Job description

Known as the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia is a country that teems with natural beauty and historical sites, including the UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat. Only two hours from Singapore, and next to Thailand, Cambodia is at the heart of Southeast Asia. Situated in the capital – a city with a thriving art scene, bustling markets and excellent cuisine – the American University of Phnom Penh is one of the region’s leading private institutions with a state of the art campus. As part of our growth strategy the University is now looking to engage the best of emerging new academics talent as well as those with more experience.

Position: Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Department: Faculty of Social Sciences

Reports To: Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Position Summary

The Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences serves as the senior academic and administrative deputy to the Dean. The Associate Dean assumes decision-making authority for the Faculty in the Dean’s absence, provides leadership in curriculum development and assessment, and plays a key role in accreditation compliance, faculty support, and student success. Given the centrality of the General Education program (GEP) to the entire university, the Associate Dean also serves as a critical institutional liaison across faculties and departments.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Support the Dean in providing strategic academic direction for the Faculty of Social Sciences, including the General Education and International Relations and Diplomacy programs.
• Co-Leadership with the Dean in curriculum review, development, and revision processes in alignment with AUPP’s strategic plan and accreditation standards.
• Oversee in Co-Leadership with the Dean about the design and assessment of student learning outcomes across Faculty programs.
• Champion a culture of teaching and research excellence, reflective practice, and evidence-based improvement among faculty.
• Assist in recruiting, orienting, and evaluating faculty within the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Operations and Administration

• Develop and manage efficient and effective student- and faculty-centered course schedules and academic calendars.
• Oversee the resolution of major student academic concerns, including advising on curriculum pathways, academic standing, and appeals in close collaboration with GEP and IR Faculty.
• Support the Dean in budget planning and resource allocation to advance professional development, research and co-curricular activities among Faculty and students.
• Assume full administrative and representative authority for the Faculty in the Dean’s absence.

Accreditation and Institutional Compliance

• Support the Faculty’s participation in AUPP’s ongoing accreditation processes, including preparation of self-study materials, data collection, and documentation for accreditation bodies.
• Ensure Faculty programs maintain compliance with relevant Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) standards and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to university-wide strategic planning and assessment initiatives as directed by Senior Academic Leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators across AUPP, with particular attention to cross-faculty coordination of the General Education program.
• Represent the Faculty of Social Sciences at university committees, official functions, and external events as required.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, government agencies, and professional organizations relevant to the Faculty’s programs.

Essential Qualifications

• A terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) from a recognized and accredited institution in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Education, or a closely related field, preferable with teaching and research experience in a Southeast Asian or wider Asian context.
• A minimum of five years of experience in higher education, including demonstrated teaching and scholarly or professional achievement in a relevant discipline.
• At least two years of academic administrative experience, such as program coordination, department chair responsibilities, or equivalent leadership roles.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse academic and cultural contexts.
• Commitment to student-centered education, academic excellence, and inclusive community-building.
• Cultural sensitivity and genuine willingness to engage and familiarize with Cambodian culture, norms, and the Khmer-speaking community.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in an American-style or liberal arts higher education environment, particularly in the context of General Education program design or delivery.
• Familiarity with international relations, diplomacy, or related fields as they apply to program development and student advising.
• Experience working in international or multicultural university settings, preferably in Asia.
• Demonstrated ability to build interdisciplinary academic programs that bridge multiple faculties or departments.
• Experience with student advising on curriculum pathways, academic progress, and co-curricular development.

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance with private company
• NSSF benefits: Pension Fund, Health, and Occupational Accident Coverage
• Seniority Indemnity Payment
• Visa Extension
• Work Permit/Workbook
• Airfare (for employees whom have been hired outside of Cambodia)
• Other benefits based on Cambodian Labor Law

How to apply

To apply, please submit the following documents to the Human Resources Office via [email protected] or our online job application form:

• Curriculum Vitae & Cover Letter (Applicants are required to mention their salary expectations in the Cover Letter)
• Statement on Leadership, Teaching and Research Philosophy
• ID Card/Passport

Chat to Recruitment team via t.me/auppcareers (+855 69 99 00 23)

We would appreciate it if you could use the designation: “[Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences] – Applicant Full Name” in the subject line.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Inquiries can be directed to the email provided.