The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is seeking a dean of the School of Design to join its team in Hong Kong.

With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.

The university pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation.

PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the university’s motto “to learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Dean of School of Design (Ref. 251203011-IE)

The School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a world-leading and transdisciplinary design school, is at the forefront of nurturing capable, open-minded, creative talents and professional leaders, contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the nation while maintaining a global perspective.

The university is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of dean of School of Design. The successful candidate will be appointed chair professor/professor, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent deanship appointment.

The concurrent deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office, and may be further extended subject to excellent performance.

Job functions:

The position calls for a visionary and dynamic academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the school.

Reporting directly to the deputy president and provost, the appointee will be required to:

provide effective leadership in the formulation of an inspiring vision for the school and its long-term development, with strategies and plans for its implementation
ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the School’s programmes with the needs of society
facilitate the conduct of pioneering and highly original research that addresses key societal challenges by leveraging cross-disciplinary research expertise and optimal use of research funds
lead the transformation of design education to ensure that graduates are ready for the era of AI
provide leadership in knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the university to the community
provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnerships with leading institutions for collaboration in education, research and knowledge transfer activities
enhance the local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors, so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of the university
ensure effective internal communication that leads to a transparent and fair decision-making process, and promote the school’s strengths and other services to all relevant stakeholders
provide support to staff members to maximise their potential and for the accomplishment of the strategic objectives of the university and the school
ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the school
implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the School’s pursuits and long-term development
undertake other duties as assigned by the deputy president and provost or the central management team of the university as required

Qualifications:

Applicants should have:

a PhD degree or equivalent academic and/or professional qualifications in design or a relevant field
a distinguished record of academic achievements supplemented by professional experience
a distinguished and international reputation in research and scholarship
an excellent track record of attracting funding for research projects
strong leadership and strategic management skills with demonstrated success in leading and managing academic or other complex organisations
demonstrated knowledge and experience required to implement the educational goals of a world-class School of Design
knowledge of current trends in design education, research and practice
a strong international network of partnerships and linkages within the academic, design, business and industrial communities
a global perspective and demonstrated ability to work with faculty members of various disciplines with different cultural backgrounds
effective interpersonal communication and resource management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges
excellent knowledge of the higher education environment in the local and/or global context
a high standard of personal integrity
experience in fundraising will be an additional advantage

Conditions of service:

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive.

For general information on terms and conditions for the appointment of academic staff in the university, please visit the website.

Application and nomination:

The university invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website.

Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the search committee for recruitment of the dean of School of Design at hrscsd@polyu.edu.hk.

Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 12 January 2026 until the position is filled.

General information about the university is available here or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5310].

The university’s personal information collection statement for recruitment can be found here.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

To learn more about the university’s “statement on equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion” please visit our website here.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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Dean of School of Design