Head of the Thrust of Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship

Job Posting Details

Founded in June 2022, HKUST (GZ) is located in Nansha, Guangzhou, the geometric center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is perfectly placed for geographical convenience and forms part of an axis for technological progress. They call it the new Silicon Valley of the East.

It is the world's first university to experiment with an innovative academic structure. With Hubs and Thrusts instead of Schools and Departments, it is geared to promoting interdisciplinary learning in a restless search for innovative solutions to humanity’s major challenges.

HKUST(GZ) boasts cutting-edge research facilities tailored to meet the needs of our investigating scientists in various disciplines. HKUST(GZ) is a spin-off from the world-class HKUST. But both benefit from the synergy of unified and complementary campuses with shared resources--another radical departure from the conventional practice in higher education. The HKUST(GZ) community will consist of 800 faculty members, 4000 undergraduates and 6000 postgraduates.

Our academic staff are drawn from the world's finest institutions. Here English is the medium of instruction and undergraduate programs are carefully articulated with postgraduate studies.

The Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship (IPE) Thrust under the Society Hub trains the new generation of leaders in solving complex problems at the interface of technology and society through innovation in technology, institution, policy, and entrepreneurship with cross-disciplinary approaches and real-world applications.

Responsibilities

The Head of the Thrust of Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Thrust. This includes overseeing curriculum development, academic programs, faculty recruitment and development, and managing the Thrust's budget and resources. The Head is also responsible for developing and executing the Thrust's strategic plan, ensuring its goals are aligned with the University’s overall mission and vision.

The successful candidate should possess a proven ability to shape the academic direction of the Thrust, backed by significant relevant experience. In addition, he or she will act as a key liaison to foster integration and collaboration with other academic units across the broader university community.

Reporting to the Dean of the Society Hub, the Head's primary duties include:

• Overseeing the academic curriculum to ensure its relevance and alignment with current trends and practices in innovation, policy, and entrepreneurship.
• Providing leadership for the creation and launch of new academic programs and initiatives.
• Developing and implementing effective strategies to recruit, mentor, and retain high-caliber faculty.
• Facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty, staff, and students of other academic units to drive academic excellence and innovation.
• Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including other academic institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders, to advance innovation and entrepreneurship within the community.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development to remain at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in the field.
• Ensuring full compliance with all University's policies, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Managing the budget and resources for the Thrust's academic affairs effectively and responsibly.

Qualification of Candidates

The ideal candidate for the Head of the Thrust of Innovation, Policy and Entrepreneurship should be an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and program management. She/He must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative solutions.

The successful candidate is expected to be appointed at the rank of full professor and must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, complemented by a deep understanding of the needs of both students and faculty.

• Academic Credentials: An outstanding academic track record in the fields of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with established domestic and international recognition.
• Leadership & Administrative Experience: A proven record of successful leadership and effective administrative management. The candidate must demonstrate impact on policymaking and the ability to effectively advocate technology driven business innovation.
• Visionary Leadership: Strong, visionary leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff, and to inspire and motivate teams toward the achievement of shared goals.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with various stakeholders, including faculty, students from varied cultural backgrounds, and the wider community.
• Strategic Thinking: A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate emerging trends and best practices in innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policy, and to translate these insights into actionable plans.
• Commitment to Excellence & Inclusion: A deep commitment to academic excellence, a passion for advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic affairs.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

This full-time Head appointment is typically offered for an initial term of 3 years and is renewable by mutual agreement. The successful candidate will receive a competitive remuneration package at international standards, complemented by comprehensive benefits, including medical and housing coverage.

Application Procedure

To apply, please register and log in via our career portal: https://career.hkust-gz.edu.cn/en/career and search for the opening by Job ID (6201) or Job Title. In support of our commitment to a green work environment, we require all applications to be submitted online via https://facrecruit.hkust-gz.edu.cn. In addition to the required materials in the system, applicants should also submit a Vision Statement for this position. You may check the application status via the recruitment website. While we appreciate all expressions of interest, please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the status of their application. For inquiries in exceptional circumstances, such as regarding an unsuccessful application, please contact the IPE Head Search Committee at ipehs@hkust-gz.edu.cn

(All Information provided by applicants will be used exclusively for recruitment purposes related to this headship and will be accessible only to members of the search committee.)