibitions and conferences.
- Promote design thinking and innovation as a core capability across the University.

1. Industry Engagement & Partnerships

- Build strong relationships with design studios, creative agencies, technology companies, brands, manufacturing organisations, start-ups and other industry partners.
- Develop partnerships for internships, live projects, sponsored studios, research, consultancy and placements.
- Establish an active industry advisory board for the School.
- Bring industry leaders and practitioners into curriculum development, mentoring, workshops and academic activities.
- Strengthen the School's visibility and reputation within India's design and creative ecosystem.

1. Student Experience & Outcomes

- Create a student-centric environment that encourages creativity, innovation and independent thinking.
- Strengthen mentoring, career guidance, portfolio development and professional preparedness.
- Ensure students receive exposure to industry, international practices, competitions and multidisciplinary projects.
- Develop platforms for student exhibitions, showcases, design festivals and public-facing projects.
- Monitor student progression, engagement, retention, internships and placement outcomes.
- Build a strong alumni network and leverage alumni for mentoring, industry engagement and institutional growth.

1. Internationalisation

- Develop collaborations with reputed international universities, design schools and creative institutions.
- Facilitate student and faculty exchange programmes, international studios, joint projects and global design competitions.
- Explore opportunities for international certifications, dual-degree programmes and collaborative programmes.
- Enhance the University's international visibility within the design education ecosystem.

1. Institutional Growth & Brand Building

- Contribute to the University's overall academic and institutional strategy.
- Develop initiatives to enhance the visibility, reputation and positioning of the School of Design.
- Support student recruitment and admissions through academic events, portfolio reviews, design workshops, open houses and outreach initiatives.
- Represent the School at national and international forums.
- Build the School as a distinctive destination for aspiring designers and creative professionals.

1. Administration & Governance

- Provide effective leadership for the School's academic and administrative operations.
- Manage budgets, infrastructure requirements and resource allocation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Establish robust academic processes,



policies and quality assurance mechanisms.
- Work closely with senior University leadership and other Deans to promote interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Ensure effective utilisation and development of studios, workshops, labs, digital infrastructure and other learning resources.

Key Deliverables / Success Metrics The Dean will be evaluated on:
- Growth and quality of academic programmes.
- Faculty recruitment, retention and development.
- Student enrolment and quality of admissions.
- Student satisfaction and academic outcomes.
- Internship and placement outcomes.
- Industry partnerships and live projects.
- Research publications, grants, patents/design registrations and consultancy.
- National and international collaborations.
- Participation and recognition in design competitions, exhibitions and forums.
- Development of new programmes and emerging design disciplines.
- Growth of the School's reputation and brand.
- Financial sustainability and effective resource utilisation.

Candidate Profile Educational Qualification
- A Master's degree / Ph.D. in Design or a closely related discipline from a reputed institution.
- Candidates with qualifications in areas such as Design, Industrial Design, Communication Design, Fashion Design, Interaction Design, Architecture, Visual Communication, Product Design or related fields may be considered based on relevance.
- Academic qualifications should meet applicable regulatory requirements.

Experience
- 1520+ years of relevant qualified experience, preferably with substantial experience in higher education and academic leadership.
- Demonstrated experience as Dean, Associate Dean, Head of School, Director, HoD or equivalent academic leadership role in a reputed design institution/university.
- Strong experience in curriculum development, faculty leadership and academic administration.
- A strong combination of academic credentials and industry exposure will be preferred.
- Experience in building or scaling a Design School/Faculty will be an advantage.

Desired Competencies
- Strategic and visionary academic leadership.
- Strong understanding of contemporary design education.
- Excellent curriculum and programme development capabilities.
- Strong industry and professional network.
- Research and innovation orientation.
- Ability to attract and develop high-quality faculty.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Entrepreneurial and institution-building mindset.
- Ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Strong understanding of global design trends and creative industries.
- Student-centric approach with a focus on employability and professional outcomes.
- High degree of integrity, academic credibility and institutional maturity.

Preferred candidate profile The ideal candidate will be a thought leader and institution builder who can combine academic excellence with industry relevance. The candidate should be capable of developing a distinctive vision for the School, attracting strong faculty and students, establishing meaningful industry partnerships, and positioning the School of Design as a nationally and internationally recognised centre for design education, research, innovation and creative practice.

📌 Dean- School of Design (Jaipur)
🏢 University Client of Quadrangle
📍 Jaipur