BACKGROUND

Parami University is an online university licensed in Washington DC, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees. It was first established as Parami Institute in 2017 in Burma (Myanmar) to provide high-quality continuing education programs to Burmese youth. Later, the institution was expanded to establish a residential liberal arts and sciences university in Hmawbi, Yangon, Burma. However, the plans to build a physical campus have been postponed due to the political instabilities caused by the 2021 Burmese military coup. In June 2022, Parami University was incorporated in Washington, DC, and licensed by the Higher Education Licensure Commission, a regulatory authority of the government of Washington, DC. Even though the University has become a US institution, its primary target student populations are based in Southeast Asian countries, particularly Burma.

The University currently operates two institutes: the Parami Institute of Undergraduate Studies (PIUS) and the Parami Institute of Continuing Education (PICE). PIUS currently offers an Associate in Arts (AA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in three interdisciplinary majors: Philosophy, Politics, and

Economics (PPE); Statistics, and Data Science (SDS); Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ESS); and Public Health (PH). All the undergraduate degrees are dually awarded by Parami University and Bard College, a liberal arts college in upstate New York. Parami also offers non-credit-bearing courses through PICE, based on demand and the availability of faculty and resources to support the learning of youth in Burma. The courses offered by PICE range from synchronous courses, such as English for Academic Purposes, Machine Learning, and Data Science, to asynchronous courses, such as Google Professional Certificate courses and DataCamp courses.

Parami University is seeking a Dean of Academic Affairs to represent the University, to provide academic leadership of the university, and to oversee the operation of both institutes. Within PIUS, the Dean will work closely with the Division Chairs to manage the undergraduate degree courses, to maintain the required academic staff, to implement necessary academic policies and procedures, and to ensure quality assurance leading to accreditation of the university. Within PICE, the Dean will advise its Director and staff to provide academic direction for the courses.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dean oversees all faculty at Parami, who are dedicated teachers in their respective disciplines, eager to share knowledge in a student-centered way, particularly with students in developing countries. Teaching currently takes place online using the state-of-the-art Canvas learning management system (LMS) and other educational technology tools, informed by Parami’s educational theory and practice. Because Parami University was created to educate students in protracted crises and developing countries such as Burma, faculty at Parami must actively apply empathy in their teaching, and the Dean must provide leadership over all academic-related affairs of the University.

1. The Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible for leading the academic operation of the University. This key task of 0.75 FTE consists of, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Help set the academic culture of Parami University in line with the vision and mission of the University;

• Speak on behalf of Parami University regarding its academic policies and recommendations;

• Manage the Academic Department;

• Demonstrate academic and intellectual leadership;

• Represent Parami University both internally and externally;

• Work with the Division Chairs to plan out courses to be offered every semester;

• Direct faculty recruitment by forming appropriate faculty search committees and leading the search;

• Oversee program and course evaluation to improve the quality of teaching at the University;

• Work with other members of the university to ensure quality assurance and subsequent accreditation;

• Collaborate with the Admissions team to promote student recruitment from time to time;

• Collaborate with the Student Affairs team to maximize student retention;

• Develop new academic programs as necessary; and

• Work on academic-related tasks as delegated by the President.

2) The Dean is expected to teach only one course per semester (i.e., two courses a year). This key task of 0.25 FTE consists of the following responsibilities:

• Develop course syllabi following Parami’s guidelines and in consultation with the respective Chair;

• Prepare and teach courses using designated Parami software and tools, e.g., Canvas learning management system, Zoom, etc.;

• Perform student assessment and evaluation;

• Incorporate feedback from peers and student feedback actively in future courses; and

• Work with the Student Affairs team to maximize student retention.

  
  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Ph.D. in any field

• At least 5 years of curriculum and program development experience

• At least 3 years of having managed at least three team members

• Fluency in English

• Online teaching experience

• Experience in liberal arts and sciences administration, curriculum, and pedagogy

  
  

POSITION PREFERENCES

• A doctoral degree in the field of curriculum and instruction

• Experience working with students in Southeast Asia and/or other developing countries

• Having received a Bachelor’s degree from a university or college that features a liberal arts and sciences curriculum and pedagogy

IDEAL TRAITS FOR THE POSITION

• Be able to multitask;

• Be able to withstand pressure;

• Be able to solve problems quickly;

• Be able to communicate effectively and spontaneously with the University Management members;

• Be able to identify, initiate, and assume responsibilities related to academic affairs;

• Be able to respond to emergencies promptly; and

• Be able to think outside the box.

  
  

POSITION REMUNERATION

As Parami University focuses on students in Southeast Asia (SEA), we are preferentially looking for an individual who can be based in SEA. Our remuneration packages are thus commensurate with compensation levels typically received by those living and working in SEA countries, such as

Thailand, not those typically received in developed countries like the United States. Parami University will provide logistical support to secure a Thai visa. Although we would preferentially look for those who are already in SEA or are willing to relocate to SEA, the Dean of Academic Affairs can be based

anywhere, so long as they are flexible to work with those working in and around the Indochina time zone.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit the following materials in a single PDF file, addressed to the Search Committee at hr@parami.edu.mm, with the subject line ‘Application for Dean of Academic Affairs’:

• Single-page cover letter detailing how your skills and experience can contribute to the management and leadership role required by the Dean of Academic Affairs.

• CV/resume;

• A sample syllabus; and

• Contact information for two professional references (phone numbers and email addresses).
  

Apply by March 31, 2026.

Job interviews are expected to be held in April and May 2026.