The University of Hong Kong
Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)
The University
Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong has attained its pre-eminence as a research-led comprehensive university through upholding the highest international standards of excellence in its research pursuits, scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to the community. The University is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 21st under QS World University Rankings 2023 and world #1 most international university under Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
Home to ten disciplinary Faculties (Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences), the University is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange with an outlook for transformative breakthroughs, innovations and global impact. There are 36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 100 countries, and more than 8,000 academic, academic-related and administrative staff. The University has embarked on a number of ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects required for future expansion.
The Role
Reporting to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) (VP/PVC (T&L)) will champion future-ready teaching and learning, and overseeing the development of the University’s undergraduate curriculum, teaching and learning, quality assurance, and enhancement of students’ learning experience.
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, the VP/PVC(T&L) will work collaboratively with other Vice-Presidents/Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Deans of the Faculties, as well as relevant sections of the Registry and other student supporting services.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Provide strategic leadership to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, lead the development and implementation of the University’s strategies for teaching and learning;
• Oversee the development of the University’s undergraduate curriculum, and its quality assurance and enhancement; promoting continuous innovation, global perspectives and industry relevance required to prepare students for a rapidly changing future workplace;
• Work closely with the Provost and other senior leaders of the University to systematically review and rationalize existing teaching and learning practices, and develop new directions to align with the University’s strategic goals;
• Lead the global recruitment of undergraduate students, and strengthen links with global institutions to facilitate student exchange, internship, and study programmes;
• Provide an academic environment which values, engages and promotes innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, for both students and teaching staff across different disciplines;
• Develop and implement strategies to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence and other digital technologies into the learning environment, leveraging these advancements to enhance co-curricular learning opportunities for students;
• Enhance teaching and learning through different means (e.g. outcomes-based and best teaching practices, e-Learning, experiential learning, and strategic, pedagogically sound integration of digital technologies), ensuring that the University maintains the highest standards of teaching and learning and that students have the best learning experience
• Promote collaboration in teaching and learning among Faculties and academic units, and encourage sharing of knowledge and experience; and
• Oversee the policies, in particular those related to quality assurance, of taught postgraduate programmes (TPG) and continuing and professional education, including chairing the Board for Continuing and Professional Education and Lifelong Learning at the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKUSPACE).
Qualifications and Qualities
To achieve this exciting and diverse mandate, the successful candidate for this position will meet the requirements and possess many, if not all, of the following characteristics:
• a full Professor with strong academic credentials;
• considerable experience in curriculum development and review, as well as quality assurance and enhancement in teaching and learning;
• a track record of innovation and achievement in teaching and learning, and in the delivery and management of study programmes;
• understanding of the best international higher education practices, particularly in the areas of teaching and learning;
• substantial experience and understanding of teaching and learning in leading universities worldwide would be desirable;
• vision and passion to achieve the highest standards in the quality of taught programmes and innovation in all aspects of teaching and learning;
• a genuine interest in connecting with students and understanding their needs, and effectively developing teaching & learning initiatives to support students’ holistic development;
• strong commitment to innovative teaching and learning and to pursuing the potential of technology to support teaching, learning, and the delivery of instruction;
• inspiring and persuasive, with the ability to engage with, convince and support different stakeholders across the University to adopt new ideas and embrace changes;
• collegial style with excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, and operate well in a multi-cultural environment;
• enterprising leader with an ability to work across academic programmes and with multiple constituencies;
• broad knowledge and perspective on issues and challenges facing higher education in the global arena;
• strong organisational and time management skills; and
• be forward-looking and able to lead the University to strive for excellence.
Applications and Nominations
The position is initially offered on a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal thereafter. HKU has retained Odgers Berndtson, an executive search firm, to assist with this important search. Applications and nominations should be directed to the email address below in confidence. Review of applications and nominations will begin in January 2024, and will continue until the post is filled.
ODGERS BERNDTSON
Suite 602, The Chinese Bank Building
61-65 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
(HKU-VPTL@odgersberndtson.com)
The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.
