ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni) is the first private, not-for-profit Vietnamese university established based on international standards. The university integrates the models of excellent international universities with the unique cultural and economic characteristics of Vietnam, to make a breakthrough in Vietnamese higher education and to become a world-class university. 

The University has built strategic collaborations with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania — a choice that speaks to our commitment to excellence, innovation in research and teaching, and to making a difference in the world. VinUni comprises of College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Management; College of Engineering and Computer Science; and College of Health Sciences.  

VinUni’s founding benefactor - Vingroup is one of the biggest private conglomerates in Asia with the largest market capitalization value in Vietnam. As a multisector corporation, Vingroup focuses on five main areas: Industrials & Technology; Real Estate & Services; Infrastructure; Green Energy; and Social Enterprises.    

In September 2024, VinUni became the youngest and fastest university in the world to achieve QS 5 stars, earning 5 stars in 9 categories: global engagement, good governance, program strength, academic development, teaching, employability, facilities, arts, and social impact.  In October 2024, VinUni was appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO University Chair, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity.   

On our journey to become one of the world’s top 100 universities, VinUni is building a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and discovery. Through strategic investments in world-class research centers, state-of-the-art facilities, and transformative technologies, the university empowers collaboration across disciplines, strengthens partnerships with industry and society, and nurtures a thriving global network, who spearheads advancements in AI & Machine Learning, Data Science, Environmental Intelligence, Innovations in Health Sciences, Policy Development and Sustainable Societies.

THE OPPORTUNITY

For the position of Vice Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, VinUniversity seeks an entrepreneurial, strategic, and academically distinguished leader with strong credentials in the humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, or related fields.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape one of Asia’s most ambitious universities and to build a distinctive model of interdisciplinary education in Vietnam with global relevance.

The Vice Dean will play a critical role in strengthening the College’s academic excellence, institutional impact, and reputation while contributing directly to VinUniversity’s long-term strategic vision.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Vice Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a senior academic leadership appointment with responsibility for execution, integration, innovation, and organizational performance.

Working closely with the Dean, the Vice Dean will help lead the College as the intellectual and curricular core of the University.

This role requires a leader who can operate effectively across academic, institutional, and external ecosystems, with particular sensitivity to the Vietnamese higher education landscape and international best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategy Execution & Institutional Alignment

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, measurable outcomes, and effective delivery systems
• Drive implementation of the College’s strategic plan in alignment with University priorities
• Support institutional positioning through rankings, reputation building, and strategic partnerships
• Monitor progress through data-informed planning and performance management frameworks

1. Academic Leadership & Curriculum Innovation

• Provide oversight for the design, delivery, and continuous enhancement of General Education and interdisciplinary programs
• Ensure curriculum relevance to Vietnam’s future workforce and societal needs
• Advance innovation in pedagogy, assessment, experiential learning, and student success models
• Promote emerging areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, AI & society, and global citizenship

1. Faculty Development & Research Enablement

• Support recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention of outstanding faculty
• Foster a high-performance academic culture grounded in excellence and collegiality
• Strengthen faculty research productivity through mentorship, systems, and strategic initiatives
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and new research clusters aligned with College priorities

1. External Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Build and manage relationships with government, regulators, industry, NGOs, and academic partners
• Represent the College in national and international forums
• Strengthen pathways for employability, internships, research impact, and philanthropic opportunities
• Serve as a key bridge between CAS and Vietnamese institutions and stakeholders

1. Operations, Governance & Resource Stewardship

• Oversee day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the College
• Ensure effective budgeting, planning, and allocation of resources
• Strengthen governance processes, policy implementation, and cross-functional coordination
• Promote operational excellence, accountability, and service quality

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline within Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Eligibility for appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level
• Proven success in academic leadership, program management, or institutional administration
• Demonstrated ability to execute strategy and lead complex organizations
• Strong understanding of higher education systems, governance, and academic quality standards
• Excellent communication, influence, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success

Highly Desirable

• Deep familiarity with the Vietnamese higher education system and policy environment
• Established networks within Vietnam’s academic, policy, or industry sectors
• Experience working in or with Vietnamese institutions or regional ecosystems
• Ability to lead effectively in multicultural and international environments
• Experience contributing to institutional rankings, accreditation, or transformation initiatives

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline
• Collaborative leadership with sound judgment and decisiveness
• High emotional intelligence and cross-cultural fluency
• Change leadership in dynamic environments
• Financial and operational acumen
• Talent development and team building
• Strong external orientation and partnership mindset

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The College of Arts and Sciences is the intellectual foundation of VinUniversity, shaping how students think, learn, and engage with Vietnam and the world.

The Vice Dean will play a defining role in:

• Building a distinctive model of interdisciplinary education in Vietnam
• Strengthening the College’s contribution to research, reputation, and national development
• Positioning VinUniversity as a leader in innovative, globally connected higher education
• Shaping future generations of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers

LIVING AND WORKING IN HANOI, VIETNAM

• Work permit: VinUniversity will assist in and provide advice for obtaining the necessary paperwork needed for employment in Vietnam (visa, work permit, insurance, etc.). However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you can satisfy all the paper requirements in a timely manner.
• Living costs: Vietnam has a comparatively low cost of living and expatriates can live a very comfortable life here with a moderate expenditure.

COMPENSATION

• The salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

JOIN THE JOURNEY

This is more than a leadership appointment. It is an opportunity to help build a globally respected university from Asia for the world.

Exceptional academic leaders who are inspired by innovation, impact, and institution-building are warmly invited to explore this opportunity.