Job Title

JOB DESCRIPTIONWhat if you could build a university from first principles? Not reform an existing institution. Not work within inherited constraints. But genuinely reimagine what higher education looks like when you start with a simple question: What does it take to develop the creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs the 21st century needs?We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to serve as Vice Chancellor—someone who will not just administer, but build. Someone ready to create an institution that matters.About UDITUDIT is India's first university built around convergence—not silos. Built on the foundation of IIAD (the Indian Institute of Art and Design), which has spent a decade pioneering studio-based design education in India, UDIT extends that model across three schools: Design, Technology, and Management.At UDIT, design students learn to code, technology students start with design thinking, and management students build ventures—not just analyze case studies. Everyone learns through making, in studios and workshops, not just lecture halls.Your RoleAs Vice Chancellor, you will:Provide overall academic leadership for the university, championing UDIT's distinctive educational philosophy and ensuring excellence across all three schoolsBuild world-class Schools of Management and Technology from the ground up, recruiting exceptional faculty, designing distinctive curricula, and establishing industry partnershipsLead UDIT to national and international recognition by developing and executing the accreditation strategy that positions UDIT for top-tier rankings across NAAC, NIRF, NBA, and relevant international frameworksKey ResponsibilitiesEstablish the School of Management with focused programs in Technology Business Management, Fashion Business and Luxury ManagementEstablish the School of Technology with B.Tech and M.Tech in Computer Science and Design, including specializations in creative technology, product design & engineering, and sustainable technologyDevelop comprehensive accreditation strategy and achieve top-tier national rankingsBuild culture, processes, and systems that allow innovation and rigor to coexistFoster interdisciplinary collaboration and maker-centered learning across all programsRequired QualificationsPh.D. or terminal degree with 15+ years in academia, including 7-10 years in senior leadership (Dean, Director, Provost, or equivalent)Deep disciplinary expertise in higher education—you have built or led institutions and can hold your own with the best scholars in your fieldBut you're not confined by disciplinary boundaries—you understand that management draws on design thinking, technological capability, and systems understandingMastery of Indian accreditation systems (NAAC, NIRF, NBA) with demonstrated success achieving high institutional rankingsStrategic builder who has established programs, recruited outstanding faculty, and created academic cultures from inception to excellenceStrong networks in industry and academia, particularly in technology and management sectorsDesired QualificationsLived convergence—you've taught across disciplines, collaborated with colleagues outside your field, or led initiatives that required learning new domainsCreator's track record—you've built programs, started initiatives, or launched ventures that required making something from nothingExperience at the intersection of design, technology, and management domainsTrack record in entrepreneurship, innovation centers, or technology commercializationInternational academic or professional experienceExperience with international accreditation bodies (AACSB, ABET, or equivalent)What Makes This DifferentResources and mandate: Institutional backing and autonomy to build, not just manageProven foundation: IIAD's decade of excellence in design education provides credibility and a tested modelPerfect timing: India's creative economy is growing, and technology companies need product-minded talentMeaningful impact: Create an institution that demonstrates a new model for higher education in IndiaThe Right Fit: Depth, Convergence, and a Creator's MindsetWe need someone with genuine disciplinary mastery in their own field — deep enough to command respect, to understand excellence. And someone who has proven they can work beyond those boundaries.You should believe:The future belongs to creators who can imagine, build, and leadThe most important innovations emerge at intersections of disciplines, not within silosLearning happens through making, not just studyingUniversities should prepare students to shape the future, not just fit into existing structuresAnd you should have evidence of a creator's mindset:You've built academic programs that redefined what was possibleYou've collaborated meaningfully across disciplines—not as a consultant, but as a co-creatorYou've created initiatives, centers, or ventures that required making something from nothingMost academic leadership roles ask you to manage what exists. This one asks you to create what should exist.If you're ready to build the university India needs, let's talk.HOW TO APPLYTo apply, please submit:Cover letter addressing: Why this opportunity? Why now? What would you build?(mandatory)Your CV with complete publication list and leadership rolesContact information for three professional referencesADDITIONAL INFORMATIONReporting Structure: Day-to-day to the Founder and CEO; overall to the Board of GovernorsStart Date: Flexible for the right candidateLocation : Sector 68, Gurugram, Haryana.Relocation: Comprehensive support available for candidates based outside India