Job Description

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

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

The Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) (hereinafter referred to as VP(G)) will be a full member of the Senior Management Team of the University. He/She will be the chief architect of the University’s global engagement, responsible for elevating our international presence, influence, and impact.

Reporting to the President & Vice-Chancellor, the VP(G) leads the globalization strategy of the University by adopting an inclusive and integrated approach. He/She is responsible for strengthening the University's global networks of collaboration, building key relationships with relevant stakeholders in Chinese Mainland and overseas, maximizing opportunities across talent recruitment, teaching and learning, research, knowledge exchange and technology transfer, and deepening the University’s presence and engagement with Chinese Mainland and globally. The appointment will be for a five-year term, subject to renewal and the position is accorded the status of University Officer.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking Mainland and global strategy aligned with the University’s vision and mission.
• Partnership Development: Forge and sustain high-impact strategic alliances and partnership with world-leading universities, research institutions, industry partners, and government bodies, and act as an ambassador and represent the University in major Mainland and global initiatives.
• International Reputation: Strengthen the University’s global brand and profile as a hub for cutting-edge research, talent, and cross-cultural integration.
• Global Student Experience: Enhance international student recruitment and exchange, provide support to facilitate student mobility, and to ensure a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive campus community.
• Geopolitical Navigation: Provide insightful guidance on global trends and geographical dynamics to inform university strategy and risk management.

The Person

The successful candidate should be an outstanding scholar at full Professor level or above, with distinguished international standing.

Skills & Experience

• Possesses an international reputation for distinguished academic and research excellence, with a distinguished career in higher education, international relations, or a relevant global sector
• Demonstrates a proven track record of strategic leadership in global engagement, partnership building, launch of institutional partnership programmes, and complex international project management
• Exhibits a deep understanding of global higher education trends, geopolitical landscapes, and the role of the university in a connected world
• Brings an extensive global network and partnership, and inspires and motivates others to engage in international networking and partnership
• Has the ability to contribute to the leadership of a complex institution

Personal Style and Characteristics

• Proactive and lateral thinker
• Leader with sound judgement, professional integrity, high levels of emotional intelligence, deep business insights and a pragmatic approach to financial management
• A team builder contributing to a positive team-oriented culture
• Good at mentoring and developing talent
• An entrepreneurial, target-oriented and delivery-focused mindset
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to negotiate, influence and finalize commercial agreements across organizational boundaries
• Performance-driven, motivated by purpose and the ability to “make things happen”
• Natural inclination to horizon scan and identify opportunities/challenges
• High level of ambassadorial skills and the ability to command respect and instil trust
• Aptitude for working across international borders, with a natural empathy with and interest in different cultures around the globe
• Someone of utmost integrity and who would prioritise building up the institutional capability and resilience of the University function

Nominations and Applications

Nominations, expression of interest and applications should be directed to Heidrick & Struggles via email at hkuvpg@heidrick.com 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.