Director of Legal Affairs

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

About the Role – Director of Legal Affairs 

The Director of Legal Affairs serves as the University’s chief legal authority and strategic advisor on all legal, regulatory, governance, and compliance matters. The role safeguards the institution’s legal, financial, and reputational interests while ensuring full compliance with the laws and regulations of the State of Kuwait. 

As a senior member of the executive leadership team, the Director operates at the intersection of governance, operations, and institutional strategy—ensuring executive decisions are legally sound, risk-aware, and aligned with regulatory frameworks. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex institutional matters with professionalism and integrity. 

Participation in executive governance meetings and strategic institutional initiatives is expected. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

A. Legal Advisory & Institutional Governance 

Serve as principal legal advisor to the President, Executive Council, and Board of Trustees. 

Draft and review Board resolutions, executive directives, and institutional policies. 

Advise leadership on legal implications of strategic initiatives, restructuring, and institutional development. 

Ensure governance frameworks align with Kuwaiti legal and regulatory requirements. 

Attend executive and governance meetings as required. 

B. Contract Management & Risk Mitigation 

Draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts and amendments. 

Review academic and administrative agreements. 

Oversee vendor, procurement, consultancy, and service contracts. 

Review and negotiate Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements. 

Identify legal risks and provide mitigation strategies. 

Establish and maintain standardized contract templates and legal review protocols. 

Maintain centralized legal documentation and contract governance oversight.

C. Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison 

Ensure institutional compliance with: 

Kuwait Labor Law 

Ministry of Interior (MOI) regulations 

Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) regulations 

Residency and work permit regulations 

Higher education regulatory requirements 

Applicable data protection and privacy laws 

Liaise with government authorities, regulators, and external legal counsel as required. 

Oversee legal aspects of licensing, regulatory submissions, and institutional approvals. 

D. Employment & Disciplinary Oversight 

Provide legal oversight on employee disciplinary matters, terminations, grievances, investigations, and misconduct cases. 

Ensure policy enforcement and compliance across the institution. 

Support HR leadership in complex or high-risk employment cases. 

Advise on legally compliant documentation and procedural processes. 

E. Litigation & Dispute Management 

Manage external legal counsel and oversee litigation strategy. 

Lead institutional response to legal claims, disputes, and investigations. 

Provide recommendations on settlement negotiations and risk exposure. 

Maintain confidential legal records and case management documentation.

F. Policy Development & Institutional Protection 

Review and approve institutional policies prior to issuance. 

Ensure alignment between HR, Finance, Academic Affairs, and regulatory requirements. 

Develop standardized legal templates to minimize operational risk. 

Conduct periodic legal risk assessments for new initiatives and structural changes. 

Protect institutional intellectual property, trademarks, and brand integrity. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized institution. 

Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) preferred. 

Legally qualified and admitted to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction. 

Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive legal experience. 

At least 5 years in a senior legal leadership role (Head of Legal / Legal Director / Senior Counsel). 

Strong working knowledge of Kuwaiti labor, commercial, and regulatory law. 

Experience within higher education or regulated institutions preferred. 

Demonstrated experience managing complex contracts and governance matters. 

Experience working within a multicultural and multi-linguistic environment. 

High level of discretion, integrity, and executive presence. 

About American International University

AIU is a new institution of higher education in Kuwait whose first student cohort was admitted in fall 2019. It is a private, coeducational institution offering undergraduate degrees based on the American model of higher education, including a comprehensive general education curriculum. Through its educational and student services programming, the University serves the intellectual, cultural, and personal growth of all members of its community. AIU offers degree programs in Film and Digital Media, Architecture, and Design, Engineering, and Business Administration where the language of instruction is English.

For more information about AIU visit: www.aiu.edu.kw

How to Apply 

To apply for this position, please visit the Job Opportunities section of our webpage and submit your resume, cover letter, and reel to: https://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs