President

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Job description

About Cambodia and AUPP

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.

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Schedule: Full-time

The President shall be expected to:

  • Provide executive leadership for institutional compliance and accreditation readiness, including assuring successful completion of the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (“ACC”) review process, maintaining ongoing compliance with ACC and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (“MOEYS”) requirements, American accreditation, and ensuring alignment with other higher education regulations and standards.
  • Review, evaluate, and advance the University’s strategic direction, including assessing the status of current strategic plan and leading the process to update and implement revised plan.
  • Lead institutional planning and market analysis efforts to identify current and emerging employment opportunities in Cambodia as a guide for developing new academic programs.
  • Strengthen academic innovation and revenue diversification by encouraging Academic Affairs leadership and faculties to develop certificates, professional programs, and specialized modules that respond to workforce needs and serve as profit centers.
  • Conduct strategic analysis of the higher education landscape, including a comprehensive review of competing institutions and market positioning, to strengthen AUPP’s differentiation, recruitment strategies, and long-term growth.
  • Reengage faculty and staff around AUPP’s vision and mission, to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and shared commitment to success.
  • Establish effective executive recruitment, onboarding, and retention processes to attract and retain high-performing leaders, faculty, and staff who align with the University’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
  • Provide strategic leadership for critical hires, including senior academic affairs leadership, Teaching and Learning Center leadership, and other key administrative positions.
  • Lead a university-wide effort to increase enrollment, retention, and student success, especially of full-tuition paying students, understanding this as a shared responsibility across marketing, admissions, faculty engagement, student services, and senior administration.
  • Work collaboratively with the leadership team, Board of Trustees, and the Founder to ensure mission-driven decision-making and effective governance to achieve AUPP’s long-term vision.
  • Serve as the institutional champion, building an effective and cohesive leadership team with a core commitment to academic excellence, student engagement and student success.
  • Serve as highly visible ambassador for the University by representing AUPP to the broader community, strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new strategic partnerships, including evening and weekend engagements.
  • Perform additional duties as needed as assigned by the University Founder or Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Essential Qualifications Education & Academic Credentials

  • Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, JD, or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
  • Academic credentials and scholarly standing appropriate for leading a university.

Leadership Experience

  • Varied and progressive leadership experience in American higher education.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in senior administrative roles (e.g., Provost, Vice President, Dean, or equivalent).
  • Proven track record of successful leadership in complex academic environments.
  • Experience in an international American style university.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through crises and ambiguity.

Financial & Strategic Management

  • Demonstrated experience in budget development, financial oversight, and resource allocation.
  • Proven ability in strategic planning and execution.
  • Experience ensuring institutional financial sustainability.

Fundraising & Development

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and resource development.
  • Experience building relationships with philanthropic individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Communication & Relationship Building

  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders including board members, faculty, staff, students, donors, and external partners.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Experience working effectively with Boards of Trustees/Directors.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with international higher education, particularly in Southeast Asia or developing markets.
  • Presidential or equivalent CEO experience in higher education.
  • Experience with American university accreditation processes and quality assurance.
  • Knowledge of Cambodian culture, education system, or Southeast Asian context.
  • Experience managing dual-degree programs or international partnerships.
  • Background in enrollment management and student recruitment in international contexts.
  • Willingness to advance AI education by integrating artificial intelligence into curricula to prepare future ready students.

Employee Benefits:

  • Private and Public Health Insurance
  • Housing Allowance
  • Seniority Payment
  • Visa
  • Airfare Ticket
  • Work Permit
  • Annual Increment
  • Professional Development
  • Other benefits in accordance with the 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: “[President] – Applicant Full Name” in the subject line.

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