Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs (Ref. 260929004-IE)

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs (Ref. 260929004-IE)

Duties

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the appointee will assist in providing strategic leadership for the Communications and Public Affairs Office and contribute to advancing the University’s reputation, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and development objectives.  The appointee will lead the University’s branding and marketing portfolio, overseeing strategic communications campaigns, institutional branding initiatives, publications, major events and stakeholder engagement programmes to enhance the University’s visibility and reputation locally and internationally.  He/She will also contribute to communications, public affairs, media relations and issues management initiatives in support of the Office’s overall objectives.

The appointee will be required to:

Branding and Marketing

(a) develop effective strategies and channels, including traditional and digital media, to reach and engage stakeholders and promote the branding of the University;

(b) promote the University’s achievements, impact, and future aspirations through integrated communications, marketing and storytelling initiatives;

(c) oversee the planning and delivery of major corporate events, branding campaigns and signature University programmes to enhance the University’s visibility and profile locally and internationally;

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

(d) develop and implement engagement strategies for key stakeholders, including Council and Court members, staff, students, alumni, donors, government officials, community leaders and industry partners, both in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and other regions;

(e) cultivate strategic partnerships and collaborations that support the University’s development objectives through impactful engagement programmes;

Strategic Initiatives

(f) implement the overall strategy, framework and roadmap for major University-wide initiatives, campaigns and signature programmes in alignment with the University’s strategic priorities;

Content Strategy, Publications and Story Development

(g) develop and implement integrated communications, storytelling and campaign strategies that align with the University’s vision, mission and strategic direction, ensuring consistency in messaging and brand positioning across all platforms;

Media Relations and Strategic Communications

(h) support the University’s communications, media relations, public affairs and issues management initiatives, and provide strategic counsel to senior management as required; and

Other Duties

(i) perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of the Office or her delegates.

The appointee will be required to work outside normal office hours and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays when necessary.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

(a) be a seasoned and all-round communications professional with a recognised degree, preferably with a master’s degree, in Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline;

(b) have substantial managerial and specialist experience, normally not less than fifteen years at supervisory level, preferably gained in higher education, public sector organisations, major corporations, professional bodies, or large-scale institutions;

(c) have a proven track record in leading complex strategic programmes (such as major anniversary celebrations) involving multiple stakeholders and cross-functional collaboration;

(d) have expertise and ample experience in media relations, issues management, marketing (particularly social media marketing), institutional advancement, and large-scale event management;

(e) have the demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior executives, government officials, community leaders, donors, alumni, and strategic partners;

(f) have strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, with sound judgement in handling complex and sensitive matters;

(g) have strong capability to work under stress in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment, and leverage the strengths of a team of professionals;

(h) have excellent leadership, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a track record of being a good team player and innovator; and

(i) have an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, with fluency in Putonghua being an advantage.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.  Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract.  Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. 

Application

Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/management).  Consideration of applications will commence on 6 October 2026 until the position is filled.  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/.