The Office of Global Education and its Community-based Global Learning (CBGL) Team at NYU Abu Dhabi invite applications for an Associate Academic Specialist - Community-based Global Learning position on a fixed-term, three-year contract. The Associate Academic Specialist will support faculty in designing community-based global learning activities for their semester, J-Term, and summer courses. The successful candidate will be responsible for instructional and academic-administrative support for courses featuring CBGL offered across the academic year.

Principle Responsibilities

• Reviews syllabi to make recommendations for community-based global learning activities to faculty. Works on the development and finalization of CBGL activities during J-Term, summer, and regular semester programming
• Assists the faculty with instructional design of the activities and field work assignments
• Identifies and cultivates experts and organizations in the UAE and the region who can serve as co-educators
• Conducts feasibility visits in the UAE to secure community partnership, inform instructional design, and assess risk/safety needs
• Organizes the logistics of the activities, including reservations, transportation, payments, permits, and health/safety management
• Facilitates students mobility including visa procurement, and purchasing of flight/train tickets as required.
• Preparing the students and faculty for engagements in the UAE cultural and legal context through pre-departure orientations and cultural etiquette guidelines
• Organizing the Local Education Officers (LEO) program: selecting, training, and supervising student LEOs who assist the faculty member with implementing the CBGL activity
• Supervises student assistantships
• Oversees and strategizes operational budget for stock taking, ordering, and management of gifts and other essentials for the office
• Supports the reporting for the CBGL Team
• Works collaboratively with NYUAD departments in the development of programs, working with established policy guidelines
• Develops programming materials such as presentation slides, reports, and handbooks
• Maintains the team Google Shared Drive and the Global Education shared drive
• Maintains a current overview of the literature on community-based learning, experiential learning, place-based learning, and discipline-specific fieldwork

About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching. Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.
Working for NYUAD
At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for faculty/academic staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to faculty/academic staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

We require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and experience working with faculty and students at the tertiary education level. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for both social responsibility and adult learning, demonstrated through relevant academic qualifications and/or professional experience in education, community development, or related fields. Individuals with a higher degree interested in working in this academic support role will also be considered. An ideal applicant would be an excellent oral and written English communicator with a proven track record of designing and delivering engaging educational programs tailored to adult learners, with a keen understanding of effective instructional methodologies and best practices in adult education. Additionally, the candidate should exhibit strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competence, enabling them to effectively engage with diverse learner populations and foster a supportive learning environment.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates are expected to interview in the summer of 2026. We anticipate that successful candidates can start the appointment by September 1. If you have any questions, please e-mail [email protected].

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.
Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.
NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.
@WorkAtNYUAD
#nyuadinstructorcareers