THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF DESIGN
With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.
Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for seven subjects, is first in Hong Kong for three subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 26 subjects. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.
Dean of School of Design (Ref. 251203011-IE)
The School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), a world-leading and transdisciplinary design school, is at the forefront of nurturing capable, open-minded, creative talents and professional leaders, contributing to the development of Hong Kong and the Nation while maintaining a global perspective. PolyU is ranked 22nd by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Art and Design, placing it among the world’s top institutions in this field. The highly diverse design expertise of the School includes Product Design, Interaction Design, Information Design, Advertising Design, Media Design, Interior and Environmental Design, Social Innovation Design, Service Innovation Design, Urban Design, Business Innovation Design, Intelligent Systems Design, Intelligent Services Design and Multimedia Entertainment Technology. The School’s research and consultancy work cater to industrial, commercial and community needs. The School is based in a Zaha Hadid designed building well-equipped for innovative research and creative learning on the main campus of the University. Please visit the website at https://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/en/ for more information about the School.
The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Dean of School of Design. The successful candidate will be appointed Chair Professor/Professor, commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience, and will hold a concurrent deanship appointment. The concurrent deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office, and may be further extended subject to excellent performance.
Job Functions
The position calls for a visionary and dynamic academic leader with responsibilities of ensuring the smooth and successful operation and sustainable development of the School. Reporting directly to the Deputy President and Provost, the appointee will be required to:
(a) provide effective leadership in the formulation of an inspiring vision for the School and its long-term development with strategies and plans for its implementation;
(b) ensure high-quality teaching as well as holistic development of the students, and align the School’s programmes with the needs of society;
(c) facilitate the conduct of pioneering and highly original research that addresses key societal challenges by leveraging cross-disciplinary research expertise and optimal use of research funds;
(d) lead the transformation of design education to ensure that graduates are ready for the era of AI;
(e) provide leadership in knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend the impact of research outcomes of the University to the community;
(f) provide leadership in developing a strong network of partnerships with leading institutions for collaboration in education, research and knowledge transfer activities;
(g) enhance the 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;
(h) ensure effective internal communication that leads to transparent and fair decision-making process and promote the School’s strengths and other services to all relevant stakeholders;
(i) provide support to staff members to maximize their potential and for the accomplishment of strategic objectives of the University and the School;
(j) ensure optimal deployment of human, financial and other resources in the School;
(k) implement an effective mechanism to acquire donations and other forms of sponsorship to support the School’s pursuits and long-term development; and
(l) undertake other duties as assigned by the Deputy President and Provost or the Central Management Team of the University as required.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
(a) a PhD degree or equivalent academic and/or professional qualifications in Design or a relevant field;
(b) a distinguished record of academic achievements supplemented by professional experience;
(c) a distinguished and international reputation in research and scholarship;
(d) an excellent track record of attracting funding for research projects;
(e) strong leadership and strategic management skills with demonstrated success in leading and managing academic or other complex organisations;
(f) demonstrated knowledge and experience required to implement the educational goals of a world-class School of Design;
(g) knowledge of current trends in design education, research and practice;
(h) a strong international network of partnerships and linkages within the academic, design, business and industrial communities;
(i) a global perspective and demonstrated ability to work with faculty members of various disciplines with different cultural backgrounds.
(j) effective interpersonal communication and resource management skills, and excellent adaptability to changes and challenges;
(k) excellent knowledge of the higher education environment in the local and/or global context; and
(l) a high standard of personal integrity.
Experience in fund-raising will be an additional advantage.
Conditions of Service
Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive. For general information on terms and conditions for appointment of academic staff in the University, please visit the website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.
Application and Nomination
The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads). Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to the Chairman of the Search Committee for recruitment of Dean of School of Design at hrscsd@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 12 January 2026 until the position is filled. General information about the University is available at https://www.polyu.edu.hk or from the Human Resources Office [Tel: (852) 2766 5310]. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment
PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/.
