Head of Almaty Campus

Job Title: Head of Almaty Campus

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan 

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed Term/Contract 

About Us: 

Coventry University, founded in 1843, is a forward-looking, modern institution with a strong global presence and a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Coventry University Kazakhstan is expanding its footprint with the development of a new campus in Almaty, with a primary academic focus on Engineering and Computer Science.

Coventry University Kazakhstan began operations in 2024 with the opening of its Astana campus and is expanding further with the launch of the Almaty campus in September 2026. The Almaty campus represents a strategic milestone in its international development, providing high-quality British education aligned with UK academic standards while addressing the needs of the local and regional community. Working in close partnership with Coventry University (UK), Coventry University Kazakhstan is committed to delivering an outstanding student experience, fostering strong industry engagement, and supporting sustainable institutional growth.

Position Overview: 

The Head of Almaty Campus is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic, academic, and operational leadership of the Almaty campus. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor – President, the post holder will act as the senior on-site representative of Coventry University Kazakhstan and will provide overall leadership for academic provision, operations, people, finances, and external engagement.

This role is central to ensuring academic excellence, operational efficiency, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional student experience in line with Coventry University UK standards and local regulatory requirements. The Head of Campus will also serve as the public face of the campus, developing strong relationships with government, industry, regulators, and educational partners. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide strategic leadership for all academic and operational matters at the Almaty campus.
• Align campus strategy with the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of Coventry University Kazakhstan and the wider Coventry University Group.
• Represent the campus internally and externally with regulators, partners, industry, and government stakeholders.
• Chair campus-level committees and contribute to university-wide governance structures, including Academic and Management Boards as required.

Academic Leadership and Quality

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality academic programmes in line with Coventry University regulations and UK quality assurance frameworks.
• Lead the development, review, and implementation of academic and operational policies and procedures.
• Support programme development, accreditation, innovation, and continuous enhancement.
• Promote the integration of research and scholarship into teaching and learning where applicable.
• Maintain robust systems to monitor, assure, and improve academic standards and quality.

Student Experience and Academic Progression

• Foster a vibrant academic community and promote student engagement and success.
• Oversee academic aspects of student admissions, progression, retention, and graduation.
• Ensure high-quality student support services, including academic advising, careers guidance, and wellbeing support.
• Monitor student performance and satisfaction, implementing improvements where required.

People and Culture

• Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of high-quality academic and professional staff.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.
• Ensure effective performance management, staff engagement, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and all relevant University policies.

Operations, Finance, and Resources

• Execute approved campus budgets and ensure financial accountability and sustainability.
• Oversee campus operations, including facilities, IT, student services, HR, finance, and registry functions.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UK accreditation requirements.
• Act as the primary point of accountability for campus-level governance and risk management.

External Engagement and Reputation

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry, employers, government bodies, and educational institutions.
• Promote the academic achievements and reputation of the Almaty campus locally and internationally.
• Support student recruitment growth and diversification in line with agreed targets. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Senior leadership experience in higher education, preferably in an international or UK university context.
• A strong academic background, ideally in Engineering, Computer Science, or other STEM disciplines, complemented by relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience in campus, institutional, or multi-site leadership.
• Strong understanding of academic quality, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight.
• Excellent stakeholder management and representation skills.
• Experience in international, transnational, or branch-campus education (desirable).
• Experience working with regulators and accreditation bodies (desirable).
• Doctoral qualification (PhD) preferred. Strong senior academic/professional experience can be considered. 

 Benefits: 

• Competitive salary and a generous overseas benefits package, including a return flight for annual leave, an accommodation allowance, medical insurance, and other related benefits.  
• Professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the university community.
• Faculty member at both Coventry University Kazakhstan and Coventry University in the UK. 

How to Apply:  

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and leadership experience to Recruitment@coventry.edu.kz. Please include “Head of Almaty Campus Job Application - Jobs.ac.uk” in the subject line.

For further details, please refer to the attached Job Description and Applicants Specification. 

Interviews will commence on 9 March 2026.

Coventry University Kazakhstan is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and those connected to the University to share this commitment.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of Coventry University Kazakhstan and help shape the future of education, upholding our tradition of excellence and innovation.