Job Description

Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Business)

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: 11th in QS World University Rankings 2026, 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 33rd in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. In recent years, the University was ranked multiple times as the most international University in the world.

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 42,330 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 97 countries, and more than 9,600 academic, academic-related and administrative staff. The University has embarked on a number of ambitious infrastructure and facilities projects for future expansion in the Northern Metropolis, Beijing, Shanghai and Europe.

The Position

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and collaborating closely with senior leadership, the VP & PVC (Business) will lead HKU’s key initiatives in strategic business development and be responsible for business and financial sustainability of the University. This role involves setting and executing strategic goals, and cultivating partnerships with academic and industry partners, in advancing HKU’s mission in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. The incumbent will also engage with government officials and policymakers to advocate for HKU’s interests and drive transformational projects in alignment with the University’s institutional growth.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Drive strategic business development for the University and provide leadership for the implementation of business-focus transformational projects and initiatives;
• Actively explore and identify business and enterprise opportunities to enhance business and financial sustainability of the University;
• Establish strategic collaborations with other institutions and industry partners, conducting thorough analysis on benefits and risks and developing appropriate implementation plans;
• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the University that aligns with HKU’s mission and vision; formulate strategic action plans for Faculties and other Units of of the University to work towards the strategic goals;
• Cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders (such as industry partners, community leaders, media) such that support for realising HKU’s goals can be garnered;
• Establish effective metrics for tracking progress and impact of the strategic initiatives and external relations efforts; and
• Serve as a full member of HKU’s Senior Management Team, which is chaired by the President/Vice-Chancellor, promote and advance HKU’s mission in concert with the President/Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team.

The Person

To achieve this broad mandate, the successful candidate for this position will meet the requirements and possess many, if not all, of the following characteristics:

• A university qualification with substantial experience in strategic planning and external relations with familiarity of university and academia operation;
• A proven track record of spearheading successful strategic initiatives, developing partnerships, and engaging with external stakeholders;
• Extensive experience in establishing and managing industry partnerships including initiatives related to business development and innovation collaborations;
• A proven track record of leadership and managing teams of various sizes and functions, such as strategic planning, financial management, project management, etc.;
• A visionary leader with an analytical and strategic approach to problems that can also maintain a focus on HKU’s strategic and development priorities;
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, with demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationship and negotiate strategically and successfully with a wide range of stakeholders from different backgrounds and at different levels; and
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with experience making presentations on a wide range of subjects to audience of different backgrounds.

Nominations and Applications

The position is initially offered on a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal thereafter. Nominations and applications should be directed to the e-mail address below in confidence. Review of nominations and applications will begin now and will continue until the post is filled. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.

Odgers

Rm 602, The Chinese Bank Building

61-65 Des Voeux Road Central

Central, Hong Kong

HKU-VPB@odgers.com