Vice President of Teaching and Academic Affairs

Vice President of Teaching & Academic Affairs at HLTU 

Join us and shape the future of hospitality education in China! 

EHL's dynamic global network is expanding, and we invite visionary leaders to be part of an exciting new chapter in the heart of Hainan, China. In collaboration with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), we are proud to launch Hainan Lausanne Tourism University (HLTU) — an independent higher education institution that fuses the world-renowned Swiss excellence of EHL with the strategic momentum of China’s Free Trade Port development. 

Officially approved by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, HLTU stands as a fully accredited, international university with a mission to cultivate future leaders for the global tourism, hospitality, and service industries. 

HLTU is located in the vibrant city of Sanya, a tropical paradise on the southern tip of Hainan Island. Known for its pristine beaches, lush mountains, and year-round sunshine, Sanya is emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism destinations. As a key hub of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the city is uniquely positioned to become a center of innovation in international hospitality, tourism, and consumer services — making it an ideal home for HLTU and an inspiring place to live and work. 

Backed by EHL’s 130-year heritage and global reputation, HLTU embodies a forward-looking philosophy rooted in Swiss standards, Chinese practice, and global vision. Opened in September 2025, HLTU offers a cutting-edge, fully English Bachelor’s program in Tourism and Hospitality Management, designed and delivered in alignment with EHL’s academic excellence. Students will benefit from immersive practical learning, direct access to global industry networks, and engagement with EHL’s distinguished international faculty. 

Website link: https://www.ehlgroup.com/en/education/ehl-hospitality-business-school-bachelor-in-sanya-china  

To support this extraordinary journey, we are looking for a: 

Vice President of Teaching & Academic Affairs 

Location: Sanya, China

Contract: Full-time, Open-ended

Start Date: to be discussed, ideally before February 2026 

Reports to: HLTU President and functionally to EHL Headquarters 

Your Mission 

As the Vice President of Teaching & Academic Affairs, you will lead the academic vision and strategy of HLTU, shaping an institution that reflects EHL’s globally recognized standards of excellence while remaining deeply attuned to the unique opportunities and needs of one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets. 

Your mission is to foster a culture of academic excellence by championing impactful teaching, applied research, and strong student outcomes. You will ensure that all programs meet global quality benchmarks, align with industry expectations, and embody EHL’s educational philosophy of rigor, relevance, and innovation. Through strategic leadership, you will cultivate a learning environment that empowers both students and faculty to thrive, while positioning HLTU as a leading force in hospitality and tourism education in the region. 

What You Will Do 

Strategic Leadership 

• Translate HLTU’s mission into a clear academic vision that drives institutional excellence.  

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with university-wide goals and position HLTU as a benchmark in tourism and hospitality management in China. 

Academic Excellence 

• Oversee the development of innovative, high-quality academic programs aligned with EHL standards, industry needs, and international accreditation requirements.  

• Promote excellence in teaching, learning, and student engagement.  

• Set academic objectives and KPIs, and ensure alignment with EHL’s academic quality framework in close collaboration with the Head of Quality Assurance. 

Research Advancement 

• Foster a research-driven culture that encourages cutting-edge studies in tourism, hospitality, and related fields.  

• Support faculty in securing research funding, collaborating with global institutions, and publishing in top-tier academic journals. 

Faculty Development & Management 

• Recruit, mentor, and empower a diverse and high-performing academic team.  

• Promote faculty development, innovation in pedagogy, and opportunities for professional growth.  

• Oversee faculty management and performance in alignment with HLTU’s academic goals. 

Student Success 

• Ensure the delivery of strong academic support systems and inclusive learning environments.  

• Promote student engagement, career readiness, and the development of global citizenship.  

• Drive initiatives that enhance student outcomes and professional integration. 

Industry Collaboration 

• Build and strengthen partnerships with leading global and local tourism and service enterprises.  

• Establish internship programs, experiential learning opportunities, and applied research collaborations to ensure academic offerings remain industry-relevant. 

Global Engagement 

• Lead internationalization efforts through faculty exchanges, global academic partnerships, and participation in international academic and industry forums.  

• Enhance the global visibility of HLTU and its integration within EHL’s global academic network. 

Compliance & Quality Assurance 

• Ensure all academic programs and initiatives meet EHL quality standards, local accreditation criteria, and relevant regulatory requirements.  

• Collaborate closely with local authorities and the EHL Group on program licensing and continuous quality improvement. 

Communication & Alignment 

• Maintain open, transparent, and effective communication between HLTU leadership, faculty, and EHL HBS.  

• Ensure consistent alignment between institutional strategy, educational operations, and group-level expectations.  

• Oversee the implementation of the licensing manual and all related educational procedures. 

Who You Are 

• A holder of a Doctorate in Hospitality, Tourism, Management, or a related field. 

• A seasoned academic with a track record in higher education leadership, ideally at the professorial rank. 

• Skilled in developing transnational education programs and managing multicultural academic teams. 

• Fluent in English (required); Mandarin is a plus. 

• Deeply experienced in hospitality or tourism management is advantageous. 

• A communicator, collaborator, and strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of academia and industry. 

• Passionate about education, innovation, and shaping future generations. 

What We Offer 

• A transformative role in building a landmark institution in the heart of Asia’s emerging tourism hub: Sanya, China. 

• Full relocation support and a competitive compensation package. 

• An international work environment supported by EHL’s global network. 

• Opportunities to contribute to the evolution of hospitality education at a global scale. 

• The chance to leave a lasting legacy in the world of education and industry development. 

Apply Now 

If you are ready to lead with purpose and passion and be part of a unique international education venture, we would love to hear from you. 

Let’s shape the future of hospitality—together.