Job Description

Director of Communications and Public Affairs

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) seeks a visionary, creative, and proactive leader to shape the University’s communications and public affairs strategies as our next Director of Communications and Public Affairs

About HKU

Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities (17th in QS World University Rankings 2025, 35th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025), HKU is a premier institution in Asia. With over 39,000 students and 13,000 staff, HKU is committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and making a positive impact regionally and globally.

The Opportunity

We are entering a new era defined by AI, digital transformation, and shifting communications landscapes. We are looking for a trailblazer—someone with a proven record of creativity and innovation in branding and communications, especially in engaging the Mainland China and Hong Kong communities.

Whether you come from industry, multinational firms, media, or public relations, we value your ability to think outside the box, challenge conventional approaches, and deliver breakthrough results. Experience in higher education is not essential; what matters most is a proactive mindset, bold ideas, and a demonstrated capacity to lead creative projects that drive engagement and enhance reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic communications and public affairs agenda, with a special focus on creative branding for HK and Mainland China audiences.
• Champion the use of new technologies—including AI and emerging digital platforms—for innovative storytelling and audience engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, providing fresh perspectives on crisis and issue management as well as media relations.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that set new standards for impact and effectiveness.
• Build and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of creativity, agility, and continuous learning.

About You

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• A track record of creativity and proactiveness in communications, branding, or public affairs—regardless of industry sector.
• Experience in driving innovative campaigns, especially those that resonate with audiences in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
• Comfort with digital transformation, AI, and new media platforms.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• The ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese (including Putonghua).
• A good university degree; graduating from a leading institution is a plus, but not essential.

We are open to candidates at different stages of their career, including those who are younger but demonstrate outstanding creative and proactive qualities.

Terms and Benefits

This is a fixed-term, full-time contract for 2 years, renewable subject to performance. HKU offers a highly competitive salary, contract-end gratuity, retirement benefits, annual leave, medical and housing benefits (where applicable).

How to Apply

Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications should be sent in confidence to Asianet Consultants at hku-dcpao@asianetconsultants.com, preferably on or before July 15, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the post is filled.

The University of Hong Kong is an equal opportunities employer committed to equality,

ethics, inclusivity, diversity, and transparency.