Assistant Director for Student Life

About the role

Join the Joint UAE University Liaison Office in Taiwan. This role supports a cross-border, multi-stakeholder program that enables students from three UAE universities to undertake semester-long exchanges at leading Taiwanese universities, fostering academic collaboration and cultural exchange.

We are looking to hire an Assistant Director for Student Life who will help us set up, develop and run the university exchange program in Taiwan. This person will have the on-the-ground responsibility for all aspects of student life, including health, wellness, and safety, cultural and community activities, immigration, and student conduct. Addtionally, the hire will be in charge to embed this program with local Taiwanese entities and authorities and communicating program progress to senior stakeholders from participating universities

Responsibilities

Program development

Support the ongoing development and operational refinement of the program as a new strategic program for the UAE. Establish new collaborations with Taiwanese universities. Identify opportunities to improve student support services, operational processes, and program delivery. Contribute to program planning, policy development, and scaling efforts in coordination with UAE and Taiwan stakeholders.

Communications

Maintain regular and proactive communication with senior program stakeholders, including partner universities in Taiwan and the UAE, UAE government entities, Taiwanese government. Coordinate operational matters with partner institutions to support the effective delivery of student services. Prepare updates and materials for regular UAE stakeholder meetings and ensure timely information flow between students, partners, and program leadership.

Arrival, Orientation, Departure:

Coordinate all student arrival and departure logistics, including airport transfers and housing check-in/check-out. Plan and deliver comprehensive cohort orientation sessions prior to semester start, providing practical guidance on living in Taiwan, program expectations, safety, and available support services.

Housing

Manage student housing arrangements and oversee the housing assignment process.

Health & Safety

Oversee student health, wellbeing, and safety, including providing general advising and support for personal, cultural, or adjustment-related challenges.

Immigrations/Visas

Coordinate all visa and immigration documentation required for student participation in Taiwan. Serve as the primary point of contact for students prior to arrival and ensure all documentation, deadlines, and compliance requirements are met in collaboration with partner universities and relevant authorities.

Requirements

• Education: University degree in relevant field
• Knowledge of Arab and Taiwanese culture, international study programs, senior stakeholder communication, understanding about Taiwanese politics and authorities
• Required Skills: Bilingual English/Mandarin, outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, ability to interact with senior stakeholders effectively, ability to proactively develop new stakeholder (groups) that are relevant to the program success, ability to handle crisis situations calmly, problem-solver, proactive, flexible.