Work type: Full-time
Department: Faculty of Social Sciences (30000)
Categories: Academic-related Staff

Applications are invited for appointment as Director of Experiential Learning (at the rank of Senior Lecturer) in the Faculty of Social Sciences (Ref.: 498945), to commence as soon as possible, on a two-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. 

The Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of Hong Kong has adopted, since 2008, two overarching themes of non-paid, off-campus experiential learning for its undergraduate curricula: Social Innovation (SI) and Global Citizenship (GC).  The Faculty has further confirmed the importance of experiential learning, during which SIGC has been made a graduation requirement for all social sciences students from 2010 onwards.  Service learning internships were introduced in 2012, and the number of interns, including both summer and term-time, amounted to more than three thousand since its first launch in 2008.  Currently, the Faculty has engaged more than 150 community partners for SIGC.

It is the philosophy of the Faculty that experiential learning in social sciences is essential for students to gain applicable practice skills while developing expertise in a particular substantive area.  The Faculty is recruiting a Director of Experiential Learning, who should have significant experience in the subject area.  The Director’s major areas of responsibility are related to effective administration of experiential learning programmes including direct supervision of students’ internships; offering of field placement and monitoring of the learning experience; curriculum development and implementation; and academic advising as well as capacity building in community partnerships.  This position has a substantial leadership role for programme communications, budget management, annual events, outreach, student services supporting career development, and office administration.  The Director will also oversee all internships, field placements, and conduct teaching, as appropriate.  The position requires a passion for working with and mentoring students, excellent communication and leadership skills, organizational prowess, initiative, and self-motivation.  Considerable judgment and tact are required in working with many diverse students, community partners, donors, alumni, distinguished guests and faculty members to coordinate the smooth execution of the SIGC mission and goals.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a Social Sciences discipline; Doctoral degree an advantage
• Track record of academic excellence and scholarship in teaching, with demonstrated understanding of the changing landscape of experiential learning for social sciences students
• Proven excellence for teaching
• Five years’ relevant experience which includes knowledge, skills, and expertise in experiential learning in the field of social sciences
• At least three years of supervisory and administrative management experience
• Ability to develop and implement a strategic plan for the SIGC programme
• Strong language skills (both oral and written in English and Chinese), and organizational, administrative, interpersonal and supervisory skills, including budget management skills and experience
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills with proven ability to strategize and prioritize, to meet goals and deadlines
• Ability to work effectively and successfully with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds, including students and community partners, and to foster sensitivity to and competency regarding diverse issues in a university community
• Demonstrated success in enhancing and expanding experiential learning programmes and internships for students
• Flexibility to adapt and respond as necessary

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.   

The University only accepts online application for the above post.  Applicants should apply online and upload a covering letter and an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until November 22, 2019, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.