Ref.: 501689
Work type: Full-time
Department: Communications and Public Affairs Office, Registry (60330)
Categories: Professional & Management

Director of Communications and Public Affairs

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is now inviting applications for the role of the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

The Director will play a transformative leadership role in Communications at HKU, strengthening the University’s strategic and digital communications, developing effective internal and external communications, managing and improving the University’s relationships with its stakeholders, and enhancing the University’s institutional image.

The Director will lead the HKU Communications and Public Affairs Office (CPAO). The CPAO oversees a broad array of communications and public affairs functions, including media; events & ceremonies; publications; online communications; and multimedia & social media. The office delivers these functions in a multilingual environment involving communications in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. Further information about the CPAO can be viewed at https://www.cpao.hku.hk/cpao.

The Role
The Director of Communications and Public Affairs will report to the Vice-President (Institutional Advancement) and lead the Communications and Public Affairs Office. Close interface with departments and units as well as management teams of the University at different levels will be involved.

The nature of the role and responsibility of the Director requires a senior communications professional of high calibre and with substantial public relations, media, and/or marketing experience.

Applicants should have:

• An excellent command of both English and Chinese.
• A university degree, preferably a higher degree.
• A proven record of experience and achievements in sizeable organisations in the areas of internal and external communications and promotion of corporate image.
• Responsibilities at a senior level for leading a team of professional staff.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communications and presentation skills.
• The ability to work proactively with different sectors of the community both within and external to the University, including the media.

Terms
Appointment will normally be made on a 3-year fixed term basis, with the possibility of renewal.  A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. The appointment will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

How to Apply
HKU will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. The search firm will support the Search Committee in the discharge of its duties both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates.

Applications should consist of a covering letter together with an up-to-date CV.

To apply, or to download further information on the required qualifications, skills and experience for the role, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference 4746.

Initial inquiries may be directed to Dr Jesse Sloane by email (Jesse.Sloane@perrettlaver.com) or by phone +852 3702 6498.

The deadline for applications is August 22, 2020.