Director of Mainland Development (Ref. 260717010-IE)

MAINLAND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
 
Director of Mainland Development (Ref. 260717010-IE)
 
The University is looking for a dynamic and highly competent professional to lead the Mainland Development Office.
 
Rooted in 90 years of heritage and intellectual achievement, 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 professionals and leaders, 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 2026 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 24 subjects.  For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.
 
Adopting a forward-looking, leading-driven and innovative philosophy, the Mainland Development Office acts as a bridge for collaboration between the University and the Chinese Mainland, fostering integration, mutual benefits and growth between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.  For further details of the MDO, please visit its website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/mdo/.
 
Job Functions
 
Reporting to the Vice President (Education), the appointee will lead a team of around 20 staff members and assume overall management of the MDO with key responsibilities as follows:
 
(a) support the Central Management in formulating the University’s strategy for its development in the Chinese Mainland; and be accountable for the execution of the related strategies, programmes and initiatives in collaboration with concerned offices/units to achieve the defined goals and objectives of the University;
 
(b) facilitate high-level visits and exchange among government, universities and research institutions to build robust cooperation platforms between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong;
 
(c) strengthen regional networks among our six major bases in Beijing, Shanghai and beyond, while providing platforms for academic exchange, innovation and entrepreneurship;
 
(d) harness the strength of the Chinese Mainland alumni networks and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of the University to propel the University’s innovation development;
 
(e) leverage the new media platforms to share the University’s stories with professional and vibrant storytelling, elevating Hong Kong’s reputation as an international education hub; and
 
(f) perform any other duties as assigned by the Vice President (Education) or his delegate(s) or the Central Management of the University from time to time. 
 
Qualifications
 
Applicants should:
 
(a) have a recognised degree, and preferably with a higher degree;
 
(b) have not less than fifteen years of relevant managerial experience, including at least ten years of which at management level or key positions in sizeable organisations, with experience and good networks in the Chinese Mainland, preferably in the education and related sectors;
 
(c) have strong strategic thinking and planning abilities to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the Office;
 
(d) have excellent analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to work in a fast-paced and multi-cultural environment;
 
(e) have demonstrated leadership with ability to inspire, motivate and develop a team of staff to strive for excellence;
 
(f) be innovative, proactive and result-oriented; and
 
(g) possess excellent communication and presentation skills, with high proficiency in written and spoken English and Chinese, and fluency in Putonghua.
 
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to conduct a presentation and/or submit a written assignment.
 
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 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 [email protected].  Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 31 July 2026 until the position is filled.  The University reserves the right to make an appointment by invitation or not to fill the position.  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/.