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Dean of Student Affairs

Employer
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Location
Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Closing date
23 Feb 2025
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Ref.: 530983
Work type: Full-time
Department: Centre of Development and Resources for Students (50000)
Categories: Professoriate Staff, Senior Management / Officers

Dean of Student Affairs 

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: 17th in QS World University Rankings 2025, 2nd in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, 35th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, and is recognised by THE as the world’s 6th most international university in 2024.

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 39,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 90 countries, and more than 9,000 academic, academic-related and administrative staff. The University has embarked on a number of ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects required for future expansion.

The Position

The Dean of Student Affairs is accountable to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in implementing policies laid down by the University. He/She has overall responsibility for all aspects of student affairs and will oversee the operation of the Centre of Development and Resources for Students. He/She is expected to:

  • advise the University on policies and strategic measures relating to student affairs, take a proactive role in formulating plans for student services to ensure that the University is in a position to cope with changing demands and challenges;
  • provide leadership to all student services and guidance to academic departments and students in promoting educational programmes to enrich campus life;
  • advise and give guidance to students on student affairs and on University policies;
  • work closely with academic staff and student groups to cultivate a campus environment conducive to teaching, learning, community life and wellness; and

(e) act as a liaison person between student groups and other parts of the university community.

The Dean of Student Affairs is an Officer of the University and is a member of the Senate and other major committees of the University. He/She is expected to engage in different student activities and deal with emergency situations outside normal office hours.

Key Requirements

The ideal candidates for the role of Dean of Student Affairs should meet the requirements and possess many, if not all, of the following characteristics:

  • possess a first degree, preferably a higher degree with an admirable track record;
  • have considerable knowledge of and experience in student consultation, in developing all aspects of student services (including student welfare and support, personal development, career counselling, health care, finance and scholarship administration, sports and recreational facilities, general education, etc.) and in adopting best management practices in student residence and amenities centres;
  • possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a good command of written and spoken English and, preferably also Chinese;
  • be able to understand students' needs, concerns and stance, gain respect and trust from students, and act as a senior liaison person between students and other parts of the University, inclusive of, e.g. halls, faculties, independent centres, service departments;
  • be strongly committed to student affairs and to Hong Kong and be able to undertake comprehensive planning for developing student affairs in an international research-driven university according to best practices;
  • be a dynamic and visionary leader, a top-tier administrator, a good team player, and an objective policy advisor and mediator, apart from being a proactive change agent;
  • be forward-looking, analytical, open-minded, sincere, caring, approachable and out-reaching; and 
  • be a good listener who engages and communicates well with students; with a genuine passion and empathy for supporting students’ holistic development.

Application and Nominations

The position is initially offered on a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal thereafter. HKU has retained Odgers Berndtson, an executive search firm, to assist with this search. Please submit nominations or applications to the email address below in confidence. Review of nominations and applications will begin as soon as possible, 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
Email: HKU-DofSA@odgersberndtson.com

The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer and

is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity, and transparency.

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