Head of School, School of Design Communication

LASALLE College of the Arts is Asia’s leading contemporary arts and design institution with 30 diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts and design. LASALLE provides a nurturing, interdisciplinary learning environment to inspire the next generation of forward-looking, globally engaged artists, designers and leaders of creative industries. Its faculty comprises a community of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers, whose practice-led research sets LASALLE apart as an international centre of excellence. LASALLE is ranked within the top 151-200 institutions globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings 2023). LASALLE is part of the new University of the Arts Singapore which will open its doors for its first degree intake in 2024.

HEAD OF SCHOOL, SCHOOL OF DESIGN COMMUNICATION

Design is a key cultural and social engine to propel the future of economies and engage with emerging communities in societies. The Faculty of Design at LASALLE, a leader in design education in Southeast Asia, propositions a curriculum focused on the needs of tomorrow. The Faculty trains highly skilled (digital, aesthetic, technical) graduates as creative disruptors, out-of-the-box thinking practitioners and enterprising designers for a new world.

The School of Design Communication resides in the Faculty of Design and the School offers a range of programmes from Diploma, BA(Hons) programmes in Design Communication and Masters of Arts in Design.

We are seeking highly influential, aspiring and dynamic candidates to lead and inspire the next generation of young designers and innovating the future of Design Education in the fields of creative sustainability, social innovation, creative and cultural enterprises and future identities.

The primary responsibility of a Head of School is to assist the Dean in providing leadership to the School of Design Communication to develop the vision and proactively raise the profile of the School in line with the overall strategic direction of the Faculty and the College. The Head of School is expected to work closely with the Dean to develop strategic engagement with the Design sector and enhance external academic and industry partnerships and projects both locally and globally.

The key functions of the Head of School will be in consultation with the Dean to develop and drive agreed strategies for the School, to implement its operational plans within approved budget, to oversee the staff team and to contribute to the planning, design and delivery of the curriculum. You will play a key academic leadership and administrative role in the operation of the Faculty and the Institution.

The Head of School is expected to be an active practitioner and scholar in his or her specialist field and to lead and participate in research within the School in line with the College’s Research Strategy and the ambitions of the Faculty. You will also provide/contribute to teaching and learning, undertake research in the subject specialism, manage resources allocated to the School efficiently, and establish a local and international professional network in order to raise awareness of the School and the College.

Depending upon the new Head’s area of specialisation, the incumbent may concurrently take up the role of Programme Leader of one of the School’s programmes and undertake teaching of the programme(s) in the School and/or Faculty.

Requirements:

• Postgraduate qualification, preferably at PhD level, or equivalent in a relevant discipline with substantial professional experience.
• At least 13 years of tertiary-level teaching experience with knowledge of Higher Education Quality Assurance Framework.
• At least 8 years or the equivalent in course/programme management and the supervision and development of teaching staff.
• Evidence of commitment to/track record of research and/or professional practice.
• Substantial specialist and practical knowledge of an appropriate range of programmes and subjects in design.
• Knowledge of contextualizing academic programme content and curriculum development to fulfil requirements of validation and accreditation and programme enhancement.
• Outstanding analytical and communication skills.
• Effective people management and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work well as a member of a team and collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
• Proven ability in managing curriculum planning, programme budget and programme delivery.
• Experience in developing collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, and developing strong networks with external academic partners, community and industry.
• Strong student pastoral care skills.
• A positive attitude to research, and preferably a personal research profile and able to mentor emerging researchers.

Please submit your letter of interest, curriculum vitae indicating current and expected salary, and indicating clearly the position you are applying, by e-mail to hr_1@lasalle.edu.sg or in writing (stating clearly the position applying in the envelope) to:

Director & Chief Human Resource Officer

Division of Human Resources & Organisation Development

LASALLE College of the Arts

1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940

Closing date: 31 May 2023 or until the position is filled.

More information on the College can be found at www.lasalle.edu.sg.

For information about the School of Design Communication please visit:

https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/schools/school-design-communication

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.