Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Deadline: 1st Mar 2013.
Post Specification: Head of Department of Chinese Culture (Ref. 13010901) The Department of Chinese Culture is a young academic department within the Faculty of Humanities. Its mission is to offer high-quality teaching and research programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the areas of History, Literature,
Philosophy, Arts, and Religion. Currently, the Department offers general education courses as well as an undergraduate minor programme, taught master’s and MPhil/PhD programmes in Chinese Culture. The Department aims to offer a major programme in the near future. The media of instruction are Putonghua and English. Please visit our website, http://www.polyu.edu.hk/cc, for more information.
The University is now inviting applications or nominations for the post of Head of Department of Chinese Culture. The successful candidate will be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and hold a concurrent headship appointment. The headship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Other suitable candidate(s), if deemed appropriate by the University, may be appointed as Chair Professor/Professor.
The position calls for a visionary academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the Department. Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty of Humanities, the appointee will be required to provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Department, and provide support to staff members in the Department for the accomplishment of strategic objectives with high-quality standards. Other responsibilities include inspiring excellence in teaching, research and services; fostering strong partnerships and collaboration with external organizations and strengthening the international network of the Department and the University; ensuring optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Department; and implementing an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development.
Job Functions
Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty, the appointee will be required to:
(a) provide effective leadership in the development of long-term strategies and plans of the Department, in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan, and provide leadership, coaching and support to all staff members in the Department in pursuit of planned objectives in a high-quality standard and a cost-effective manner;
(b) ensure a high quality of teaching as well as holistic development of students for the well- being of the community;
(c) facilitate the conduct of innovative and original research of high quality and impact, and promote cross-disciplinary/departmental research with optimal use of research funds;
(d) develop local and international networks of partnerships and linkages with the community, particularly the professional, public and business sectors, so as to gain their support for the major strategic initiatives of the University;
(e) ensure effective internal communication that leads to transparent decision-making, and promote the Department’s education and other services to community leaders and stakeholders;
(f) ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the Department;
(g) implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the University’s pursuits and long-term development; and
(h) undertake other responsibilities and tasks as may be assigned by the Dean of Faculty or the President’s designate from time to time.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
(a) academic qualifications of a PhD degree in Chinese Culture or a closely related field, and evidence of eminent scholarship and substantial relevant experience in a senior academic position;
(b) attainment of an academic rank of full professor or above at an internationally recognised university;
(c) an international reputation in research and scholarship, and demonstrated leadership in any one or more of the specialist areas of History, Literature, Philosophy, Arts, and Religion;
(d) a strong record in attracting research funding;
(e) a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching;
(f) a global perspective, proven qualities of academic leadership, and substantial administration / management experience, as well as demonstrated ability of building up a strong team of faculty members with different research and cultural backgrounds;
(g) effective interpersonal communication skills (using Chinese and English) and resources management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges; and
(h) good knowledge of the higher educational environment, preferably including Hong Kong.
Strong research track record as indicated in publications in Chinese and English will be highly desirable; and experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.
Remuneration and Conditions of Service
Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive.
Application
Applicants are invited to send detailed curriculum vitae with the names and addresses of three referees and direct any enquiries to the Human Resources Office, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong [Fax: (852) 2764 3374; E-mail: hrsccc@polyu.edu.hk], quoting the position applied for and the reference number. Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Initial consideration of applications will commence on 1 March 2013. Candidature may be obtained by nomination. The University reserves the right not to fill this post or to make an appointment by invitation. General information about the University is available on the University’s Homepage http://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5313]. The University Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/jobpics.htm.
Download this job ad as PDF